1 ASK people to name a famous hairdresser, and Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell and John Frieda all spring to mind. Here in Glasgow, however, we had our very own stylist-to-the-stars, Ian Coleman, owner of the city’s first ‘trendy salon’ which was way ahead of its time.

Ian Coleman, 1966. Pic: Herald and Times

Ian Coleman, 1966. Pic: Herald and Times

Ian Coleman, 1966. Pic: Herald and Times

Ian Coleman, 1966. Pic: Herald and Times

2 Although born in England, Ian considered himself Scottish through and through. He grew up in Bearsden with his parents, Charles and Violet and elder brother Garry. Charles was a pharmacist who ran a herbalist shop at St George’s Cross. Ian left Bearsden Academy as soon as he could to start an apprenticeship with Leon, one of the city’s top hairdressers, passing with flying colours.

3 At the age of 21, Ian managed Sturrocks, but left to open his own salon on Buchanan Street. Originally called Salon Ian, it changed its name to The Lion’s Mane. The business grew and branches opened in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs and Falkirk. In the late 1970s, Ian opened his flagship salon, Hair Oasis, in Gordon Street. It was a concept ahead of its time, with waitress service for clients, separate rooms for colouring and a hairdressing school attached.

Ian Coleman 1996

Ian Coleman 1996

4 According to his obituary in our sister title The Herald: “A chance meeting led to Ian’s introduction to celebrity photographer Albert Watson and his wife, Liz, an agent. Liz was looking for a hairdresser to work on a spread for W magazine, the fashion bible. The model was Iman, (who went on to marry David Bowie) and Ian’s new career was born. He travelled back and forward to New York for the next 18 years, working with many famous names, including Naomi Campbell and Julia Roberts.”

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5 Ian and his partner Rod Watson lived in a stylish home on the shores of Loch Lomond. Sadly, Ian was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2005.