A LONG-standing Bradford hair salon is marking nearly 40 years in the city centre. 

Blues Hair Workshop, on Rawson Square, opened in 1985 and is still going to this day. 

Adnaan Shazad Hussain, 38, who goes by 'Ash' took over Blues six years ago and has worked hard to keep the business afloat post-pandemic. 

He said: “Cutting hair is in the family, my grandad owned one of the first Asian barber shops in Bradford, my dad was a barber and I took it a step further doing women’s hair.

“I’ve been here 22 years now, when I started here at the age of 16, I told my ex-boss I was going to buy the salon from her and she laughed.

“I love being the person who makes people look and feel good. When I was younger, I saw something on TV about how hair can make people feel.”

The salon struggled during the pandemic, but Ash has credited loyal customers with sticking by the salon. 

He added: “It was difficult coming back after the pandemic, we lost a lot of our staff and we were worried we would have to close.

“Thankfully, due to our loyal customers, we’ve managed to stay open.

“I’ve had some customers coming here since I was an apprentice and we’ve become a part of their lives. We’ve shared moments with them over the years, like them having kids, and going to graduation.

“Being a hairdresser is like being a councillor, we hear all about their lives.

“We’re so glad they keep coming back.”

The salon also prides itself in the work it does for young people by offering apprenticeships.

Ash who started out as an apprentice and worked up to being the owner of the salon, understands the importance of passing on his skills to the next generation.

He said: “It’s so important to pass on my skills to the next generation.

“I love teaching them and inspiring them.

“I want people to see the talent we have in Bradford and I want our apprentices to be able to work on different hair types and different looks.”

Minnie, an apprentice, said: "We are thrilled to have Ash as a mentor.

"He’s always had the most amazing techniques to share and never shy’s away from teaching us to our full potential.”

Ash has big plans for the future of Blues including expanding the salon's offerings and exploring new opportunities to serve the community.