Ivy’s House of Hair in Long Sutton has novel addition to salon encouraging youngsters to get their hair cut in style

An eye-catching car-shaped seat – and a cute furry friend – are helping one salon to put children at ease when having their hair cut.

Ivy’s House of Hair, in Long Sutton, opened last August at the Silverwood Garden Centre site and the team has hatched a plan to help their youngest customers to overcome what can be a nerve-racking experience.

First-time business owner Mia Mitchell, wo named the salon after her daughter Savannah Ivy, knew just the thing – a special chair in the shape of a race car.

Miss Mitchell bought the car chair from another hairdresser and it also appeals to children who may have additional needs.

She said: “I got it from a lady who works with children with special needs.

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“A little girl came in a bit nervous and after she had her hair cut she didn’t want to leave.

“Savannah loves the chair and she loves coming to work with mummy – she asks me what ladies are coming in today?”

A sensory mirror will also help children feel relaxed at the salon – with a second addition is Ralphie the three-month-old cockapoo who Savannah got in December last year.

She said: “He is a little therapy dog and clients ask if they can bring their dogs in – it is like a dog creche.

“The children love it.”

Business is going from strength-to-strength in its first few months.

Miss Mitchell explained: “The salon has been very busy and it is going really well.

“It has been full on and it is a good place here.

“I am quite relaxed so clients feel it is nice that they don’t have to dress up to come in.”

Now the salon has a nail technician too, Miss Mitchell is also seeking a self-employed stylist to rent a chair.

She said: “It would be great to get someone so that I don’t have to say we can’t fit you in.”

For further information visit Ivy’s House of Hair on Facebook.

What do you think of the car chair? Post your comments below.