From thoughtful layouts to relaxing break rooms, these salon owners are creating interiors that support the wellbeing of both clients and the teams behind the chair
Open Plan Design for a Sense of Community
“Moving the colour bar out onto the salon floor has completely transformed how the team work day-to-day. It’s more collaborative, more efficient and adds a real sense of theatre to the salon. Clients love being able to watch us create their bespoke formulas and see firsthand that colour is such a skilled process.”
Teresa Weller, Teresa Weller Hair Art, Dorking
“Modern workspaces need to reflect the energy of the salon. For some, this is a minimal clean design; I see other salons that ooze colour and patterns, and both can work.”
Nancy Stripe, Owner, Stripe Studio
Design That Supports Wellbeing
WE ARE CURRENTLY OVERHAULING OUR BREAK SPACE TO BE MORE INSPIRING. COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY PLAYS A BIG PART IN CREATING INSPIRING, RELAXING SPACES, WHICH ALSO LINKS INTO OUR BRAND COLOURS. LILAC INVOKES A SENSE OF CALM AND CREATIVITY, MAKING SURE THERE IS ADEQUATE SPACE FOR SOCIALISING. THE BREAK ROOM IS CONNECTED TO THE COLOUR AREA IN OUR SPACE, SO IT’S A PRO-EXCLUSIVE AREA NOT AVAILABLE FOR CLIENTS.
EMMA MARCEY, FOUNDER OF ODD
Integrating Private Spaces
“BUILDING A PRIVATE POD INTO THE NEW SALON WAS ONE OF OUR BEST DESIGN DECISIONS. IT STARTED AS A PRACTICAL SOLUTION FOR CLIENTS WHO WANT A QUIETER, MORE PRIVATE APPOINTMENT, BUT IT’S HAD A KNOCK-ON EFFECT FOR THE TEAM TOO. WHEN YOU’RE WORKING IN A BUSY, NOISY SALON ALL DAY, HAVING A SPACE WHERE YOU CAN JUST DIAL THINGS DOWN IS A GAME-CHANGER. I’M NEURODIVERGENT MYSELF, SO I KNOW BETTER THAN MOST HOW OVERSTIMULATING A SALON ENVIRONMENT CAN GET.”
KAYLEIGH AT HEX HAIRDRESSING, MANCHESTER
Top Tip: Create Personalised Spaces
“One of the biggest things has been designing self-containing units for each client. Everything the stylist needs for that appointment is there, including storage for the client’s belongings, but it’s all neatly tucked away.”
Phill Gallagher, Owner and Creative Director of Dot Hair, Liverpool
Don’t Overfill Your Salon Space
“I was very conscious not to overfill the salon with furniture or unnecessary design details. Giving everyone room has had the biggest impact. The team never feel like they’re working on top of one another, and clients feel that too. It keeps the whole atmosphere relaxed, which makes for a better working day all round. Sometimes the best design decision is knowing what not to put in.”
David Cassidy at Palette & Bristle, Hove
Top Tip: Consider New Salon Design Set Up
ONE OF THE BEST DESIGN DECISIONS WE MADE WAS TO IMPLEMENT LONG WORKBENCHES WITH BUILT-IN PLUG SOCKETS. SOUNDS SIMPLE, BUT IT’S CHANGED EVERYTHING. NO CRAWLING AROUND, NO TANGLED WIRES, NO AWKWARD SETUPS.
HARRY ANDREOU, STUDIO U, WINCHESTER
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Breakrooms That Cater to The Needs of Staff
“We wanted the staff room to feel like a genuine extension of the salon rather than a separate world. Twinkly lights, a full kitchen with a fridge freezer and everything they actually need to eat and recharge properly during the day. It sounds simple, but the impact is real. When your team has somewhere they can truly switch off between clients, they come back to the floor calmer, more energised and more present.”
Susannah Richardson, Butchers, Chester
Customised Ergonomics
“WE’RE SEEING MORE ADJUSTABLE FEATURES, LIKE HYDRAULIC CHAIRS, TILTING BASINS, HEIGHT- ADJUSTABLE WASH UNITS, SO EVERYTHING CAN BE TAILORED TO THE STYLIST AND THE CLIENT. IT’S ALL ABOUT REDUCING BENDING, STRETCHING, AND AWKWARD POSITIONING THROUGHOUT THE DAY.”
LEE HAMILTON, FURNITURE EXPERT
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Tips From Brand Owners
Lighting That Serves Both Client and Stylist
“Lighting design is key to relax and calm the client whilst providing ample visibility for stylists and colourists to work efficiently. It is always worth considering a track lighting system which gives you the flexibility to position a warm light on the client’s face for a more flattering soft view in the mirror, but a cooler light on the back of the head, so your stylist can see clearly. This provides higher clarity to see greater precision and details in the overall shape of their cuts.”
Katie Fielder, National Sales Manager at Takara Belmont
Top Tip: Lock in Furniture and Equipment Early
“Too much focus goes into the overall aesthetic, and not enough into the chairs, basins and tools the team uses all day. These decisions often get pushed to the end, when budgets are already stretched. The problem is that hairdressing furniture and equipment are what define both the staff experience and client comfort. If they are compromised, the space may look good, but it will not perform. The right approach is to lock in furniture and equipment early. Get the functionality, adjustability and comfort right first, then design the space around it.”
Lisa Feleppa, Brand Marketing Manager, Comfortel Salon Furniture
Designated Areas to Reduce Clutter
“Integrated storage plays a key role in creating a workspace that feels calm, efficient and visually considered. Creating designated spaces for tools and products helps reduce clutter and allows stylists to move seamlessly between clients. Built-in shelves and discreet compartments also enhance the overall client experience by maintaining a clean, polished and considered environment.”
Emily Turton, General Manager, Salon Equipment Centre
Top Tip: Prioritise Built-In Storage
“In a busy salon environment, stylists need quick access to tools and products without disrupting their workflow or the client experience. Thoughtfully designed, built-in storage, whether within styling stations, trolleys or backwash units, helps reduce unnecessary clutter, keeps surfaces clear, and supports a more seamless service from start to finish.”
Georgia Catherall, Salons Direct
