WOODFORD GREEN: Hairdresser celebrates 45 years at the cutting edge (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WOODFORD GREEN: Hairdresser celebrates 45 years at the cutting edge

9:26am Monday 12th May 2008 in

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A HAIRDRESSER who claims he is a cut above the rest is celebrating his 45th year in the barber business.

James Brown, 64, has worked at his hairdressers on West Grove Road, Woodford Green since 1963, cutting the hair of thousands of men in the process.

Mr Brown took over at the shop at the tender age of 19, then charging customers just 25p a cut.

"I tried to set myself a target to take £8 a day on a Saturday, but I couldn't do it."

""I used to say to my wife, if I could get £1 a haircut i'd be a millionaire."

Mr Brown has had a long and memorable career, winning 24 UK cutting competitions on the trot, styling footballer Bobby Moore's hair for a Brylcreem advert in the early 60s, and trimming more than his fair share of celebrity heads such as that of former Tottenham and England manager Terry Venables.

But even after so long, Mr Brown isn't entirely sure why he loves his job.

"I just love it" he said.

"I like doing different styles. There's nothing worse than doing the same cut all day long."

Surprisingly, the master of the scissors claims he hasn't seen a huge change in styles over the years.

"If you look back at people like Rod Stewart, he had a pineapple cut that's no different to what some people now are getting."

"A lot of styles go and then come back into fashion."

Mr Brown plans a quiet celebration with some of his loyal customers next week to celebrate his achievement.

"I've had the same customers coming here for all 45 years, I'm very grateful to Woodford for looking after me for so many years."

And the secret of his longevity in the business?

"Having a laugh, we're always pulling each other's legs."

Although he is taking more of a back seat these days he has no plans to retire anytime soon.

"I thoroughly enjoy what I do - and even though I love my wife very much I couldn't stand being with her all day, and I'm sure she couldn't stand me either."