No. 3 hair salon in Devizes closes as owner retires after 40 years

The salon, on Snuff Street in Devizes, said farewell to its final customer on Saturday 29, July, and it was a bittersweet moment for owner Christopher Wrigglesworth.

“I’ve decided to retire because the lease had come to its full term and didn't want to sign for another five years. I’m 63 now so it just felt right,” he explained.

The Devizes local who has served his community for 40 years, began hairdressing in the early 1980s.

“I went back to college at 21 and learned how to cut and style hair because I wanted to work creatively and the social side of the job appealed. Since then, I’ve really dedicated my life to the trade,” he said.

Not everyone will know him as Chris from No. 3 though, as the famed hairdresser has owned five salons in Devizes over the years: Bill and Ben, Just Ben, The Cutters Wharf, No. 3 at the Ginnel and finally No.3 Snuff Street.

He also worked in Marie’s, Jeffery Charles, and Images before he launched his first business.

“My wife was expecting our second child when I had The Cutters Wharf and I remember going to work that morning when she started having contractions saying just give me a call when they become frequent," he said.

“When she rang I told her I have just got to finish this lady’s hair first – it was a speedy drive to Bath Hospital.

“I even spent one Christmas day in the Cutters Wharf extending one unit to two, so my wife Elizabeth has really had to put up with it all. It's been my life.

“I like to say to my clients that behind every man there is a fantastic woman."

Chris has become a friendly face to all in Devizes, known not only for his work but also for training most of the hairdressers around the town.

But now as No. 3 closes its doors, staff and stylists who have worked alongside Chris are also flying the nest to go to other jobs in and around Devizes.

“I’m incredibly sad to leave, but I want to make up for lost time after working every Saturday for the last 40 years,” Chris said.