WHEN the UK was plunged into lockdown, people banded together to express their gratitude and support for NHS staff and key workers – and the people of Mossley were no exception.
Natalie Hellon, owner of Glow Hair Salon on Stamford Street, was singled out by celebrity stylist Adee Phelan to be one of only a handful of volunteer hairdressers to man his Manchester pop-up salon for the NHS.
From October 5 to October 10 the salon, located in Piccadilly’s Holiday Inn hotel, provided free haircuts to NHS workers as well as a free drink and a gift box filled with hair and beauty goodies.
Natalie, 29, is a huge fan of Phelan and was already aware of his pop-up salons when she was recommended to him by friends to take part in the Mancunian leg of his campaign.
She said: “I used to live on the Wirral and a couple of friends of mine who did the pop-up salon in Liverpool reached out to me to tell me they had put my name forward for the Manchester one.
“I was thrilled to think I’d even be considered but to be selected by Adee Phelan himself was amazing. He’s such an inspiration to me and so selfless during this awful time for everyone.
“I didn’t hesitate to get involved with his campaign. The NHS workers have been amazing throughout this whole covid situation and I was more than delighted to be able to give something back.”
Natalie’s commitment to the pop-up salon did not come without its risks to her own business which only opened in Mossley on August 5.
She continued: “It was more than a little risky, in the middle of a global pandemic, for me and my sister to open a new business because I’ve only just moved back to my native Saddleworth.
“All my previous clientele is in Merseyside, so it was very much starting from scratch.
“But all the people in Mossley have been just wonderful; we’ve had lots of lovely compliments and feedback.”
Locals have more than been singing Natalie’s praises, not just for the refreshing presence she’s brought to the local high street but for her willingness to risk it to selflessly help others.
She said: “For me it was a no-brainer. I can’t describe just how amazing I think our NHS workers are and loads of them who came to the event were brought to tears for having had a haircut.
“They work so many long hours, night shifts and often they just don’t have the time or the energy to book a hair appointment; they were so grateful, they were calling us amazing!
“I’m really glad I took part in this event. You wouldn’t think a cut and blow dry would have such an impact on someone, but a lot of my new clients at my Mossley salon are people I met there!”
Glow Hair Salon, on Stamford Street in Mossley, is fully Covid-19 complaint and is open Wednesday – Saturday offering a wide range of hair and beauty services. To book, call
01457 832060.