Forty years of Hair@150: A Headland salon built on community, care and conversation

What began as a bold idea in a pub by Alison Pringle, 59, has grown into one of the area’s most enduring salon stories, rooted not just in styling hair, but in building relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

“I’ve always been there,” Alison said, reflecting on a career that started at just 16. “I started at Binns, qualified at 19, and then a friend and I decided, ‘Let’s open a salon.’ So 40 years ago, this July, we did.”

Back then, the salon had a different name and was first known as Partners Unisex Hair Design; it later became Alison McCabe Hairdressing before evolving into Hair @ 150 – a familiar name today for many residents.

Over the decades, the salon has seen refits, redesigns and industry change, but its heart has remained the same. More than just a salon, Hair@150 has become a place where conversations flow as easily as the scissors.

“We are counsellors as much as we are hairdressers,” she said. “If you can’t talk to people, this isn’t the job for you.”

Today, the salon is run by a close-knit team of six, many of whom have been there for decades.

“I’ve had a lot of staff over the years and trained a lot of young hairdressers,” she said. “The girls I’ve got now have been with me a long time. Jill’s been with me for 26 years.”

While each stylist has their own strengths and specialisms, the salon operates as a true all-rounder environment – welcoming clients of all ages and styles. Alison is regularly training and is currently looking for a new member of staff and an apprentice to bring on board.

But it is the people – not just the team, but the clients – who have shaped its identity most profoundly.

“My clients have taken my babies for walks,” she laughed. “We had a little kitchen in the salon. Everybody’s kids would play with it. It was always very child-friendly.”

That sense of familiarity has lasted generations. Some clients have been coming since the very beginning – including one remarkable regular.

“I’ve got a lady, Mrs Pounder, who’s 97,” she said. “She still comes every Wednesday, same time, same appointment. Hail, rain, snow – she’s never missed it. She’s been coming for over 40 years, and I helped with her hair when I worked at Binns before.”

Looking ahead, her connection to the Headland feels as strong as ever – even if life has brought her there in unexpected ways.

Alison explained: “My mum’s parents ran a rugby club on the Headland, and that’s where my mum met my dad. It was in an old house on Friar Terrace. My dad’s family also had deep roots there. Her grandmother, Mrs Pringle, had what people called a ‘house shop’, which was actually a bakery. People still talk about her wonderful cakes.

“Looking back, it’s funny that of all the places I could have built a business, I ended up doing it on the Headland. It feels like I was always meant to be here.”

To mark the 40-year milestone, the salon is planning a week of celebrations, including giveaways, raffles and small thank-you gifts for all clients.

They’ve also embraced a major step into the digital age, moving from a paper diary to an online booking system through Salon IQ – allowing clients to book and manage appointments more easily. Alison has already reverted to Wella Professional when it comes to colours and retail products.

“We’ve gone a bit more upmarket in the world,” she said. “It’s taken me 40 years, but we’ve finally done it.”

As well as celebrating the past, the salon owner is keen to recognise the support network that has kept the business going through both highs and personal lows.

“I lost my dad last year,” she said. “My girls just picked the salon up. I didn’t even have to ask. I am very, very grateful.

“There are so many people to thank,” she said. “My mam, my sister, my children – I couldn’t have done it without them. They picked up the pieces so I could keep the business going.

“Thank you to our clients, old and new, and the community itself for allowing me to be part of it for so long.”

Hair@150 is located at 150 Northgate, TS24 0EJ and is open Tuesday to Saturday. You can find them online on Facebook, Instagram or book an appointment by heading to https://shorturl.at/lNvQL. For more information on job opportunities and apprenticeships, contact Alison via these pages.