A HAMPSHIRE hair-cutting duo are hanging up their scissors after three and a half decades working together. 

Barbers Chris Gillespie, 65, and Bob Harnett, 60, retired from Headmasters in Portswood Road, Southampton, after 35 years.

Chris has reached retirement age and Bob decided to retire at the same time. 

Bob said: "I will miss the people the most. 35 years is a long time, and I've known Chris for even longer. 

"It's been a really amazing time - I can't believe its gone."

Chris started his apprenticeship in Eastleigh in 1968 and Bob in 1971, so they have worked together for 45 years. 

They both moved to Trevor Mitchell's salon in Southampton in around 1977 before setting up Headmasters.

Headmasters opened on April 26 1982 at a shop that had previously been a hairdressers and a pet shop. 

It started out with just Bob and Chris, but grew to 6 staff in total. 

The staff who worked there at the time of closing had all been with them for a minimum of 21 years.

Bob's daughter, Jodie, was even inspired to follow him into hairdressing.
She worked at Trevor Mitchell's and is currently working in Sydney.

The pair had loyal customers dating back from the early 1970s.

Some regular customers would travel from far and wide to get their haircut from all over Hampshire, and even further afield including Dorset and France. 

Famous customers include former Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, who visited the shop for years before he moved to Winchester.

Bob and Chris also had American music duo Hall and Oats walk into the shop when they were playing in Southampton.

Saints players have also had their hair cut at the salon through the years.

The premises has now been sold to new owners.

Speaking about his plans for the future, Bob said: " My wife and I are going to spend a bit more time together now. 

"We want to spend a bit more time in Spain, where we have a house on the Portuguese border. 

"I'll still do some part-time work, but I've hung up the scissors for good - Chris will be taking a well-earned break."