Remembering Rita: A Tribute to Rita Rusk

Rita Rusk, the celebrated ‘Scotland’s First Lady of Hairdressing’, has passed away at the age of 75 after a long battle with kidney disease. She hailed from Castlemilk and was one of ten children.

Despite her humble beginnings, she achieved remarkable success in the hair-styling industry, taking on London’s leading salons and attracting highly-regarded clients like the Duchess of Kent and actress Greta Scacchi.

In 1987 she made history alongside her ex-husband Irvine by becoming the first Scot – and woman – to be named British Hairdresser of the Year. Her legacy will live on in her pioneering work within the sector.

From Humble Beginnings

Rita Rusk, who came from a family of hairdressers, and her husband Irvine opened their first salon in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, before expanding with three others in Glasgow.

The Rusks became internationally renowned for their signature style and were invited to present shows and seminars in Europe, America, and Japan.

They eventually split in the late 1980s; Rita married again to Brian Dorman, a corporate lawyer who passed away around ten years ago.

She had a passion for product development and is credited with the invention of the flat-iron hair straightener, although she sold it to Babyliss for £40,000 due to difficulties obtaining a patent.

This experience taught her that dealing with disappointment was an inevitable part of life – something she had learned growing up in Castlemilk as one of ten siblings and not getting the last slice of Hovis.

Her Growing Family

James, 47, who owns two Glasgow restaurants, The Butchershop Bar & Grill and The Spanish Butcher, spoke of his mother’s passing peacefully surrounded by family. He said that although he had thought himself prepared for her death, you can never truly be ready.

His mother had always imparted the wisdom to ‘just do it and see what happens’, and James said she had been a huge influence in his own restaurant business, which he shares with his wife, Louise.

In her later years, she had been living in Glasgow’s West End and had been writing a book about her prolific career. Alan Edwards, a Glasgow hairdresser, was among those who paid tribute to Ms. Rusk, who was four times named Best Hairdresser in the World by Metamorphose.

James recalled that his mother had been full of wit and humor and had remained independent until the end. The family had visited The Butchershop for lunch only last week.

A Hairdressing Pioneer

Rita was a trailblazer in the hairdressing industry, being the first female and only Scot to be crowned British Hairdresser of the Year alongside Irvine Rusk. Together they revolutionized hair – innovating, designing, creating, and inventing techniques that have shaped our industry.

She left behind a legacy of progressive thinking and inspiring work. Glasgow’s Taylor Ferguson remembered her as a friendly rival who was always highly motivated and focused on the job.

In an interview in 2010, Rita reflected on their ambition to take on London’s big players and be recognized for their innovative work. We are forever thankful for all she has given us.

How unDONE Salon is Carrying On Rusk’s Legacy

At unDONE Salon, we are proud to carry on Rita’s legacy and strive to create the same artistry and innovation that she so proudly did throughout her years in hairdressing. With us, her name will always be synonymous with beauty, creativity, and innovation.

We are inspired by her passion for product development and take pride in using the most advanced products and techniques with each client.

We invite you to experience our own signature style at unDONE Salon, a combination of an old-school technique, modern creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of hairdressing.

Thank you, Rita.