50 Year Celebrations
Barbara & Otto before Hair Ott
Otto was born in the vibrant city of Munich, Germany, and carried on a proud family legacy as he embarked on a career as a fourth-generation hairdresser. Infused with a spirit of adventure, Otto left Germany and, after making a stop in Guernsey, arrived in London in the swinging sixties (1969 to be precise). Once settled in the Big Smoke, he wasted no time in sharpening his skills at the leading hair salons of the time, including Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon.
Otto first met Barbara in the bustling Chalet Swiss Club on Charlotte Street, Soho – an encounter that would change both their lives. At the time, Barbara was working as a PA to a theatrical agent and, on that fateful day, she decided to pop in and see a friend who worked at the Chalet Swiss – and as they say, the rest is history.
Barbara and Otto tied the knot in 1971 and, this year, the happy couple celebrate 55 years of marriage – a true testament to their love and partnership.
The first years of their marriage were spent in Europe and London, but then, in 1975, after welcoming their first child, Greg (on Valentine’s Day!), they decided to look for a more permanent home. Barbara’s brother-in-law, Colin, told them about the available units under the Civic Centre in Isambard Brunel Road, Portsmouth, which they agreed would make a perfect salon.
The first Hair Ott Salon opened on Friday, 13th, 1976 – but it was to be anything but unlucky!
As featured in our Hair Ott 50th Commemorative Book – click here to view
