I don't get $50.00 haircuts anymore, but I would make an exception.


Women plan to protest as topless barber shop opens

JAMES DOHERTY

SCOTLAND’S first topless barber shop will open this week to protests by women’s groups and clergy in a bid to stop customers receiving a short, back and sides from scantily-clad stylists.

Churchgoers and Scottish Women Against Porn are planning to disrupt the opening of A Bit Off The Top in Paisley.

Controversy has surrounded the shop since the Glasgow-based Urban Group announced plans to open in the town.

Former lap-dancers who are trained hairdressers have been recruited to work in the Canal Street salon.

Men will be able to choose a girl to give them a £25 haircut or a massage in a private booth.

Last week, the owners of the shop caused controversy when they put up a huge banner with a picture of a woman cupping her breasts outside the shop.

Sandra White, MSP, who will join the demonstration, said: "It’s an insult to pretend it’s normal for a girl to be topless while cutting hair.

"The banner doesn’t even show the woman’s face, it only shows what these people consider to be important about her. This shop will be being watched closely and if there is anything untoward going on, we’ll get rid of it."

Churches in Paisley have also voiced opposition, with Reverend Tom Cant, minister at the nearby Laigh Kirk, branding it "sordid".

A spokeswoman at Glasgow Women’s Aid added: "We are quite shocked about this.

"It’s really degrading for women. It caters for a certain type of immature behaviour among men who can’t see women as equal to men."

Owners the Urban Group say they have taken a lot of bookings and expect the salon, which they insist is "harmless fun", to be popular.