After more than 65 years in the hairdressing arena, Highton hairdresser Malcolm Cashinella is officially retiring.
The 82-year-old’s hairdressing journey started with his “very fussy” brother, whose hair he used to cut in England.
When Mr Cashinella moved to Geelong in 1956, he approached renowned local hairdresser Gordon Hall Snr for an apprenticeship.
Mr Cashinella said he remained with Mr Hall for 12 months until Mr Hall’s retirement, from which time he studied under Gordon Hall Jnr.
In 1967, Mr Cashinella was able to open his own salon in Highton, Malcolm’s Hair Design.
Mr Cashinella said he remembered his decades as a hairdresser fondly. Picture: Brad Fleet
“It was an empty shop, brand new – and I’ve been there ever since,” he said.
“Some clients I’ve had for 50, 60 years.
“I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
“Talking to people, that’s been the biggest thing. I think it keeps you going, mentally.”
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Mr Cashinella said at one point, his salon was “the busiest in Geelong”, seeing 125 clients a week, and even 99 in a day one New Year’s Eve.
He said he had seen a lot of hairstyles come and go out of style, including bobs, blow waves, perms, tips and all colours.
“Hairdressing’s a bit funny,” he said.
“Every two years or so, it changes, and there’s a new style that becomes popular.”
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Mr Cashinella said after 66 years of hairdressing – the last 25 of which had been by himself in his shop – he was ready to enjoy not working.
As for how he’s going to spend his spare time, Mr Cashinella said he was looking forward to some overseas adventures in Italy, Bali and Vietnam, as well as continuing to golf twice a week and bike ride every day.
Mr Cashinella’s final day as a hairdresser will be on June 30.
He will host a small farewell on June 23 from 12-2pm at his salon at 7 Belle Vue Ave.
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