Stephen Darius, 26, opened his salon on Carlisle Road four weeks ago.

He said: “There are loads of places where women can go to get styled and pampered. We provide that experience for the men.”

Originally from London, Stephen moved to Derry nine years ago and studied haridressing and barbering at NWRC.

He continued his training at Colum Cooke’s salon for two and a half years, before branching out on his own.

Stephen said: “I learnt a lot from Colum and it was a great experience to work with him. He is one of the premier hairdressers in town and was a big influence on me.

Niche in the market

“I saw a niche in the market and thought; ‘it’s about time the men of Derry had their own salon to go to’. The days of short, back and sides, are disappearing as more and more men are becoming increasingly conscious of looking their best.”

Stephen, and his assistant Erin, provide a range of services including haircuts, hot towel shaves, waxing, tanning, facials and massage. And, if any men are concerned about frown lines or wrinkles, there is even the opportunity to get referred to a local doctor for botox injections.

Stephen said: “I wanted to create a place where guys could come and relax. It’s a friendly, fun environment and they can just chill out and take in the whole experience.

“We don’t rush people in and out. For example, if a guy comes in for a wash, cut and finish on a Saturday, he can have a free beer and sit and watch the football scores on the big screen.

“It’s a chance for them to chill out on their day off and have a bit of banter.”

Stephen is relishing the opportunity of being his own boss, as well as filling a gap in the local market.

He said: “It’s great to have the freedom to turn my ideas into reality.

“So far, the feedback has been very positive and clients have been making repeat bookings.”

Customer Andrew McDonald, who enjoyed a luxury shave said he would highly recommend the salon.

Andrew said: “It’s great to have the chance to just get away and relax for 45 minutes.

“The staff are excellent and friendly and I would have no qualms in recommending others to come. It’s a much more personal and relaxing service than you get in a barber shop.”