It’s a bit of a new era here in the salon. With Frederick’s recent retirement, we thought it was time to record for posterity where we’re at.

The salon, established here in Frome in 1988, set out to deliver a combination of great hair and friendly, personal service. Frederick loved to love his clients – something that we aim to continue long into the future. We still have that family business mentality and friendly service that we set out to deliver 23 years ago.

You may have noticed a few new posters up in the salon if you’ve been in recently. We thought it worth marking Frederick hanging up his scissors with a tribute to his dedication to 23 years of service with a style.

Abernethy’s first opened in the market town of Frome in 1988, at the time in Catherine Hill. When a premises became available in Cheap Street (the one with the pretty little stream running through it) we jumped at it. To be in the heart of the town was fantastic – and here we’ve stayed for all those years.

Dad (Frederick Abernethy) was the first in the family to enter the world of hairdressing…at the tender age of 17. He was followed by eldest daughter Emma Brooks (Big Sister) who joined the family business following her professional training with L’Oreal. Apart from being a great stylist in her own right, Emma trains the current team of staff here at Abernethy’s. More recently I (Claire Hardy, Little Sister) have joined the business to be the voice behind the scenes and eventually front of house.

Emma and I have learnt all we know in the world of hairdressing from Dad. He has taught us well. We have seen him interact with clients over the years, something of a special talent on top of his hairdressing abilities. Dad would say the consultation bit is probably the most important bit, clients like to be loved. And we continue this today in the salon. Dad’s clients are now our clients.

Emma has a huge clientele of her own built up over the 23 years. Her dedication to great hair and friendly service is absolute. On the odd occasion that Emma can’t fit a client in personally, her well trained staff can step in…with her eagle eye looking on.

My touches are the friendly “hello’s” from Dad – carrying on the personal touch from where he left off. I try to ensure that nothing is too much trouble for our clients – all our glossy magazines are up to date; the kitchen has every kind of tea possible; freshly brewed coffee; iced water with a slice of lemon…the list goes on. My attention to detail helps to ensure the salon is spotless – Dad really passed on his OCD to me, something I’m thankful of – t’s crossed and i’s dotted kind of stuff.

So…here’s to the next 23 years of serving our fantastic, loyal clients…with style, and a smile!