A TRADITIONAL city hairdresser dubbed a wizard with the scissors is celebrating four decades of styling, teasing, curling and highlighting this month.

Lawyers, teachers, businessmen and members of the clergy have all dropped in for a trim at David 'Michael' Rose's unisex hair salon, some of whom have been coming right from the very start.

Caricatures of his customers line the walls of the 16th century Church Street shop, adding to the cosy community feel that makes Michael Hair Fashion unique.

"One of the things we will miss when we choose to retire more than anything will be the people - many of them have become good friends over the years," said Michael's wife of 37 years, Margaret.

The 13th in the family to take up the scissors, hairdressing is in Michael's blood. His grandfather, Mark Rose, originally had a shop in Wandsworth Road, South London, around 1910.

Michael's father, Irvine, also joined his son at the Hereford based salon before finally retiring at 79.

"He gave up mid way through a hair cut!" laughed Michael.

Born in Northampton, Michael lived in London and trained at Xaviers in Knightbridge, before he and his father settled in Hereford.

"I use joined up thinking for cutting people's hair. It is important to connect to somebody to talk to them and to find out what they want from their own point of view," said Michael.

"I still get a 'zizz' out of hairdressing even after 40 years. I am so lucky to have a hobby that I love and make my living out of it," he added.

Quietly supporting her husband over the years, Margaret has helped develop the unique community spirit enveloping customers as soon as they step into the shop.

She also provides another valuable service to the community. Many would never notice a private area incorporated into the salon where Margaret helps cancer sufferers take another step on the road to recovery.

She fits people with wigs or 'pieces' when they lose their hair due to treatment. Priding herself on offering a private dignified service, Margaret remain protectively silent of her business.

"I don't advertise - it is such a private thing. Losing your hair is such a harrowing experience and very personal," she said.

Margaret uses her own experience to help people facing cancer - she has seen it before. Some years ago Michael fought his own battle with lymphatic cancer.

"Before you have it you can't possibly understand what it's like," he said. "But it changes your whole attitude."

With their daughter, Katherine, continuing the family trade in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, the Roses' legacy of a caring, community spirit and confidante as well as a hairdresser is guaranteed to live on.

Margaret added: "It's the colours of life - the wonderful colours and flavours of people. This is what makes working here so enjoyable."