The switchblade barber at Something Hells

If you want an unforgettable hair cut, head to Kingly Court where William aka Mister Ducktail and Vanetia aka Miss Betty specialise in creating rock'n'roll switchblade hair cuts for men and glamourous vintage cuts for ladies.

The couple are originally from Paris and were frequent visitors to London for 12 years before taking the plunge two months ago and opening Something Hells, a hairdressing salon which pays homage to rock greats including Eddie Cochran and Elvis, as well as the iconic Betty Paige. After meeting at hairdressing college, Mister Ducktail and Miss Betty ran separate businesses in Toulouse but have now combined forces to offer customers a unique his'n'hers hair experience. "Carnaby was always a mythic place for us," says Ducktail. "That's why we chose this location for the shop." They live nearby in Great Portland Street with Ducktail's English bulldog called Cochran. "He has just arrived," explains his Ducktail, "and so far he likes it!"

Something Hells mixes elements of a traditional barber shop (a classic barber chair has been customised with leopard skin edges) with rock references, and an opulent area for ladies featuring lush red velvet drapes and sofas. "I first used a switchblade to cut hair to get publicity but then I started actually using it to cut hair," explains Mister Ducktail. " A lot of people are amazed when they see me cut hair with a switchblade." The pair offer modern cuts as well as 50s and 40s styles and customers are treated to an eclectic soundtrack which includes punk and Northern Soul.

Words: Marian Buckley

Something Hells is at Unit 2.16 Kingly Court, off Carnaby Street London W1. Telephone:07896 153491. Cuts from £25.

http://www.myspace.com/something_hells