Award-winning Edinburgh hairdresser reveals ambitious expansion plans

An Edinburgh hairdresser has revealed ambitious plans to expand the salon group, as the owner makes the cut in top industry awards.

Award: Colin McAndrew

After growing Medusa Hairdressing with two new salons in the last year, owner Colin McAndrew said lockdown won’t slow the business down as he sets his sight on further expansion.

The owner plans to open four new salons or partner with others struggling to survive the aftermath of the pandemic.

Medusa opened two new salons on Broughton Street and Hanover Street in March 2020, days before the first lockdown.

Colin McAndrew and the Medusa team

Now with six salons and a 4000 sq ft educational academy it has become one of Scotland’s fastest growing salon groups.

In one of the hardest years in history for the hairdressing industry Mr McAndrew was also named Business Director of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2020.

During his speech Mr McAndrew said he hopes to have grown to 10 salons and 130 team members by 2024.

He was recognised by a panel of top industry professionals for his career achievements during a virtual ceremony on Monday, January 25. Judges said Mr McAndrew demonstrated creativity, forward thinking and is a director who is not afraid to take risks.

Mr McAndrew said, “We are a fast-growing group and opened two new salons in the pandemic. Thank you to the team for their brilliant efforts, the reason we won is down to them and I can't thank them enough. My message to everyone is things can only get better, this won't last forever. It will end and we are coming through it.

"I am here to help if anyone needs it, god bless you all. I also want to dedicate this award to our accountant of 13 years who passed away after Christmas so here's to Gary who's no longer with us.”

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