From the age of four, Carol Walker knew she wanted to be a hairdresser and eagerly started an apprenticeship at 15. It’s been her passion ever since and she’s only had short breaks to raise her three children but it’s always drawn her back.
It’s only now, after opening CHS Hairdressing (formerly Carol’s Cutting Parlour) 28 years ago, that Carol is hanging up her scissors and letting her long-standing team look after their clientele. And, it’s not because the passion is gone but a realisation that the physical demands on her are taking its toll.
“Hairdressing is incredibly rewarding. You make people feel good about themselves, but it is very hard on your body. Although hairdressing has come a long way since I first qualified, with the introduction of ergonomic chairs and wash basins, scissors and lighter hairdryers, it’s still demanding, both physically and mentally,” says Carol. “I find it harder to hold a comb so I know it’s time to step back and let my team take over.”
Carol emphasises that she isn’t selling the business and will be working in the background to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. She knows that her team is exceptionally capable – after all, many of them have been with her for years – and knows they will support and step in to help each other whenever necessary.
CHS also has a long and very loyal clientele. Carol has clients who came to her for their very first hair cut… they’re still clients and she’s now cutting their children’s hair.
Carol ensured, right from the start, that CHS used only quality products – L’Oreal and Kerastase. The colour table towards the back of the salon gives clients privacy from the large sun-filled windows that open onto The Mount’s busy pavement. Special occasions, blonde work and permanent straightening are all specialities at the salon but the team is also kept busy with washing, cuts, blow waves and treatments. Free parking at the rear is an added bonus for her clients.
When asked how hairdressing has changed over the years, Carol says that people don’t get glammed up as much as they used to. “We used to do a lot of updo’s and hair pieces – it was an outing, a weekly ritual for many women to visit their hairdresser, and the feeling of community and opportunity to catch up on the latest gossip was part of the whole experience. Today, people look to social media for their escapism and they don’t need to go out. More than ever, clients are looking for an experience – a special time of pampering, which includes beautiful shampoos and a head massage and, perhaps, a gorgeous hair treatment that gives their hair vitality and shine.”
Carol’s looking forward to spending more time with her nine grandchildren and building a new home but she’s also looking forward to just catching up with clients when they visit the salon.
“Even though I’m stepping back, I’m still 100% vested in the business. I have a great team and am confident that all our clients are in exceptionally good hands.”
CHS Hairdressing
206a Maunganui Road
chsnewzealand.co.nz
07 574 0206