The team at KH Hair Ilkeston is celebrating as the salon reaches a 60-year milestone after first opening its doors in 1964.
Originally called Keith Hall Hairdressing, the busy KH Hair Ilkeston salon is run by director, Anna Hartgrove. She began her career as a 15-year-old KH Hair apprentice in 1993. Ana quickly moved up the ranks to salon manager, before becoming joint director with Sheila Mumford in 2003. When Sheila retired in 2004, Anna eagerly took over the reins as sole director.
A Dedicated Team
“Every one of my team is as committed to the success of the salon as I am,” says Anna. “Some of them have been here even longer than I have! In 2022, we said goodbye to Maureen Langton who had served KH Hair for an incredible 54 years as a stylist, and later a receptionist, before heading off to enjoy her well-earned retirement. The current team includes Judith, who has been with us for 37 years and Alex who is catching her up with 36 years. Everyone always ensures our clients are receiving the very best in customer service and take a real pride in their work in the salon.
“Of course, we are all immensely grateful to our loyal clientele too,” she adds. “Some of them have been coming since Mr Keith Hall MBE opened the salon door in 1964. This is a testament to our staff and the relationships they have built up with our clients, without whom, we would not be celebrating this notable milestone.”
Celebrity Clients!
Client, Mrs Jill Barratt, has been coming to the salon for 58 years and remembers there were no computers to help with making or changing appointments. “Just a pencil and a rubber!” she says. “Each Friday, my appointment day, Mr Hall would come to the salon to say ‘good morning’ as well as nodding his head to each client, making us feel very welcome,” she reminisces. “I’ve seen many girls come and go – some to get married, some to have children and eventually come back again and I would like to say thank you for all the attention and kindness I have received. May you continue for many more years, giving your clients the professionalism you have always given.”
Mrs Pat Greasley says she had the honour of having Mr Keith Hall himself do her wedding hair back in 1958! “I was a client at the Long Eaton salon at time,” she explains. “My ambition from leaving school aged 16 was to have my hair done at Keith Hall’s and I saved all my money until I could do so. With my wedding approaching, I mentioned to my stylist that I would love Mr Hall to style my hair for the big day. She went over and asked him and he said he would be delighted. I have stayed with the company ever since, even when I lived in Cheshire for several years. I have been coming to Ilkeston for many years now and I love having my hair appointment here each week. Thank you everyone and I also wish you all the best for the next 60 years.”
Outstanding Heritage
The Ilkeston salon is part of the KH Hair Group which opened its first premises in Long Eaton back in 1920. Founder, Mr Keith Hall MBE, went on to grow a portfolio which today comprises 21 salons including a barber’s shop. The managing director of the franchise is Darren Messias from KH Hair’s Head Office in Long Eaton, which is also home to the company’s award-winning training academy.