Former L'Oréal hair stylist with dementia shares style tips at his care home's salon

Flaming orange bouffants and gargantuan crazy curls bedecked the models seated before a former L'Oréal stylist who now lives with dementia but he is still busy at work in his care home’s salon.

With a colourful career transforming model’s crowns from the mundane to spectacular glossy tresses at fashion shows, the curling king named Stuart Gibbons is now turning his attention to inspiring his care home’s own hairdresser when he turns up to help her in the salon.

While the hair styles for the care home's residents are a little less off the wall in comparison to Mr Gibbons' L'Oréal creations, the 71-year-old cannot hide his excitement whenever he steps into the salon.

The 71-year-old has dementia and moved into Romford Care Home in the Spring of 2020. Difficulties in communication caused by his dementia meant care staff had to rely upon the many possessions that Mr Gibbons brought with him to piece together his life.

The care home, which supports people with dementia is keen to highlight ongoing efforts by staff in Dementia Action Week (17-23 May).

A spokeswoman for Romford Care Home said: “When a new resident moves into an RCH Care Home, often the team have to become detectives, piecing together many fragments of the individual’s life history, their interests, skills and experience.

“It can be like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle."

Staff noticed Mr Gibbons' awards, certificates and the hair stylist’s scapbook crammed with images of very unique hairstyles. It wasn't long before they decided to help him rekindle his passion for hairdressing.

“Although he was unable to tell us the details about his career, it was obvious from his emotions that he was very proud and still very passionate about the incredible elaborate creations he was responsible for creating throughout his career,” said lifestyle co-ordinator Hayley Sullivan.

Staff brought Mr Gibbons a professional ‘block head’ for him to create new hair styles.

“Watching Stuart use the block head to show off his hairdressing skills makes my job all the more worthwhile”, said Ms Sullivan.

“To see the look of joy on his face and how much it brings him alive when he is doing what he loves best is breath-taking. It really is so enjoyable to sit together and look through his photo albums, I would have loved to see some of his shows in real life.”

Tracy Smith, customer relations manager said: “RCH Care Homes is supporting Dementia Action Week by showing that with specialist training, dedication and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with dementia, incredible moments can happen.

“Developing person-centred activities has huge benefits to a person’s wellbeing and is something we have always strived to excel at. Memories of the individual’s life, achievements and personal characteristics give value to them and their family by allowing them to make the link between past and present.”

click here for more details or to contact Romford Nursing Care Centre