AN ARTIST is proving he's a cut above the rest by adding a splash of colour to an Eastleigh hairdressing salon.

Southampton-based Andrew Gay has chosen Simon Upson Hairdressers as a gallery with a difference for his latest expressionist works.

Customers cropping up for a new hair-do can take the chance to leave with their own artwork.

Four pictures priced between £400 and £800 are currently on show at the salon, near Wells Place. Andrew, already with a London show under his belt, hopes this display will persuade those put off by formal galleries to take an interest in art.

The 35-year-old from Woolston, who has had his hair cut at the salon for the past seven years, said: "One of the things I want to achieve is to bring art into normal people's homes. Modern art seems to be a bit distant from normal people.

"I go to galleries in London quite often and they are quite unfriendly and that does not encourage people in."

Salon owner Simon Upson says the exhibition has become a talking point with those coming through the doors.

"Customers have a mixed reaction, and there has been quite a bit of interest. Most seem to enjoy it and like it," he said.