Barry’s still at the cutting edge of hairdressing in Norwich

His clippers have created slick styles and perfect perms for 52 years.

But 69-year-old hairdresser Barry Howard has no intention of retiring just yet.

The owner of Bari Hair Design on St Augustine's Street reckons it to be the longest-serving hairdresser's business in Norwich since his grandfather established the business more than 100 years ago.

And since taking over the salon, the hairstylist has turned his scissors to decades of different styles from the Teddy Boy era to the haircuts made popular by David Beckham.

Mr Howard, of Old Costessey, who has three sons, one of whom works at the salon, said: 'Over the years hairstyles have really gone from one extreme to the other.

'I never thought I would see men walking around with shaved heads or with colour in their hair.

'For my job you always have to stay up to date with everything. People are more particular about their hair now; years ago they were not quite so fussy.

'I just love hair. I cannot imagine myself ever packing up because I enjoy it so much. I love the conversation you get with the customers.'

Mr Howard's grandfather first opened a hair salon on Golden Ball Street in the early 1900s.

He later moved to premises at Timberhill, before Mr Howard's father took over the business and opened a salon on Botolph Street.

But it was not until the 1960s that Mr Howard first became a hairdresser and took over the business on St Augustine's Street, which he still runs to this day.

Mr Howard added: 'St Augustine's Street was a hive of activity then. There were all sorts of different businesses and every one was occupied.

'Now it seems to be getting back to how it was then. It is really starting to improve.'

Barry Howard works with his 33-year-old son Bradley and an assistant at his business in the city.

Do you have a business story for the Evening News? Contact Evening News reporter Ben Woods on 01603 772439 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk