A fabulous 40 years and counting for ever-popular Sunderland hair and beauty salon

A prestigious Sunderland hair and beauty salon is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Owner Susan Hall first opened Reds in Grangetown, along with then husband Harry, on her 21st birthday in 1986.

Word of mouth spread and Reds soon outgrew its original premises, relocating to a larger salon in East Herrington, where Sunderland football legend Marco Gabbiadini cut the ribbon at the official opening, and where they’ve been ever since.

Susan said: “The 40 years have gone in the blink of an eye. There have been huge changes in the range of hair products, hair styles and client expectations but our relationships with clients and commitment to quality have stayed the same as ever.

“I’ve always had an interest in hair since having a Saturday job as a teenager. I love the buzz of a salon and the magic of changing the way people look and feel about themselves.

“When I first opened Reds everyone wanted a perm and now it’s colour that dominates hair styling – but it doesn’t matter which fashions come and go, wealways strive to give our clients the very best service we can.

“From crafting hair styles for London fashion catwalks to styling Premier League footballers, we’ve worked hard to stay at the forefront of the hair industry for 40 years.”

Over the years the team has won several major awards, including North East Hairdresser of the Year, L’Oreal regional winner and grand finalist, and winner of the ‘I Want That Hair’ Award from Hair Magazine.

Susan has also championed the UK hair and beauty sector by being a board member of The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF).

“I think our approach to innovation has been one of the reasons why we’ve been able to retain staff and clients for so long,” said Susan.

Reds has many longstanding clients, three of whom - Sue Cunningham, Ann Tipling and Suzanne Kelly - have been with Susan since Reds first opened.

Sue said: “I have tried other places over the years but there’s nowhere better - it’s great value for money. ”

Ann added: “I first went to Reds because I saw an advertisement in the Sunderland Echo. It’s the best hair salon I have ever been to – it’s friendly and homely and I always feel very at ease. The staff are so friendly and can’t do enough for you.”

And Suzanne said: “I first went to Reds 40 years ago, after being to another salon and having a bad experience - I had a perm and it had gone very wrong. I was then recommended Reds by a friend and have loved it ever since. I always remember Susan doing lots of perms over the years and it has got bigger and better with wonderful staff.”

One source of immense pride for Susan is that her children Amelia and Marshall now run their own city centre salon, Frances Marshall. But she’s also proud of the dedicated staff she’s trained, especially Victoria Terrell and Nicola Lawton who have remained with her for 25 years.

To mark the occasion of their 40 th anniversary, Reds are hosting a garden party for clients, friends and family in August.