Q History

In 1972 the shops and services of Chichester were very different than they are today and not many independent businesses have survived under the same ownership during that time. An exception is Q Hair & Beauty, which has provided over 30 years of helping women and men throughout the area to make the most of their appearance.

Anthony, owner of Q Hair & Beauty began hairdressing aged 14 and won his first competition aged 17. He spent three years in Newcastle and then two years in Edinburgh, in those years winning both national and international competitions. He was part of a successful world championship team in 1968 and 1970. From 1967 to 1972 he travelled through Europe and Japan as a platform artist for L’oreal. Anthony then moved south on the suggestion of friends and in 1972 he jointly opened his own salon, Just Hair, in South Street (which was the same salon Paul Mitchell once worked in). He quickly built a loyal following of clients who recognised his skill and style, based on a predominantly homegrown team.

As the business developed, he moved into the present premises, a listed building at 37 North Street in 1977. A former school, which was built in 1820, it retains its historic atmosphere despite a fire in the 1980s and all interior work carried out since then has been sympathetically designed to incorporate the original architectural and structural features.

Anthony believes that part of his success is that the business has kept moving with the times. However, he is most pleased with the fact that 26 people who have trained or worked for him have gone on to have their own salons.

High standards of training and acquiring customer service skills are an important part of his team philosophy.

The development of Q Hair & Beauty over the years means that there are now four floors encompassing a range of services provided by the 27 staff.

A wide variety of hair and beauty products from companies such as Paul Mitchell, Clarins and Nioxin are available in the wood-panelled retail area adjoining the ground floor reception.

For men, the basement barbers offers a comfortable yet masculine environment with its black chairs and wooden worktops made from old pews.

Two fully trained beauty therapists provide a comprehensive range of services in the relaxed atmosphere of the second floor where light streams in through eaves windows.

The main ladies hairdressing salon on the first floor is light, spacious and stylishly equipped yet retains a tranquil ambience.