A HAIRDRESSERS will close after 35 years of continuous trading.

Annette’s provides traditional woman’s hair styles and the owner said increased competition from other hair salons in the Malvern area had to her decision to close.

Shop owner Annette Hawker, 57, said: “When I first opened, there were eight hairdressing salons in and around Malvern.

“Today, I’ve counted over 30 in the Yellow Pages.

“I started off at 14 as a shampoo girl working on a Saturday, learning the job while still at school and I really enjoyed it, chatting to customers and working in a busy atmosphere.

“When I qualified at Worcester Technical College (now Heart of Worcestershire College), I came back and took my opportunity to buy the business when it was for sale.

“My style is traditional, using rollers to do perms to style hair and many of my elderly customers come to me on a weekly basis.

“I was trained in classic techniques but younger people don’t really want perms anymore so that’s also led to be decision to close up.

“I feel very emotional about closing but it’s time to move on in life and spent time in my bungalow, taking it easy.”

Mrs Hawker has found a buyer for her stock and fittings with a company based in Leicester and she has found a buyer for the building, in Clarence Road, Malvern, who intends to turn it back into a family home.

Mrs Hawker added: “Many of my customers have been with me from the very beginning, supporting the business. But this year alone, I went to the funerals of four customers and that’s really upset me - my customers have become lifelong friends. I want to thank all my customers for supporting me over the years.”

Mrs Hawker has also been diagnosed with Chromic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is exacerbated by hair spray and other styling products.

Annette’s final day of trading will be Saturday, December 14.