‘Singing barber’ adds DJ to his Finsbury Park salon experience

Salon owner Paul Federicci with Gazette reporter Rory Brigstock-Barron (Image: Archant)

Paul Federici, who has been dubbed “the singing barber” for his piano performances, is extending the musical theme at Chaps and Dames hairdressers, in Tollington Park.

The salon is now treating its customers to an array of tunes on Friday and Saturday nights, with a complimentary drink to boot.

Song

Chaps and Dames has a growing reputation in the area and even appeared on reality TV show Salon Inspectors in the summer, when Mr Federici cut the hair of Richard Ward, stylist for the royal wedding.

The singing barber, who was christened almost opposite his shop in St Mellitus Church, even recorded a song about one of his clients who was shot in Afghanistan in 2011, which now has more than 6,000 views on YouTube.

His latest venture is one in a long line of ideas that he says makes his salon a cut above the rest.

Mr Federici, 35, said: “It’s something that’s never been done before in this area, its the sort of thing they do in the trendy salons in the city.

“You can come in on a Friday or Saturday and enjoy some great music from DJ Dan and have a complimentary drink.

“We want people to come to Chaps and Dames for more than just a haircut, it’s about the whole experience.”

Mr Federici learned to cut hair when he was in prison 15 years ago, and has been on the straight and narrow ever since.

He now says he is passionate about his business helping young people to get on the ladder and avoid the sort of troubled youth that he had.

“There’s a lot of money going in to this area now, it’s up and coming, and that’s because of businesses like ours.

“We’ve got three apprentices at the moment on a government scheme, we’re getting young people into work.

“Everyone here is paid above the minimum wage, which isn’t always the case with salons, so when people spend their money here they know they are contributing to young people’s futures.”