Magda's services are a snip with free vodka

A HAIRDRESSING salon believed to be the smallest in the world will offer a free shot of vodka to every customer.

The Snip and Sip Salon has opened in a cupboard under the stairs of an Edinburgh youth hostel. It was set up by Polish hairdresser Magda Jednorowicz, and although the converted store-room barely has enough space for two people, the 27-year-old has managed to squeeze in a classic barber's chair, large mirror, and a table for her clippers and curlers.

The former English student at Queen Margaret University opened the salon in the Castle Rock Hostel on Johnston Terrace last month.

She had built up a following in the Capital by providing home haircuts for the past two years, while also working as a receptionist at the hostel.

And when she decided to set up her own salon, she could think of no better place than the unused cupboard under the stairs.

Having cut hair in San Francisco, as well as in Poland and London, Magda believes she may be the proud proprietor of the world's smallest hairdressing salon.

"I've never seen anywhere smaller than this," she said.

"It is quite cramped, but at the same time it gives it a good friendly atmosphere and the customers love it. It is a talking point, and a lot of them can't quite believe I've set up here.

"I found the barber's chair the day before I opened up, and I was delighted that it fits so perfectly.

"The table, which is really beautiful, was hidden in the cupboard here for about ten years, and the mirror was provided by a friend who was also my first customer."

Another unique feature of the salon is the choice of refreshment, with each customer given the chance to sample a selection of traditional Polish vodka.

"Other salons offer coffee or tea, but I don't really have the space to provide that, so I thought I would offer something a little different," said Magda.

"Only a few customers have turned it down, and most want more than a sip. It helps to relax them."

Currently still working by appointment, Magda plans to have longer opening hours during this year's Festival, to cope with expected demand from hostel guests and performers at the Fringe.

While she received some training from the famous Wella salon in London, Magda, who now lives in Fife, admits she is a self-taught hairdresser.

"I taught myself how to cut hair," she said. "My mother was my first victim when I was about 13, and I've always loved cutting hair."

And she added: "I wouldn't really want a big salon - I like just having room for two people."

Karissa Bravo, 26, a bar worker staying in the hostel, was one of the salon's first customers.

"It's great, it's a really good idea and I think she does a fantastic job," she said. "The vodka's a little bonus as well!"

And Katie Rickard, assistant manager at the hostel, said: "She has been cutting hair here for a few years, so we were delighted to let her have the cupboard. It was used for storing brochures, but she's made it her own now, and it is a real hit with backpackers, probably because you get to try the vodka as well.