Robert Neil was at the cutting edge of hair styling in the 1970s. Fifty years on – and joined by his sons – his salon is one of the most popular in East Sheen
As a young man, Robert Neil, who had already built up a reputation working with the greats such as Vidal Sassoon on Sloane St, decided to open his own salon in the summer of ’72. He chose East Sheen as a great place to showcase his hair philosophy and creativity and opened with just one assistant – and his mother on reception. Fifty years later, he’s at the same address, but the salon has expanded and he now has 22 staff, including 13 stylists. And there are plans for a second salon to open in Richmond in the next few months.
‘I always used to sit and watch my mum have her hair done,’ says Robert, ‘and as soon as I was old enough, I got a Saturday job in a salon. The 70s was an exciting time to be a stylist – there was everything from the shaggy perm to the Mary Quant look, page boy wedge and ‘firefly’.’ Along with other top salons, Robert was part of the London Hair Fashion Group – a cohort of top stylists who were always looking to improve the industry. They met monthly, ran workshops, exchanged ideas and did live cuts and colour on stage. In 1982, representing the group, he was awarded London region winner for haircut and colour in a show at Grosvenor House, Mayfair.
Following several years of experience with an innovative team of stylists and technicians, Robert was eventually joined by his sons, Damien, who previously worked in Knightsbridge and Cavendish Street.
Says Damien: ‘I loved watching my dad as I grew up. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I had a part time job in a salon aged 14 and at 16 started an apprenticeship at SanRizz in Knightsbridge, before joining his father in 2003. His brother, Adam, a qualified chef, decided to retrain as a stylist and also joined his father.
With fresh ideas, energy and creativity, the salon has continued to grow, offering excellent training to those starting off in the profession, encouraging them to develop within the salon.
Robert has maintained his love and passion for hairdressing and as he celebrates 50 years in East Sheen. Plans for the new salon in Richmond are moving forward but are currently top secret – watch this space!
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