Home   News   Article

Looking back: 50 years of Elan Hair Design in Inverurie


By David Porter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

An acclaimed north-east hair salon is set to celebrate 50 years in business.

Elan as it looks these days
Elan as it looks these days

The salon's Lauren Milton looks back at the history of Inverurie's own Elan Hair Design.

She explained: "The doors first opened on March 19, 1971 by my auntie Elizabeth and grandmother Edith.

"The salon named Elizabeth Anne's was approximately 20 square metres and had three hair styling positions and two shampooing basin.

"My father Gordon joined the team at the end of April 1972.

"Over the years the salon has expanded to what it is today, approximately 130 square metres of hair dressing area and we have four shampoo basin and 22 styling positions.

"Elizabeth started her family in 1978 and after that she came back to the salon on a part time basis always helping out whenever she could until she moved from the area.

"Liz had a real talent for hair up and would train the salons apprentices her speciality French rolls.

"Gordon recalls knocking down walls in the early 80s to expand prior to buying the salon in 1983.

"In 1987 Gordon started the process to change the salon name he had a few options in mind but the final decision was made after looking up the word elan in a dictionary, he says the meaning of the word was part of the vision and mantra he wanted the salon to live by.

"My mother Lorna joined the team in 1994.

Looking back at 50 years of Elan Hair Design
Looking back at 50 years of Elan Hair Design

"More space was acquired and an extension created more space to the back of the salon in 1997 then again in 2000 when the salon created an beauty room and expanded the salon floor.

Keeping the family theme going she continued: "My sister joined the team in 2003 always having a passion of anything hair she started her training far before she ever was paid to work in the salon, my dad recalls her cutting the perfect box bob after watching a hairdressing video at the age of four.

"She stayed in London while studying with the Vidal Sassoon Academy where she won best student in her class, she was also the youngest student that Sassoon had had at this time.

"Gordon and Lorna were always motivated to learn more and attended seminars the expanded there knowledge of both business and hairdressing.

"In 2010 they attended a seminar that included a piece from a salon designer Charlie Hearne, he talked of the use of led lighting in a salon area and how it affected both the environment and also daily running cost of the salon.

"It made both of them think and sparked an idea to create a sustainable green salon.

"The plan took a couple of year to come to fruition as they really dove deep into making every part of the salon green, this included pv panels, solar thermal, carbon zero furniture, flooring made from reconstituted material, nothing was forgotten about."

On her own journey she said: "I stated with the team in 2009 and at that time I helped plan the extension and sustainable salon, in 2012 the refurbishment we were all truly excited about what we achieved and it took us on another journey where we managed to rack up over 102 nominations and over 50 wins at awards ceremonies on business and sustainability we used this to get our story across to as many people as possible we truly believed that this would inspire others in the industry to make small changes to make there salon more sustainable.

"It was extremely exciting and forfilling meaning I was sharing our story to people all across the country and even abroad.

"It is now our 50th year and we are extremely proud to reach this massive milestone.

"In particular I'd like to mention Dale Richardson who started at the salon in 2010 and has been mentored by Lorna to become the salon manager and is and integral part of the team.

"We have a team of 10 at the moment and are super proud of each and everyone, now the excitement is building to get back into the salon after a long time off.

Reflecting on the salon's origins, Elizabeth herself said: "The salon as Elizabeth Annes came about because I applied to become a stylist on a cruise ship.

"I trained at a top salon in Aberdeen ,started in July 1966 and left in July1970.

"I worked in Duncans hairdresser and by the December was thoroughly fed up as there was no chance to show what I could do.

"A rep I knew from Aberdeen told me about the cruise ship opening and gave me a form.

"When Mother found out she was not impressed so she persuaded dad to agree to me having a salon.

"We looked at renting a unit where Farmfoods was in the town, but it was a 21 year lease.

"Ingrams Bakery owned no46 and offered it to us in January 1971.

She admitted: "I actually got sacked from Duncans hair and the salon opened earlier than planned.

"I was very lucky that my ability with hair made it a busy place .

"One photo I have sent shows the ladies who came to the opening party at Banks of Ury Hotel. Shirley Booth was my first employee as a stylist.

"Gordon arrived as apprentice after leaving his job at Hall Russell, he came in on the Friday and said "I've left my job and am starting with you on Tuesday" was how he became apprentice.

"We had lots of laughs , rows through the years, did various talks and demonstrations at times.

"We coped with the three day week and still kept clients happy.

"From binmen to titled ladies our clients were the backbone of the salon.

"From Elizabeth Annes till today's Elan the salon has stood the test of time and the vagaries of hair fashion .

"I feel proud to have given birth to it and watched it grow and mature over the last 50 years."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More