Our History
Celebrating 50 Years of Richard John
A Legacy of Style, Innovation & Community
For over five decades, Richard John has been the cornerstone of Worthing’s hairdressing scene. Based in the iconic Royal Arcade, his luxury salon has welcomed thousands through its doors, offering expert cutting, styling, and colouring.
From beehives to bobs and perms to mop tops—Richard has seen, styled, and transformed it all.
In September 2024, Richard celebrated 50 years in business, marking a milestone in a remarkable career that has touched lives, shaped futures, and built a legacy.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Experience
After training at Chichester College and gaining early experience at Hubbards salon, he joined P&O Cruises.
For the next three years, Richard sailed the world as a young man in his white sailor’s suit, styling the hair of the rich and famous—including Hollywood legend Lucille Ball. He visited over a dozen countries before mass tourism took hold, gathering experiences that shaped his future.
Building the Richard John Brand
In the early 1970s, Richard returned to Worthing and took the leap to open his own salon in the Royal Arcade—a move that would define his legacy. He vividly remembers his first client: a woman named Gwen Ball.
He transformed the rundown arcade into a chic, thriving shopping destination and added his signature Regency-style white shopfront, which became a local landmark.
Over the years, he bought up more units, turning the arcade into a space people admire.
In 1988, he opened the popular Centrestage salon in South Street, and in 2005, he launched The Academy on Rowlands Road, where hundreds of apprentices have trained over the last 20 years.
The Richard John Family
“Hairdressing Has Been a Great Career”
Despite economic downturns and the challenges of the pandemic, Richard remains passionate about the industry.
“Hairdressing has had a terrible time all over the country. Many of my friends with big salons have had to close. But overall, it’s been a great career—totally different now from when I started in the 60s.”
He recalls a time when customers came in every week—now, with changing habits, fewer appointments mean greater challenges for salons.
Still, Richard continues to innovate, having opened the stunning new Beauty Rooms in 2024.
Team & Community
Richard is quick to credit his success to the hard work of his incredible team—“The Richard John Family.” Many of the team have been with him for decades.
A passionate supporter of his hometown, Richard has held the position of commodore at Worthing Sailing Club, where he helped build the new seafront headquarters.He remains an advocate for the town and its future:
“It’s a great town to live in. I love all the new families coming in from Shoreham and Brighton.”
Richard’s story began in Cardiff, growing up on a tough housing estate. At age 12, he moved to Worthing with his family and later attended St Andrew’s High School for Boys. With few qualifications, he was initially encouraged to consider the Army or pharmaceutical work—but Richard had other ideas.
Inspired by his stepfather Arthur, a savvy second-hand business owner, Richard set his sights on running a business with his own hands.