'Cucumber' the new, hip and upbeat hairdressers that is hitting the Middlesbrough area soon.

Owned by Martin Fox, I took a trip to go and see what life is like as a hairdresser in one of the most demanding industries.

Sitting in his salon for the afternoon, the atmosphere was a whirlwind, as he performed some amazing patterned shaves, and bleaches making hairdressing become a real art.

Martin at work.

However, like with most jobs, there is the downside….and in this particular case - the sweeping of hair, and the frustration of cancelled appointments.

Fantastic.

Through his extremely busy and challenging schedule, Martin managed to take a five minute break to have an interview with me, about the ups and downs of his job.

Being in the business for 17 years, he started out as an apprentice, and worked his way right up to this point of managing his own salon.

"My new salon 'Cucumber' is going to have a classical twist to it."

"Basically I got a few designers in to give me a brief on what they wanted to do to the shop."

"It is really hard working the long hours, and getting the new shop up and running."

One of Martin's clients.

Working alongside Martin, is 21 year old apprentice, Dean Bradwell, who has been training for a year.

As North East apprentice of the year, Dean explains the fun and games of being a trainee hairdresser.

"I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone wanting to get into hairdressing, although the hours are long, and sweeping up is a definite drawback, I really enjoy it."

"However, I am learning to cut, and in the future I would like to own my own fashionable and trendy salon."

To get the full experience of what is to come in Cucumber myself, I booked myself in for an appointment, sat myself down, to spend more time with Martin and see exactly the stresses and gratification of being a hairdresser, with eccentric results….

Listen to Laura's interview with Martin here.
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