A LOCAL hairdresser has become the first person in Europe to open a franchise of a popular American children's hairdressing salon.
Qualified hairdresser Roxanne Mottram and her partner Lee Astin are the first franchise owners of a Sharkey's Cuts for Kids salon.
The salon which specialises in giving children a hair cutting experience they’ll never forget is an American concept with stores across the United States and Canada.
Roxanne explained: "We are the first franchise in Europe but we're also the first Sharkey's to have a hairdresser who runs the business."
At Sharkey's Cuts for Kids the emphasis is on fun. Younger children have the option of sitting in a blue mini cooper, pink Barbie jeep, or Lightning McQueen racing car while they have their hair cut. They are also able to watch television or a selection of children's DVD's to help pass the time.
Older children get to sit in hairdressing chairs in front of widescreen televisions with the choice of playing on an X-Box or Playstation 3.
Roxanne continued: "The salon is predominantly for children. A lot of them are good at having their hair cut. You do get the odd one who is a bit scared but I think sometimes that is down to bad past experiences or because it's new to them so they don't understand what is happening. That's why the salon is like it is - it takes their mind off it so they don't think that they are getting their hair cut. It's fun and exciting."
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids offer a special package for a child's first hair cut. They mark the occasion by putting together a photograph of the child in their chosen chair, a certificate, and a special keepsake pouch for the hair.
The salon employs four stylists including Roxanne, two salon assistants and 11 party coaches.
Upstairs in the salon is the Glamour Room where children can have "famous glamour parties". These include hair styling, make up, nail art and the chance to dress up in princess and diva costumes.
The children have full use of the room which has a glitter ball and a stage where they can put on a fashion show and pose for photographs.
The Glamour Room will also accommodate teenagers and runs special packages for them which include a haircut, mini manicure, and before and after photographs.
A range of child friendly products including shampoo, conditioner, and head lice treatments are also for sale in the salon.
Roxanne has "so many ideas" for the future of Sharkey's including plans to run hen parties, mum's nights out packages, and pamper parties.
Roxanne concluded: "If I had to sum the salon up in three words I'd say we are fun, unique and exciting. It's not just a haircut it's an experience."
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids is located at St James House on Market Street Douglas. It is open seven days a week. For more information click here.
