Snip 'n Shape Dovercourt Salon celebrates 40-year anniversary

Snip ‘n Shape opened in 1981 and while fashions and hairstyles have changed, the popularity of the salon has never waned.

Salon founder Anne Catten, 84, worked for Raymond Bessone, also known as Mr Teasy Weasy in London before moving to Dovercourt with her husband in the early 1970s.

Anne said: “I opened the salon because the ones in Dovercourt weren’t as smart or as nice as the ones I worked in.

"So, I said to my husband 'I want to open a beautiful salon'.

"I ended up with six salons and sold three over the years.

“I have Snip ‘n Shape, but I also have Hair ‘n Health for women and Heads ‘n Extras for men under one building at Salon’s 2 that opened in 1988.”

Inside Snip 'n Shape salon

When Anne opened her shop in 1981, Snip ‘n Shape was the only hair salon in town but over the years newer salons have provided competition.

Anne added: “We’ve had other challenges including finding good quality stock like colour products.

“Fifteen years ago, we decided to stick with a French product called Affinage.”

Anne has good memories of her Snip ‘n Shape tenure.

She has won several hair competitions including the south east and south west award for best small hair salon in June.

Anne said: “I won that award through HMRC bank and the Harwich and Manningtree Standard."

And her work with apprentices won her a meeting with Prince Charles.

A Snip 'n Shape hairdressing station

 

Anne said: "In the 1980s I was introduced to Prince Charles for my work with apprenticeships and young people.

"The first thing he said was 'I think you should be talking to my wife and not me.'"

Despite the landmark anniversary, Anne is still looking to the future and says the salon is refurbished with new equipment and furniture every seven to ten years.

She credits her employees for keeping her salons running at a high standard.

The salon is also holding a raffle for its clients to mark the anniversary.

Raffle tickets will be free and clients can win prizes including a three course meal voucher for two people at The Pier restaurant.

The salon is also giving away a selection of vouchers with other vouchers at restaurants around the Harwich area.