At Redcot, our Haslemere-based residential care home, residents celebrated this year’s National Spa Week, talking about their love of their weekly hairdressing appointments with the very popular Nicky Peacock.
Nicky, who has been visiting Redcot for nearly 18 years, always knew that hairdressing was going to be her chosen career. “As soon as I left school, I went to Kingston Technical College to train as a Hairdresser,” said Nicky. “Whilst I was at college, I worked in a salon as well to get as much experience as possible, which paid off as I qualified. Mind you, it’s hard to believe that was 45 years ago.”
Once qualified, Nicky wanted to work for herself and not just rent a chair in a salon. “I decided to become a Freelance, Mobile Hairdresser,” continued Nicky. “I had private clients so visited them in their own homes, but even when I was first starting out, I made a conscience decision to commit one day a week to visiting residential care homes to pamper the residents.”
No two days are the same at Nicky’s weekly visits to Redcot. “The care home’s salon is lovely and purpose built, so when the residents visit, it’s just like going to a hair salon on the High Street,” said Nicky. “Most of the residents visit me regularly and they are all wonderful. Both ladies and gentleman come along to enjoy the hairdressing experience, relax, feel pampered and enjoy my professional and friendly service as a hairdresser.”
Over the years, Nicky has got to know the residents very well and, just like the residents, enjoys her one to one time with each of them. “It’s so nice to have quality time with each resident,” added Nicky.
“We chit-chat, have good catch ups and talk about so many things – everything from what’s been on the news to who got voted off Strictly Come Dancing; our families, hair styles, what they have been up to and what I’ve been up to since my last visit. No hairdressing day goes by without some reminiscing either. It’s fascinating to hear their life stories and tales of what they have achieved during their lifetimes.”
“There’s always lots of laughter coming out of the Salon when Nicky is visiting,” said Jan Daly, the Registered Manager at Redcot. “The residents love the Salon and their weekly appointments with Nicky. It’s a great way for them to not only feel pampered, but also a bit extra special too as all the residents, both ladies and gentlemen, leave the Salon looking and feeling good.”
“Sometimes, the residents will either arrive a bit early for their hairdresser appointment or stay a bit longer to chat not only with me, but with each other,” continued Nicky. “I like to think that the Redcot Salon is our ‘Happy Place’. There’s always lots giggling and laughing going on.
“A smile goes a long way. I greet every resident with smile and make sure they leave the Salon feeling positive, happy and are pleased that they have had their hair done. I like to think they even have an added extra spring in their step too. It’s important to me that I know I have done the best I can to brighten their already bright days in some small way,” concluded Nicky.
Find out more about Redcot care home by calling 01428 644 637 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.