Longlox, the Gateshead hair salon that gained fame through the BBC series Angels of the North, will close its physical premises next month after 23 years in business. Owner Sammyjo Pearson announced the decision on Instagram on Tuesday night, revealing plans to move the brand online.
A TV-famous salon
Longlox, located near the Metrocentre in Gateshead, built a reputation as a leading destination for hair extensions, attracting celebrities from across the country. Sammyjo Pearson, who entered the hairdressing industry at 16, grew the business into its current home and earned it recognition as a top spot for extensions.
In 2019, the salon's profile rose sharply when it featured in the BBC's fly-on-the-wall series Angels of the North, which showed viewers the salon's daily operations and the personal lives of Sammyjo and her staff, including her mother Bev. The first series became a hit on iPlayer, and the second series documented the salon's experience of the Covid pandemic, including its closure and reopening in line with national restrictions.
Moving the brand online
In her Instagram post, Sammyjo Pearson wrote: "The end of an era after 23 years. A very emotional announcement for me. Although the salon is closing, Longlox isn’t going anywhere!. I'm just starting a new chapter.. SELLING MY BRAND you all know and love ONLINE."
She added: "For all my lovely salon clients, some of my amazing girls are going self-employed, so please continue to support them on their new journey."
Followers responded with supportive comments, with one writing: "You should be so proud of yourself and everything that you have achieved so far !!!! So excited for your next chapter," and another saying: "Super brave to chose yourself. I hope the next chapter is everything you wish it to be."
The salon's closure is scheduled for December, and the Longlox brand will continue through online sales.
