Hairdresser, Karlsrud | 20 years at Karlsrud: – We have families where as many as four generations get their hair cut with us

It is early morning in the brick house at Karlsrud. The door is open and the sun streams in. It creates shadows on the green walls.

Marit K. Sønsthagen, Ann-Kristin Ludvigsen and Lene Rogvin Ellingsen sit in the waiting area of ​​the salon. For twenty years, they have been cutting hair in Raschs vei on Karlsrud.

It was Marit K. Sønsthagen who opened the salon in her time, hence the name MKS Frisør.

– I cycled past and saw that there was a vacant room here, says Sønsthagen.

With her on the team, she got Lene Rogvin Ellingsen, who was on her way out on maternity leave. Soon after, Ann-Kristin Ludvigsen started.

The three colleagues are happy to be an independent salon that is centrally located on Karlsrud, but at the same time somewhat sheltered.

– We couldn’t imagine being in a shopping centre, they say.

Burglary and corona pandemic

The hairdressers say that they have built up a large and loyal customer group. Operations have gone relatively smoothly, apart from two incidents which created challenges.

– We had a break-in in 2010, it was pretty bad, says Ludvigsen.

A window was smashed and all the furniture that could fit through the window was taken.

– They had even taken my trainers, which were probably full of hair, says Ludvigsen and laughs.

– After that we chose to set up an alarm, assures Sønsthagen.

The second downturn they have experienced was the shutdown as a result of the corona pandemic.

– It was a little scary because we didn’t know what it meant for us, fortunately we were one of the first industries to be allowed to open again, says Sønsthagen.

– And the customers were ready, says Ellingsen with a smile.

– She knows my hair

They say that the customer group consists almost exclusively of regular customers.

– We have families where as many as four generations get their hair cut with us. Those who were small twenty years ago now come with their own children, says Ludvigsen.

One of those who has always had a haircut at MKS Frisør is Fabian Moberg (24).

– She knows my hair and knows what I want, says Moberg as Ann-Kristin Ludvigsen takes hold of the scissors.

Moberg remembers well that he was in the salon as a child. Ludvigsen knows Moberg and the family well, not least their hair.

– He has as thick hair as his father, she says and laughs.

Inspiration on social media

The ladies notice that there is one style in particular that is popular with young boys on Nordstrand, the classic Nordstrand style with a center parting.

– That trend has persisted for a long time. For the girls, light, long hair applies, preferably with slightly loose curls, says Sønsthagen.

– Young people no longer find inspiration for hairstyles in catalogs or magazines, but on social media, says Ludvigsen.

The hairdressers say that people of all ages come to have their hair cut.

– I have had a customer who has been with me every Friday for fifteen years, says Sønsthagen.

– For many people, it’s about more than just cutting their hair, says Ellingsen.

The ladies get to hear a lot of different things from the customers. They will not share the details with the local newspaper. Some customers prefer to keep it quiet.

– It is important to look at what the person needs, says Ellingsen.

Share in the joy

One of the customers who likes to strike up a conversation is Christian Sorgendal. He stops by to fix the welding two days before his own wedding. Although it has been several years since he moved from Karlsrud to Bogstad, he happily drives across town to get a haircut at his regular hairdresser every six weeks.

– I changed my GP soon after I moved, I shouldn’t have done that. I will not make the same mistake again and try another hairdresser, he says firmly.

Ellingsen knows Sorgendal well, she has heard about the planning of both the proposal and the wedding, which is now just around the corner.

– I have been taken along on the whole journey, says Ellingsen and laughs.

He likes that Ellingsen understands his hair type and strikes up a conversation.

– It’s relaxing to be here, I feel like she knows me.

Salon in the garage

After twenty years in the salon at Karlsrud, there is only a year and a half left until the ladies have to find a new premises.

– The contract expires and they will demolish the building here, says Sønsthagen wistfully.

They hope to be able to continue cutting hair at Karlsrud for many, many more years, the question is where.

– I would like to open a salon in the garage, but it is uncertain yet, there is a lot that needs to be in place, says Sønsthagen, who lives close to where the salon is located today.