Headmasters Hair Team: a Cotteridge salon nearing 50 years of great hair

Some local businesses become part of the furniture of a neighbourhood, and in Cotteridge that is certainly true of Headmasters Hair Team. The independent unisex salon at 1883 Pershore Road has been looking after the people of South Birmingham since 1977, and is fast approaching its half-century.

At the helm is director Rob, who trained in hairdressing in Birmingham city centre and chose to specialise in gents' hairdressing because he found it the part of the job he was most passionate about. With 32 years in the industry, he has collected awards along the way, including recognition with the British Barber Association and the Best British Barber award of 2017.

Rob has a memorable way of explaining his craft: "I personally believe having a new haircut is like buying a new pair of jeans and you have got to remember that each pair of jeans has a different fit!" He also believes a barbering environment should be a social one, and many of his clients have become friends.

Loyalty runs through the team. Senior stylist Katie started her career at Headmasters at just 16 and has been there ever since, specialising in colour and hair extensions, while other stylists began as Saturday girls in their early teens before qualifying.

The salon offers everything from children's cuts and skin fades to colour, foils, Brazilian keratin treatments, hair extensions, wedding packages and gentlemen's grooming.

Headmasters also gives back to the trade. Its Hair Academy hosts barbering workshops in the community and is an accredited VTCT centre, offering qualifications through barbering apprenticeship and trainee programmes. "Our mission is to inspire creativity for the trade," the team says.

There are thoughtful touches for customers too, including a 10 per cent discount for NHS staff from Monday to Friday and a free VIP membership with exclusive offers.

The salon is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Saturday, with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Bookings can be made through the Headmasters Hair Team website.