Salon Design Of The Month: The Hair Edit

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We're back with another instalment of our popular 'Salon Design Of The Month' series. Here, we chat with actual salon owners to learn about their entrepreneurial journeys.

At Salons Direct, we're passionate about celebrating the beauty, hair, nails, and barbering industries, as well as the talented people who drive them forward.

In this series, we're spotlighting salon owners and their unique experiences. From cosy local spots to bustling city favourites, we'll explore the diverse world of salons and the individuals shaping them.

Get ready to be inspired by real-life salon stories...

This month, we spoke to Amy Lee, the owner of The Hair Edit based in Failsworth, Greater Manchester.

How did your salon begin?

The building originally was one large salon with everything under one roof, where I worked independently, renting a chair for nearly ten years. There were two amazing owners, Danielle and Ally.

After over ten years of being open, Ally decided to move on to her next adventure, and Danielle decided it was time for a change. Danielle is one of my closest friends, and she proposed the idea of me taking over the hair side—my own salon but in the comfort of my old salon. I was so nervous, and I couldn’t really picture it at first, but it was the best decision ever! To which The Hair Edit was born.

How did you decide upon the design of your salon?

This is a hard one; it sort of just fell into place. I didn’t really have a plan. I had hundreds of screenshots and Pinterest boards the lot. The big thing for me was the backwashes! I knew exactly which ones I wanted. I then needed the matching chairs!

Then, everything else just came into place. I loved the wood panelling & knew I needed it to hide a door in the main salon area. So, this was one of the first things I knew. I loved the rattan furniture & black accessories.

I spent hours looking for sofas, chairs, and units, and it felt like everything was falling into place. I was drawn to the soft aesthetic of arches and knew I wanted them to be a feature in the salon.

Signage was another aspect I was excited about! My boyfriend runs a company, Elite Sign Solutions, so I knew I could rely on him for some great signs! I loved the neon signs and the pampas grass look. So he got straight on to it for me, and I got a local florist, Bon Fleur, to design one for me, and it’s perfect!

What are some of your favourite products and tools to use in your salon?

My all-time favourites are Redken Shades EQ, Framar Foil, and their brushes! I use a Dyson hairdryer, and I love my GHD Curling wand!

How do you stand out from your competitors?

We really try to make our hair washes as relaxing as possible for our clients. We’ve added Eco Shower Heads to our back washes and a cushion neck rest for extra comfort while people are having their hair washed. So many clients have said how much more comfortable it is.

When I opened the Salon, I wanted it to be a luxury for my clients. So, I added a drinks menu where my clients can choose what sort of drink they want: latte, cappuccino, iced coffees, hot chocolates, herbal teas, and what sort of milk and syrups they want!

It's sort of like being in a bistro while getting your hair done. I really feel like this has made a massive difference in the salon.

What do you think makes a successful salon?

Teamwork! Without my team, I would be lost. Everyone pitches in to help, mostly with towels and pots and generally keeping the salon tidy! We also have a salon assistant who is our lifesaver.

On our busy days, they just take over with everything and make our lives so much easier. We are honestly lost without her!

How do you keep up to date with the latest industry trends?

Courses and training! We all try to take and attend as many courses as we can. We also find that TikTok and Instagram help us keep up with the latest trends!

What advice can you give to others wanting to open a salon?

My biggest piece of advice would be to make life as easy as possible for yourself.

I spent so much time driving myself here, there and everywhere, making myself really stressed. Now, I tend to have things delivered, either to my home or the salon; I schedule posts on my social media, so when I have a quick hour, I can sort all of them out, and I’m not worrying about them.

I also have my workbooks online, which relieved a lot of pressure, so I highly recommend these points.

What can we expect from your salon business in 2024 and beyond?

We pride ourselves on high standards and always aim to continually improve our skills and services.

We offer our clients a warm and friendly atmosphere and a professional salon that serves as a relaxation spot for that much-needed ‘me time’.

You’ll see our girls learning, providing the latest products, and trying out new tips and tricks!

Get the look with Salons Direct!

If you feel inspired by Amy's salon interior, you can also achieve the luxurious vibe that Amy has created with Lotus furniture, which is available exclusively at Salons Direct!

Lotus Murray Black Styling Chair With Square Base

The Lotus Murray boasts a sleek square design complemented by plush padded seating and stylish stitching along the sides. Available in either sophisticated black upholstery or warm caramel, it elevates the ambience of any modern salon space.

Equipped with a standard hydraulic pump, it provides ease of adjustment and comfort. Choose from our standard selection of three bases: round, square, or 5-star.

Pair it with our matching washpoint for a cohesive look.

Dimensions:

Width: 61cm
Depth: 68cm
Adjustable Seat Height: 50-68cm
Adjustable Back Height: 82-70cm

Lotus Murray Black Backwash Unit

The Lotus Murray Backwash Unit brings a touch of style and luxury to any modern salon setting. Featuring a sleek square design, it boasts supremely comfortable padded seating and understated stitching along the edges.

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