Vidal Sassoon: 10 of your cuts

The Magazine's recent piece on how Vidal Sassoon changed the world of hair prompted lots of readers to email examples of Vidal Sassoon or Vidal Sassoon-inspired cuts.

Sassoon is credited with introducing a range of shorter styles and cuts aimed at working women.

Here are 10 readers' haircut memories.

I lived in London from 1960 through to 1970. When I arrived in London I realised pretty quickly that I had better get with the look and I went to Sassoon's Salon in Bond Street where I had my haircut. It was a revelation, I immediately went from there to Wallis and bought a series of dresses and then to Bally for white boots with flat heels. I thought I looked pretty damn good and I never looked back. Thanks Vidal and I hope all the angels are now sporting great five-point haircuts. Noelene Gillies, Auckland, New Zealand

I had my hair cut in the mid-1960s at Sassoon's North Audley Street salon in Central London. It was the first time I'd ever been to a salon and I felt very intimidated by the classy people who were there. I remember getting up after the wash and crossing the floor without a towel on my head, spraying water everywhere while the assistants nervously ran after me. I wouldn't let them cut it short, but I had my curly hair straightened and a deep fringe with a Sassoon-type curved cut across the top. In London's damp, the straightener lasted three days and it was back to being curly. I never straightened my hair again. Savita, India

I was a student at London University at the end of the 1960s. I didn't have a lot of spare cash, and it cost very little to sit for a couple of hours while a student at the Sassoon School worked magic on my hair. I had long, straight, very fine hair which was cut into an "Isadora" - a fringeless bob, extended at the back. It really suited the shape of my face and looked beautiful. This picture was taken in May 1971, but I'd been going to the Sassoon School since 1969. Philippa Spencer, Cambridge, UK

I got married in 1973 and decided I wanted a page-boy style for the big day. None of my local hairdressers knew what I wanted so I trudged off to Sassoon's New Bond Street salon two days before the wedding and had my hair done. I was beginning to wonder if I had done the right thing when they started putting huge beer can size rollers in, but I needn't have worried, it looked great. I had it redone at home for the big day but it wasn't quite the same - still my veil covered a lot of it. I think it cost me around £15-£20, which was a lot of money then but it was worth every penny. I remember the salon was full of very effeminate men which seemed quite strange then, as it is just part of life now. How I wish I could turn the clock back when I look at my grey hair now. Diane, Thatcham, UK

In 1976 I came back to England after two years of doing voluntary work in the jungles of Brazil. I had no job and no money to speak of, but I was desperate after two years without a professional cut to get something up-to-the minute, well done, and that I could then care for myself without expense. So I splurged on a Vidal Sassoon cut and it was an excellent investment. I got a wedge flick from a salon in Leeds. It looked as though it needed a weekly salon, but with my wiry red hair I could do it myself with just a brush. Wonderful. This black-and-white photo was a deliberate choice of the friends whose wedding I was attending. Sue Mills, Cuernavaca, Mexico

I had my hair cut a couple of times at the Vidal Sassoon school in Knightsbridge - a great way for a student to get a great cut without paying top salon prices - which was not far from my college. My graduation photo shows an example of one Sassoon style - a cropped fringe, then cut very slightly longer at the sides, with the sides brushed forward. Happy days. Maggie, London, UK

In my teens, throughout the 70s, I used to go every six weeks to Vidal Sassoon's School in Davies Mews, London, where you could be a model for his students and get an amazing haircut for the princely sum of £2. I went home with a different style every time and only once remember a disaster where I wanted a bag for my head travelling home on the Tube. My favourite was the "firefly" which was pretty short and quite geometric. I remember how all the students used to rave about the colour of my hair (red) and its "natural wave". Vidal's school was a big favourite with me and all my girlfriends at the time - such fun being in that "happening" salon and feeling the definite buzz from all the very keen and innovative students. Lizette Dessai, Sussex, UK

I had the five-point bob cut at Vidal Sassoon in Bond Street in 1966 - it cost 32 shillings (about £1.60). I was just 17 and an office junior earning £6 a week - it was an exhilarating experience and I was made to feel really special by the stylist. Unfortunately I didn't earn enough to make it a regular thing but did go when I could, using the Sloane Street branch. But nothing could compare to the first time in Bond Street. Maureen Cronin, Morecambe, UK

When I got married in 1966, I had an auburn bob in the Vidal Sassoon style. The style suited my straight hair perfectly and I made my own headdress to suit my hairstyle. I have tried other styles over the years but usually end up with a slight variation on a bob, but now with pure white hair which I hope still looks stylish. However, not all hairdressers are accomplished at this style of cutting, and Vidal Sassoon must take full credit for it. Jacquie Storey, Camberley, UK

1When I was 19 or 20, in college and feeling blue, I took what felt like a large sum of money out of the bank and headed to the salon - LaCoupe on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal was as modern and chic as you could get in 1984. My grandmother was the head designer for Canadian Hat. Italian Vogue and Paris Match lay around our house the way Woman's Day and People littered other living-rooms. I wanted to feel fresh and pretty and not like the unsure student that I was. I had a beautiful Vidal-style pageboy, plumb line straight. Sleek, with no bangs. I looked modelesque. It flipped and moved and went right back, not a hair out of place. I stopped hiding - my summer dress with my old jacket and worn boots looked kicky now instead of undecided. I looked cared for. It was one of the best cuts I've ever had. I still ask for that sometimes, and it still suits me. Thank you LaCoupe and Thank you Mr Sassoon. Here is a picture of the cut a week later... with curls. Very NOT Sassoon. Bridget Quigley, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada