A little about me, and why I created The Refinery.

My working life began in the corporate world, within banking and finance, well before I had even considered joining the hair industry. That came much later and marked a completely different chapter in my life.

I found hair replacement for myself in my mid-twenties, and it changed my life overnight. I wanted to understand more about the industry, but I also realised how much more I could bring to the experience for other people.

I trained as a barber to NVQ Level 3 before becoming professionally qualified in hair replacement. My purpose was never simply to learn how to fit a system. I wanted to provide the standard of hair replacement, service and professionalism that I had not been fortunate enough to find from day one.

For me, taking away somebody’s worries and nerves is every bit as important as the technical service itself.

That belief led me to open my first salon in a small Hampshire town. From there, I joined forces with others and helped open a number of salons across the UK, Germany and America. We achieved a great deal during those ten years, and the experience taught me an enormous amount about hair replacement, business and, most importantly, the people we support.

The Refinery marks a return to what first brought me into this industry: working personally with clients.

Hair replacement changed my life, and I want to continue helping people experience what it can do for them. Hair loss and hair replacement are deeply personal, and there can still be an unnecessary taboo surrounding both. Clients may feel exposed, nervous or uncomfortable discussing something they have never spoken about openly before.

Through years of working with clients, I also heard people talk about other personal-care services they wished they felt comfortable accessing. Male body and intimate waxing came up repeatedly, but so did the worry of allowing somebody else to get quite so close and personal.

I understood that feeling. It took time for me to feel completely at ease with my own brilliant waxing therapist, and that experience made me look seriously at how I could provide the same reassurance for other men.

I went on to train and become certified in male body and intimate waxing. My qualifications are recognised by the Guild of Beauty Therapists, and I am fully insured for every treatment I provide.

Hair replacement and waxing may be different services, but the reason I offer them is closely connected. I enjoy helping people through situations they may initially find difficult or uncomfortable. I give you clear information, treat everything professionally and accurately, and provide a space built on understanding and absolutely no judgement.

That is what The Refinery brings together: professional skill, personal experience and a genuine passion for helping people feel comfortable with the choices they make for themselves.

Private. Personal. Straightforward.

Tom Beagley-Spicer
Founder, The Refinery