A New Malden family hairdresser is celebrating its centennial year.

Di Biase hair salon was set up in the High Street during the First World War by husband and wife Domenico and Damiana Di Biase, who had emigrated from the southern Italian town of Castelforte.

Ten years later in 1925 their sons Frank and Merlin Di Biase also joined the team and the shop became one of the most popular hairdressers in London, with both sons representing Britain in world and European hairdressing championships.

The family-run business only stopped trading for a period in the early 1940s when the Di Biase brothers left to fight in the Second World War.

After his return from war Frank Di Biase was awarded the positions of president and life president of the Fellowship of Hair Artists of Great Britain, for his outstanding contributions to hair design.

Surrey Comet:

Ann Di Biase in competition

The salon is now run by Merlin Di Biase’s son Barry, his wife Frances and Frank Di Biase’s daughter Ann, who have all carried on the family tradition of representing Britain in international hair competitions.

Surrey Comet:

Di Biase in New Malden High Street

Ann Di Biase said: “Hair was always about marrying style, fashion and skill together for me.

“Winning international competitions at such a young age alongside my father only made me more sure of that.

“Nowadays you can see how hair and hairstyles are a huge focus for celebrities, stylists and the fashion press which only goes to show how ahead of our time we really were.”

Ann’s brother Barry said: “I’m just as proud and focused as my father about Di Biase.

“It’s a privilege to lead the salon today and very special to me to know we have a thriving family business.”