The name Vintage Rocks comes up everywhere in and around Belfast. It’s standard as a hair parlour is unequalled throughout our nation. Vintage Rocks has been the centre-point of many beautiful photoshoots from the countries top photographers. Panic Dots thought they’d go in for a wee snoop about and find out a little bit more about one of our countries wee gems.
We had a wee chat to owner Clare Afshar.
What is Vintage Rocks?
Vintage Rocks is a little family, we are a team of highly artistic stylists with a passion for beautiful pinup girl hair! We pride ourselves on being the best in what we do! Each client that walks into the parlour is greeted with warm smile and sometimes a hug! Client care is our main priority along side breathtaking styles and good vibes! Vintage Rocks is not just a hairdressers but a whole experience!
Vintage Rocks has made an impressive and immaculate name for itself, how do you think you’ve achieved such acclaim?
I’m still overwhelemed at the succes of vintage rocks already! It all started in my little conservatory, i made it into a little parlour with just one pink chair and vintage dressing table! I started doing friends’ hair and before i knew it i was booked up most evenings as well as working my main fulltime job. I really couldn’t have done it without the help of my friends and family who helped spread the word. I’m also really lucky to have a loyal clientel from previous salons that have stayed with me and helped spread the word! My husband has been like a rock andehas helped in so many ways. The parlour has an amazing creative who work so very hard to stay on top of their game! Caroline Crothers, Sophie Malcomson, Cushla Gillespie not to mention my two fav PR girls Jennie Wasson and Clare magee! I must add if it wasn’t for my big brother Ryan, the parlour would have never happen! he really did make my dream come true!
What do you think led you to or influenced you to want this style of parlour?
I grew up in L.A, the home of Big hair and Glamour! I was lucky to be trained by an amazing teacher who we called ‘Georgie’ He was in his late 70′s and had worked with some of the greatest stars. He inspired me to be all that i could, to make every woman that sat in my chair to feel like a beautiful, sexy & glamourous pinup girl!
My second inspiration was my aunty Suzie for L.A. She opened up her own parlour in her house in Woodland Hills, Claifornia, it was a little parlour in the master bedroom of her house. It was beautiful! I would spend hours hanging out there, brushing up, making tea and coffee untill i was 14 and she managed to pull some strings and get me a place in beauty school! I loved her place, and i knew if i ever owned my own salon it would be a Parlour just like hers! I graduated from beauty sachool when i was 17 and moved to N. Ireland.
Are these influences still inspiring you? Are there any new influences?
Absolutely, everytime i turn that key and open the parlour door i smile and think of my aunties place!
Our new influences are from music, tattooes, old pinup girl posters, old movies and magazines.
What is your favourite task to do in your job?
My favorite task is transforming someone, making them feel beautiful again! Giving them new found confidence and seeing them smile!
Is there anything you don’t enjoy?
I guess if i had to say something… i don’t enjoy sore legs after a hard days work, but even that can be oddly satisfiying!
What other things does Vintage Rocks like to get involved in?
We like to keep ourselves busy, exhibiting in fairs and conventions. The Black Market, Fashionsouk and Chillifest are just a few of the upcoming ones. We also love working on Photoshoots, working along side some amazing creative people. We always love to get the parlour involved in creative things. Being creative is important to us all.
Are there any events coming up in the future?
We have our 1st birthday coming up on the 1st August! Organizing birthday plans already, also we’re working with Paula Fraser and Jessica Webber on new exciting photoshoots! And in the process of printing A vintage Rocks Times.. a newsletter to follow all our events and news..
Connect with Vintage Rocks:
Website
ADDRESS: 82 Newtownbreda Road
Belfast, Co. Antrim BT8 7BS
TEL: 028 9064 3809
