The Vimonts, hairdressers in Bihorel from father to daughter for over 80 years

It all started with Raymond Vimont in 1945 in Bihorel (Seine-Maritime). And everything continues today with Louise, 24 years old, her great-granddaughter who has chosen to take over the family hairdressing salon, located on the church square. Four generations of hairdressers established on the plateaus north of Rouen, even if, originally, the ancestor had his first business in Eure, in Lieurey, right next to his wife, a milliner. “It was during the war that they came to Rouen, rue Lafayette first,” rewinds Louise’s father sitting in the back of the shop, formerly a garage that became his daughter’s office. “But their living room was destroyed by bombs and they bought here.”

Originally, the salon was dedicated to men. Jacques’ specialty. He came to hairdressing for the atmosphere and the human relations, even if in his beginnings he did not hesitate to try his hand at competitions, just to prove himself. “In my job, to know the trends among men you had to follow the football players’ hairstyles! » sums up the professional. “In the 1970s, it was the Greens with Rocheteau, Platini… Everyone wanted to have long hair. And there was no need to talk about mowers. That was too much military service! »

In the early 1990s, he decided to switch to mixed hairdressing. A new revolution after that of appointments, almost a heresy at the beginning when he took over his father Jean’s salon after obtaining his BP in October 1971. “I’ve heard about it. The ancients said: If the hairdresser, it becomes like going to the doctor! »

Change of route in the middle of Covid

For Louise, the living room is almost a second home. Since it is as tall as three apples, all the regulars know it. And here, that’s not what’s missing. “I have a client who was a medical student when I met him,” smiles Jacques. And he just retired.” At 78 years old, if he still stops by to give a few cuts of scissors for his most loyal customers, it is Louise who has taken over the reins of the salon. Although originally the young woman was not at all destined for the hair world. “I did Essec in Cergy. I like maths, finance… I didn’t think I would take up the business.” As her father explains, “she was a brilliant student who had been accepted into the best schools. I wanted to let him have his way.” He had given up on a possible succession and was preparing his departure.

However, Covid and confinement are happening there. “It gave me time to think about my future,” recalls the new boss. “I didn’t find what I wanted in the course I had chosen. But I still wanted to undertake, to be independent…”. The rest almost flows naturally. Louise is joining a three-year Hairdressing Bachelor initiated by L’Oréal. Trained in technique and management. And takes over from Jacques in 2024, almost 80 years after the birth of the Vimont salon. His father admits: “I didn’t believe it. It was a huge surprise that just made me happy.” Raymond would no doubt have been proud.