A SWANSEA hairdresser has revealed what it takes to cut it in business after 25 years in the city.

Steve John has notched up a quarter of a century in business with his salon Visage in Swansea's Picton Arcade.

The 51-year-old said the secret to his success had been commitment to clients and customer service, and an enjoyment of the trade.

He began his career at the age of 15 when his father asked him to help out his cousin's husband at his salon in Porthcawl. Mr John enjoyed his experience and after an apprenticeship, he took on management of his first salon at the age of 19.

The father-of-three said he had developed regular clients and a really good team at the business.

He said: "It's about getting in and being here every day, and having that commitment to clients and treating them how you would want to be treated yourself."

Visage is now run with a staff of 10, including six stylists and two colour technicians. The business is spread over two floors and features 11 cutting chairs.

Mr John said: "I love coming in here and seeing the business busy.

"Swansea is going through a lot of changes and all the roadworks have been disruptive.

"The past two years have been pretty tough and the next two will be too, but hair grows and at the end of the day it's something that has to be cut.

"Providing you can give a good service, if you create that relationship with clients then they will want to come back. Economically it is tough at the moment."

Mr John said he was still cutting the hair now of women whose hair he first cut when he was training as a teenage apprentice.