By Derek Schlennstedt
After countless washes, cuts and blow-drys, Andrew Rayment owner of Mountain View hairdressing is hanging up the scissors.
He has been shampooing, cutting and styling the locks of Dandenong Ranges residents since 1976 and the popular figure has become an integral member of the Belgrave community, with his service extending to the local traders’ association and Puffing Billy.
Speaking to the Mail Mr Rayment said he never had much ambition to become a hairdresser.
“My dad and I came in there to get our haircut and the owner at the time had only opened the business less than a year before that,” he said.
“He said to me, ‘I need an apprentice to replace my other one would you be interested?’”
“I’d never even considered hairdressing and back then it was barbering and men’s hairdressing and I nearly laughed at him.”
“He and my parents though talked me into it though.”
Mr Rayment has been there ever since, and he eventually bought the business.
After 43 years though Mr Rayment left the quaint salon in Belgrave for the very last time on Thursday, 28 February.
He said he was looking forward to the new chapter in his life but was sad to leave behind his clients.
“I’m going to miss it,” he said.
“I’ve certainly got an affinity with Belgrave and I guess that’s the thing that’s kept me here.”
“It’s been very good in that way got to know a lot of people over a lot of years and have conversation about everything and anything, that’s what’s kept me going … hairdressing has never been a passion but I’ve certainly had a good 43 years of working in the industry.”
Tributes to Mr Rayment have already poured in with the Sherbrooke Foothills Historical Society paying homage to the salon and the man behind it.
“Andrew has been an active local community member since his schoolboy days when he went to Belgrave South State School and then Upwey High,” they said on a Facebook post.
“Volunteering with Puffing Billy, executive roles with the Belgrave Trader association and Belgrave Progress Association president …Andrew has been tireless in his efforts to improve conditions in Belgrave.”
In a departing message Mr Rayment thanked everyone for their contribution and kindness.
“I will miss Belgrave and the many clients I have had the privilege of getting to know over my 43 years working at Mountain View Hairdressing,” he said.
“You will probably never know how much your conversations have meant to me and shaped who I am.”
