F E AT U R E
BY M IC H AEL M C GEA RY
P I CTUR ES BY MARTIN WA LK E R
After almost six decades
as an iconic Teesside
institution, barbers and
hairdressers Guido’s
are looking forward to a
bright future at the cutting
edge of their industry.
A cut above
F
ounder Guido Battista opened his
first salon in Russell Street back
in 1961 and established a glowing
reputation for creating modern
styles that traditional barbers wouldn’t even
attempt.
“They were used to short back and sides
and when customers wanted the longer cuts
worn by the Beatles and Rolling Stones,
they’d send them along to see Guido,” says
his son Mauro.
In 1973 Italian-born Guido bought a
former sweet shop in Princes Road and a
few years later, with business booming, he
opened a dedicated ladies’ salon across the
road.
He was responsible for many of the
bleached blonde wedge-style haircuts
sported by Boro players including Tony
Mowbray during the 1980s, as well as Alan
Kernaghan’s perm. Italian stars including
Gianluca Festa were also regular visitors.
Mauro and sister Nicola run the thriving
business alongside dad Guido. Between the
ladies’ and gents’ salons they employ 17
people and they are always on the lookout
for new talent.
“One of the things that set Dad apart was
that fact that he was always keen to learn the
latest techniques, and that’s something that
we’ve continued,” says Mauro.
“We regularly visit London or bring
HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
Established 1961
“We’re one of
the biggest and
best-established
salons in the
North-East.
We’ve stood the
test of time and
are still looking
to grow further.”
experts up here to make sure our staff keep
up with new trends. We use top quality
products from brands such as Tigi, GHD,
L’Oreal, American Crew, Olaplex and
Proraso who also provide us with fantastic
ongoing education programmes.”
Nicola adds: “We continually invest in
training to ensure we stay up to date with
the latest colouring techniques and cutting
trends. Our salons have a professional
standard with a family-friendly vibe.
“It’s all about maintaining the high
standards we’re known for at prices to
suit. We’ve built our reputation on word-
of-mouth recommendations, which is
something we’re very proud of.
“Many of our loyal customers have been
returning for 45 years or more and the third
and even fourth generation of many families
still have their hair cut in the salon.”
GENTS
Modern & Classic Cutting, Styling & Colouring
Traditional Wet Shaves & Beards
Ear Piercing
Open: 8.30am-6pm Mon-Thurs,
8.30-6.30pm Fri, 8am-5.30pm Sat
Tel: 01642 242440
Guido | 13 Princes Road | Middlesbrough
Guido Battista (centre) with his son
Mauro and daughter Nicola – they
run ladies’ and gents’ salons on
Princes Road in Middlesbrough.
Guido Battista launched
the business in 1973.
Mauro says customers are now starting
to ask for longer hair and more scissor cuts
after several years where lengthy beards and
very short crops were in vogue.
The gents’ salon has recently been
refurbished and redecorated, there are plans
for similar renovation work in the ladies’
salon, while both sides have installed the
latest LED lighting.
“We’re grateful for the loyalty and support
of so many of our customers over the years
but we’re always delighted to welcome new
customers,” added Mauro.
“We’re looking forward to the future of
Guido’s with confidence, as we progress and
evolve with the times.
“We’re one of the biggest and best-
established salons in the North-East. We’ve
stood the test of time and are still looking to
grow further.”
LADIES
guidos-salon.co.uk
Cutting & Styling
Colouring, Conditioning Treatments
Open: 9am-5.30pm Mon-Weds, 9am-6pm
Thurs; 9am-5.30pm Fri;
8.30am-5.30pm Sat
Tel: 01642 240599
Guido | 18-20 Princes Road | Middlesbrough
39