Lockdown has had a big impact on hair trends, according to stylists at Josef’s, Guernsey’s longest-established hair salon, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this week.
As stylists working for the oldest hair salon on the Island, the team at Josef’s know all about the power of a great haircut but even they have been surprised to see the impact lockdown has had on the way clients feel about their hair, and what trends have emerged post the pandemic.
According to Josef’s senior stylists, Annie Beddow and Luciana Goncalves, there’s been a significant shift to fuss-free haircuts and styling.
“Coming out of lockdown, the big theme was low-maintenance locks,” says Annie.”I think clients enjoyed not having to straighten or blow-dry their hair every day and were keen to keep that easy-care routine. Plus, at that point, we didn’t know if we’d be going into lockdown again, so my clients really didn’t want a haircut that needed regular trims or a lot of styling.”
“I think the requests we get reflect how people feel generally about their post-pandemic style,” says Lucy. “They want to look effortlessly stylish.”
“Many of my clients are ready to change their look, but still want something that’s easy to care for. I’ve been adding in a lot of fringes lately. Basically taking the classic 90s curtain fringe and giving it a modern twist. It’s a great way to freshen up a look, it’s super flattering for most face shapes and requires little maintenance.”
While some of Josef’s clientele are content to keep their locks low-key, there are others ready to go bold and have a total makeover.
Annie says, “There has been a definite rise in requests for restyles or more dramatic looks. Now, the world has opened up, my clients are keen to travel, visit friends and family or go shopping in London and they want something new and modern. They feel different from their pre-pandemic selves, so want to look different. One of my regulars is an 80-year-old lady who has an asymmetrical bob and she looks amazing. She gets so many compliments and she loves it.”
Lockdown reinforced how important a regular visit to the salon is for many people.
Says Annie, “Yes, clients missed the haircut, but they also missed how good an hour in the chair made them feel, how good it felt to talk to someone outside their family or work colleagues and to feel pampered, looked after”.
‘Feeling looked after’ was one of the founding principles of Josef’s when it opened in 1966. Josef Schupfer’s aim was to bring a modern hairdressing aesthetic to Guernsey and that meant creating a warm and welcoming experience where the needs of the client were number one.
“Dad always focused on the importance of the consultation and we carry that through today,” says Maxine Batiste, Josef’s daughter, and salon manager.
“Even if clients just want a trim, we take the time to talk through options and share how they can keep their hair and scalp in top condition. I think that’s why we’ve seen a lot of new clients through the door since lockdown; they trust us to take care of their hair in the salon and give them the best advice on how to care for it between appointments”
“They still want to look good even if they’re working from home!”
