Edinburgh hair salon group eyes long-term growth

The boss of Edinburgh hair salon chain Medusa aims to grow the group further in the long term after opening two salons in the city over the summer.

Boss Colin McAndrew says Medusa is always looking for the right opportunities. Picture: contributed.

Colin McAndrew is the managing director of the hairdressing brand, which says it is the fastest growing one in Scotland.

The group – which has about 80 staff – now has six salons in the Scottish capital, having opened up Hanover and Broughton streets in July. These sites complemented premises on Raeburn Place, Teviot, Bread Street and Musselburgh, and trade overall has settled into being “really, really consistent,” said Mr McAndrew.

The focus just now is on the core business, but further expansion is the long-term goal, and “we’re always looking for the right opportunities”.

The group also recently hailed the fact that it took its 10,000th appointment since reopening in July – with no positive Covid tests.

Mr McAndrew said: “I’m proud of the team for taking these new measures and changes in their stride. It’s important that they and our clients know how seriously we’re taking the health and safety guidance, but also that it's working. We’re proud to have no positive Covid results but by no means will we be resting on our laurels... it’s imperative we continue strict practice of the guidance to ensure everyone’s safety.”

It comes as hairdressing and non-essential retail services have been found to only contribute up to 0.05 per cent to the R rate. Mr McAndrew wants to congratulate his industry on its efforts, but he encourages it not to be complacent. “It’s vital we don’t get slack or become content.”

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