York Road barber Laura offering appointment-based Hartlepool service

LauraB@Barbershop

A local barber is ready to offer a new appointment-based service across Hartlepool sensing a change in demand after emerging from lockdown.

Laura Byers has worked under her mam, Carole Palmer, at the Barber Shop in York Road for the last 18 years.

But Carole’s upcoming retirement means a change of approach for what they believe to be the longest running barbers in the town.

While the Barber Shop will continue to run as a walk-in at 212 York Road, LauraB@Barbershop will be running upstairs at 212a from Saturday, May 1 and she will also visit customers at home.

Laura, 39, said: “The last 12 months during the coronavirus pandemic have made us rethink the business so I have discussed this with my mam.

“By asking around and on social media I realise there is now a big demand for an appointment to cut out waiting times. Lots of people have adjusted to being at home and would like their haircuts there too.

“There is also the other side where people don’t like the mess in their own home, they don’t mind going to the barbers, but they don’t want to wait in the barbers. The appointment service solves the problem as I will provide both.”

Hairdressers have operated on an appointment basis for as long as people can remember, but the traditional barber has tended to rely on walk-ins. Now Laura wants to try a different tactic.

Mother-of-three boys Laura, from Seaton Carew, said: “In 2003 my mam trained me up. I decided to go into barbering as a single mother of a three-year-old. I’ve been there ever since.

“This new idea means downstairs remains unchanged while upstairs I will offer the appointment-led service.

“I have transformed the look of the place inside on my own and I am really happy with it. I have got quite a big customer base already and I am really excited to get going.”

* Contact Laura on 07496634391 for an appointment or follow LauraB@Barbershop on Instagram and Facebook.