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GENTLEMEN’S barbering has become rather hip and stylish in recent years.

Traditional shops have often been given a trendy makeover and it’s a great field to get into.

But stripped-back barbershops are still the choice for many and if you want to either work in a no-frills place or run your own, opportunities are out there.

Michelle Towns, 38, who lives in Fintry, has been barbering for more than 20 years.

She first studied at the Kingsway College, worked at an established business in Exchange Street and then joined Mike Dolan on Clepington Road.

Today, she owns Mickey’s herself and has a staff of three — Janice Sinclair, Amanda Winter and Nicaey McArtney.

“Our sort of barbering is aimed at men and boys and is about clippers more than anything else,” she said.

“In a place like this you have to be a people person and enjoy chat.

“The atmosphere is important — people sometimes say they come to Mickey’s for the banter and getting a haircut is a bonus!

“But bear in mind that people come to have their hair cut — they don’t want to be here for hours like you are in a hairdressers.

“You also have to remember the preferences of regulars and be able to have a vision of what someone wants if their instructions are vague.

“Sometimes small boys can be shy and fidgety so you have to be patient and deal with them on their level.

“Over and above that, you’re running a business so you must have an accountant to look after the books.

“When I first started on my own I was given help by Mike and the accountant.

“It’s crucial to keep on top of the finances because you have to deal with the rent and rates and pay people’s wages.

“I remember when I first took over, my dad and brothers asked about my plans for new decor, new lighting and the range of products we’d carry, all that sort of thing.

“But that’s not what we’re about. Mickey’s is an old school, no fuss barbershop.”

Michelle added: “It’s a great job — I get amazing support from everyone in the team and the clientelle.

“There have been people coming here for 20 years and we have three generations of the same family who come here for their haircuts.

“If this is the sort of thing you want to do, a college course might help but on the job experience is best.

“Get a Saturday job and get started.”

Michelle (above) at her shop, and (right) with colleague Nicaey McArtney.