You might have been hairdressing for 20 years, but at Saks the training never stops

IT’S all change at Saks in Bishop Auckland and Redcar with new faces at the helm, and a bit of a swap going on.

Samantha Goldsborough, who started work at the Bishop salon 11 years ago, is now in charge of Redcar, while Pauline Smith, who has spent 18 years with the Saks group, including managing the Redcar salon for three years, is the new boss at Bishop.

Pauline’s life is made easier by the fact that husband Ivan, an IT specialist, makes sure the business runs smoothly behind the scenes. “It means I can concentrate on the salon and be out front making sure our customers have a good experience,” she says.

Pauline’s right-hand woman is Melissa Kelly, who has been a hairdresser for more than 20 years. And straighteners aside – “I wouldn’t really care if I never saw another pair of straighteners,”

she laughs – she’s still passionate about the job. “Nothing gives me more satisfaction than someone walking out with a fantastic cut and a smile on their face,” she says.

After so long in the job, you would think Melissa wouldn’t have anything left to learn, but one thing she likes about working for Saks is that there is no end to training.

“Hairdressing techniques and products never stop evolving, so whether you have been here a day or 20 years, it’s important to keep up to date,” she says. “Saks have a big art team who go all over world. They bring back new ideas and the company makes its own collection. We are trained in each new style and practise on models.”

Volume and backcombing are still big and most people like to follow current trends, says Melissa, although she has been asked for some strange styles over the years. “One chap – he was a little bit wacky – wanted me to make his hair look like fire. I dyed it yellow and blue at the sides with red and burnt oranges at the tips,” she says. “I don’t think it will catch on!”

New products also keep coming up, including a revolutionary new permanent colour from L’Oreal. INOA is odourless and ammonia-free, so it’s kinder on the scalp and hair.

“But if you have damaged your hair with too many chemicals, back-combing and straightening, or if your hair is thinning, there is a huge range of products that can remedy the situation,” says Melissa. “That’s why we do a full consultation with each client as part of their appointment, to find out what products they need for good hair health.”

SPECIAL OFFER

Until the end of October, readers of The Northern Echo will receive ten per cent off a cut and blow dry at the Saks Bishop Auckland salon. Just mention the offer when booking and take along this cutting to your appointment. Booking subject to availability. Call 01388-607282. info@saksbishopauckland.co.uk

  • Saks Bishop Auckland, 113 Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland DL14 7EN