Islanders 'blown away' by generosity of local hairdresser

Tuesday 07 November 2023

The owner of a local hair salon has been praised for offering free appointments for islanders who had their "lives turned upside down" by Storm Ciarán – despite being forced to flee her own home when a tree came through her roof.

Vitoria Queree – the owner of of NEON hair salon at David Place – posted in the 'Storm Support' Facebook group to offer a free shampoo and blowdry to those impacted by last week's adverse weather.

"A little self care is so important for our well-being, and we also do a great cup of tea!" she wrote.

Pictured: Victoria Queree is the owner of NEON hair salon.

Speaking to Express yesterday lunchtime, Victoria had already had six people take up her offer and was expecting more before her salon closed at 20:00 last night.

"It's such an awful situation," she said. "I know it's only something small compared to what others are doing, but I just wanted to do something to help.

"Hair appointments are often seen as a bit of a luxury, but I don't think it should be. It's the ultimate wellbeing appointment."

Victoria continued: "I know [going to the hairdresser] might be the last thing on people's minds, but it's so important to take half an hour away from that awful situation.

"People have had their lives turned upside-down, so the least I can do is offer this as a little treat."

Despite being keen to offer help to others, Victoria herself has not been left unscathed by the storm.

"We've been affected pretty badly," she admitted. "A tree came through our roof so we were evacuated to the Radisson on Thursday and have now been rehoused."

Pictured: Victoria has been offering a free shampoo and blowdry to those affected from her salon in town.

She explained that she doesn't expect to be able to return home for the foreseeable future.

"We need a lot of repairs, but so do many other people – it's hard to get a contractor," added Victoria.

"However, we're lucky that we have somewhere to live as I know a lot people are still in hotels."

Encouraging those affected to take up the offer of a free hair appointment, the NEON owner said: "Come and have a cup of tea and some time out.

"It's great for your wellbeing and can make you feel a bit better about yourself."

"And don't underestimate the power of a good blowdry!" she joked.