Iconic Stockbridge hairdresser to close up shop after 18 years in the area

The recognisable salon will carry out its final cut next Friday

Kim has had a 40 year career in the business, starting out when she was just 15

In recent years the area has become a hot spot for Instagrammers, foodies seeking out their next Michelin-starred meal, upmarket cafes and markets, and it is home to instantly recognisable picturesque shopfronts, but later this month one of those businesses which has stood the test of time in Stockbridge will close its doors.

Residents of the area which is one of the UKs most sought after postcodes have never been short of a hairdresser, but one of the most recognisable, Kim McGregor Hairdressing will carry out its final cut next Friday after 18 years of styling.

In a social media post, the acclaimed hairdresser dubbed it the ‘end of an era’.

For 10 years, she has worked alongside her daughter Holly Currie who took on helping with management but now does the beauty side

Owner, Kim McGregor wrote: “I have had a wonderful and successful 18 years in Stockbridge. I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all the wonderful clients who have supported the salon by continuing to visit over the years.

“I have been so lucky to have such a fantastic, talented team of hairdressers and assistants working with me during this time.

“My daughter Holly and I have loved being part of the local Stockbridge community and having worked together for over ten years, we both have many amazing memories.”

The acclaimed hairdresser spotted the Stockbridge shop when she was driving home one night

The duo, who Holly says are still best friends even after working together, will now get the chance to talk about their new ventures after the shop closes.

Kim said: “My family have joked about what will we talk about now that we won’t talk about the shop?

“We all get together on a Thursday night and usually end off talking about the salon. It becomes your whole being.”

She has said the salon feels like a second home to her- but is ready to start a new chapter of her life!

On Friday 28 February, Kim will carry out her final haircut in the shop before closing the doors for good. The hairdresser has been in the business for 40 years since she was 15 and describes it as ‘the best job ever’.

Kim said: “I always loved Stockbridge, I used to live in Great King Street and come down here and that time it was nothing like it is now.

“It was still quite quirky and different and I just thought ‘I quite fancy getting a salon down here’. I started looking and saw around three properties here which weren’t that suitable and then when I was living on the other side of town I was driving home one night and I saw this was up for lease and it had been a hairdressers so it was ready to go, and that’s it I’ve been here ever since.

“I started off myself and one part time girl, and she has been with me this whole time for 18 years.

“I took on one junior and the salon has gone from strength to strength over the years.

“The area is great and now it’s where everyone wants to be, everyone wants to live here.”

In closing up, Kim added that she will miss the community in Stockbridge, and the local businesses who all know each other - but does not doubt that she’ll be back!

“Everyone always says hello,” Kim said, “I’ve been a part of the Stockbridge Association but I’m excited to see the changes going on in the area with the new development.”

With her new found time outside of the salon, she hopes to get to spend some time out in her garden in the better weather and do some travelling and spend time with her grandchildren.

The stylists in the shop will move on as well, though not too far.

Mark McCarthy has launched his own salon on Henderson Row just five minutes round the corner from the shop, where Holly will also be based for make up, nail and beauty treatments.

Nikki Hoggard, Mike Quigley and Steph Craig will now be located at Ruth Ball hairdressers.