When was the last time you laughed – really laughed? Not a chuckle but a full on belly laugh? If the answer is a while, you have to tune in to Split Ends, the new podcast from hairdressing legend Andrew Barton (@andrew_barton_hair) and actor/writer/comedian Olga Thompson (@big_fat_greekmother). It’s a hoot!
A fresh cut on well being
Embracing storytelling, humour and joy, Slit Ends promises to share the stories, the tears and the laughter from the safety of the salon chair.
In addition to the podcast, Split Ends will also feature You Tube shorts hosted by the comic duo and each episode will include an interview with a different celebrity, through the prism of their hair. Think bad hair days, killer cuts, and a unique, surprisingly deep, warm and funny perspective on their ‘hair-atage’, style, and life, all whilst giving them a new do in the salon.
Hair-atage
With their shared hairdressing history, Greek Cypriot heritage and stories of being survivors of bullying and ambassadors for Kidscape, Andrew and Olga became firm friends.
Whilst Barnsley- born Andrew admits he’s by no means the next Parkie, he thinks the salon chair brings out split-life stories as well as chopping off the split ends: “Behind my chair, I hear it all! I often know more about my clients than their gynaecologist, therapist, even their best friend. Menopause, work strife, divorce, stress and mental health issues…and then there’s the first snog on a date and fun stuff too. The conversations always flow in the salon chair and it’s great to see them leaving heard, and with a fresh perspective and new do too. I love my job and love being there for my clients.”
Olga Thompson is grateful for her memories of the salon, which helped ‘bring her back to life’ following a breakdown. “As a little girl I observed men and women from all walks of life come in and bare their precious souls to my mother in that hairdressing chair. I saw her love, counsel, feed (and of course, style the hair of) so many. Most affectionately, I remember Chinese Margaret who always brought her parrot with her in a cage – all the way on the bus from Bethnal Green! A real mix of care and clutter; popping in for a new do and making themselves at home amidst all the perms, George Michael posters and parrots!”
Adding more highlights, Olga introduces some hilarious cameos to each conversation; some of her larger-than-life salon characters she met whilst growing up at El Greco, like outrageous trainee hairdresser Androulla.
What are you waiting for? Make an appointment now!
Forthcoming Episodes:
Tuesday 23rd April
Episode 2- Helen Michaels
‘Helenic – Mum’s the word ‘
We join Olga’s mum Helen Michaels (aka Mother of @bigfatgreekmother) to dig into the history and hilarities, perms and rollers of setting up a salon from scratch and the community of El Greco of Hornsey.
Tuesday 7th May
Episode 3 – Ruby Hammer MBE
‘…Stop ..Hammertime! ‘
The fashion and beauty legend opens up on hair-thinning, her celebrity life and the importance of great food, family and friends. This episode even includes an impromptu makeover with Andrew styling it out with a spot of mascara!
Tuesday 14th May
Episode 4 – Tara Brigitte Bhavnani and her daughter Chloe
‘Tu-tu’s, twirls and the Little Princess Trust ‘
The hair-stories behind the ballet. Join prima ballerina Tara and her daughter Chloe as this beautiful duo donate their locks to The Little Princess Trust
Teasing ahead:
Already booked in and soon to sit in the salon chair…
- Fiona Lambert
- Clare Grogan
- Nicky Hambleton-Jones
- Maude Hirst
To listen to Split Ends click HERE.
For more of the latest industry news click here
Respect is a hub for UK hairdressers of all ages and stages to find out what We Love, We Hear and We See as the best product launches, styling advice, hairtools, education training and seminars and hairshows! Sign up to our newsletter which is sent fortnightly direct to your email, so you stay up-to-date with salon styling information, trends in session work, advice on presenting on stage or progress in educating – whatever your interest, whether you’re a trainee or creative director, an educator or team leader, you’ll find all the opportunities and ideas on www.respectyou.me
We love hairdressing; we see and we hear how you can become the best hairdresser, colourist and salon owner possible. Contact us if you’d like to know more about us. If it’s worth talking about, you’ll read it here.
