HAIRDRESSERS who refused to be given the chop after being made redundant have made an impressive comeback at a new salon.

Maria Longford and Louise Jones, who worked at Head to Toe salon in Wootton near Abingdon, decided to get together and set up a new venture when they lost their jobs last year.

They launched Mint & Marigold in Cumnor and the salon is now so busy there are six staff and they are taking on a new stylist.

Ms Longford and Ms Jones launched Mint and Marigold in Chawley Lane when Kathleen Button, owner of Kathleen Hair Fashions, retired in October after more than 50 years in the business.

Ms Longford, who lives with partner David Togstead and their three children, said: “When we found out Kathleen was retiring we realised there would be an opportunity and we took on the lease for the premises.

“Kathleen said she was pleased because it meant all her customers could still keep coming here.

“And lots of our old customers from Head to Toe have followed us as well so we have been busy since we opened but of course we would welcome any new customers.

“Most customers ring up and book an appointment as it’s busy.”

Ms Longford added there has been a significant investment in refurbishment since they took over the premises.

At Mint & Marigold the focus is on beauty as well as hairdressing, with massage, facials, nail care and reflexology also available.

Facial and beauty treatments have proved popular, featuring Germaine De Capuccini beauty products.

Ms Longford added: “After we took the lease we spent about three weeks gutting the place before it was completely refurbished.

“We can get fully booked so it’s best to book for an appointment.

“It’s handy for people in Cumnor, Abingdon and surrounding villages but we get people coming from quite a distance - one of our customers drives in from Marlow.”

Ms Longford and her business partner Ms Jones arrived at the name Mint & Marigold, which caters for women and men, after realising they were both born in the month of October.

Ms Longford said: “Marigold is the birth flower for October and mint is healthy and reflects what we are trying to achieve here - we want it to be a haven of happiness and somewhere our customers feel completely relaxed and at ease.”

Between them Ms Longford and Ms Jones have more than 40 years’ experience in the industry. Mother-of-two and grandmother-of-five Mrs Button opened her salon in 1967 and retired after 51 years last year. She started out with the help of her mother and then built up the business. For further information visit mintandmarigold.co.uk