Greg Couzens

Couzens Hair Salon marks 40 years on The Walk

Couzens Hair Salon on The Walk in Rochdale town centre marks 40 years of business this summer.

The milestone anniversary makes the award-winning salon one of the town centre’s longest standing businesses.

The salon, owned by Greg Couzens and his daughter Georgia Matthews, first opened its doors in 1983.

Greg, who has been a finalist in the Hairdresser of the Year competition three times, set up the award-winning salon in a Georgian building on The Walk.

The location was chosen for a myriad of reasons - including cost and prime position in the town centre - offering the highest standards of
service in an opulent environment, after training at the world-famous Vidal Sassoon in Leeds.

Prior to the studio, the building, dating to around 1820, previously used to house McCartney’s Outfitters and Burney’s Café.

Greg, who is also a regular presenter for the Clothes Show Live, says the early years were tough, but the salon really became successful after the recession of the late eighties ended.

He said: “In 1983, I opened the salon as a terrified young man, I had no idea at the time if it was going to be a success or not.

“Fortunately, I have had 40 wonderful years and I have had the privilege of amazing support from family and friends. Hairdressing is in my blood; I love my profession.

“From the early days of my apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon, to teaching with WELLA, this gave me the skills to be successful. It taught me to never stop learning and remain passionate.

“This enables me to enjoy what I do best.”