Kutz Rebellion, a Men’s and Ladies hairdressers situated on Middleton Street in Wymondham, is named in tribute to the town's link to Kett's Rebellion, the 16th-century uprising which began in Wymondham. It has recently re-opened following a refurbishment.
Jen James has been running the shop for the last three years, but the same building, which dates to the 17th Century, has been delivering hairdressing and grooming services to Wymondham residents for over 100 years. Jen is the latest ‘custodian’ of the premises and business.
Jen said, ‘It is a privilege to play my part in the history of such a long-standing business, and I am proud to be here to continue to offer haircuts to the residents of Wymondham and its surrounding areas. For many years, this was a men’s barber shop, and it is fascinating to think of all those people who have stepped through this door over that time.’
Jen felt that it was time for the shop to have a ‘spruce up’, but she was determined to keep the striped poles outside as a reminder of the history of the premises. These were always seen outside barber shops in the past and are a throwback to the Middle Ages when barbers were also "barber-surgeons" who performed minor medical procedures. The red stripes represented arterial blood, the white stood for the medical bandages, and The Pole symbolised the staff patients squeezed to make their veins bulge, making it easier for the ‘surgeon’ to cut. The spiral pattern originated from barbers washing their bloodstained bandages and hanging them outside to dry. As the wind blew, the strips of cloth would twist together around the pole.
The striped poles outside Kutz Rebellion have been given a modern twist with blue and red stripes, but you don’t need to worry - no bandages will be required if you go to Jen for a haircut!
You may also notice memorabilia from Jen’s time as the lead singer and guitarist in a Rock Band - some of her guitars are on display as fond souvenirs of her life outside of hairdressing.
Jen trained in both male and female hairdressing and has over 25 years’ experience in the business, having worked in various locations across the country and abroad.
‘We all know how incredibly hard it is for small businesses on our local high streets at present, and I do try to keep my prices as low as I can as I understand that customers are struggling in the current financial climate, but this doesn’t make running a local business any easier. The business is still here though and offering haircuts to all genders at reasonable prices.
‘I have a small, loyal customer base and am hoping that a shop refurbishment will encourage new customers through the door, so that the business can continue to flourish in these premises for another 100 years at least!’
