Four salon owners reveal how music helps shape their salon atmosphere, reflects their brand personality and brings their teams and clients together – plus, the tracks you'll always find on their playlists
For some, music is an often-overlooked part of the salon experience, but the right soundtrack can make all the difference to the atmosphere of a space. From upbeat anthems that get clients singing along to chilled-out classics that help them switch off, music can influence how people feel the moment they walk through the door.
For salon owners, a playlist is also an opportunity to express their brand personality, reflect the tastes of their team and create an environment that clients want to return to. Whether carefully curated to complement the salon's aesthetic or made up of an eclectic mix of everyone's favourite tracks, no two salon soundtracks are quite the same.
We spoke to four salon owners about the role music plays in their businesses, how they'd describe their salon playlists and the songs you'll always find on repeat.
Warren Edwards - Warren & The Hare
How would you describe the vibe of your salon playlist?
Eclectic, effortlessly cool and a little nostalgic. We love a mix of old-school classics, soul, disco and a few unexpected tracks. Nothing too commercial or predictable; we want the music to feel as considered as our interiors, with plenty of personality and character.
Saturdays, however, are a completely different story! It's just the four boys in the salon, all of whom are gay, so we make it our mission to put together the campest playlist imaginable. Think high-energy, fabulous, feel-good anthems from start to finish. It's become a bit of a Saturday tradition and our clients absolutely love it. There's always a brilliant atmosphere.
Why is your salon playlist so important to your brand and your business?
Music completely changes how a space feels. We've always wanted Warren & The Hare to feel more like stepping into a beautiful boutique hotel or a friend's fabulous home than a traditional hair salon. Music plays a huge part in creating that atmosphere, helping clients feel comfortable and giving the salon its own identity.
We also love that our playlist changes depending on the day and who's working. It reflects the personalities of our team, which is such a big part of what makes our salon special. Every little detail matters to us, and what you hear is just as important as what you see.
What's one song we'll always find on your playlist?
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. It's timeless, effortlessly stylish and never gets old. Although, if you visit on a Saturday, you're far more likely to hear a fabulous gay anthem at full volume!
Heffy - Hx Hair
How would you describe the vibe of your salon playlist?
Our playlist is a very random mix of everyone’s personalities and musical tastes, all thrown together into one big playlist. You could go from death metal to Disney hits to country music in the space of a few songs, so there really is something for everyone. Think Disneyland for the day, followed by a night in a mosh pit!
Why is your salon playlist so important to your brand and your business?
Music is a huge part of our salon personality. It reflects who we are as a team, and we love that our clients get involved too. Everyone has their own taste, so there's always something unexpected playing. We’re constantly adding songs we've discovered, old favourites and whatever we're loving at the moment. It creates an atmosphere that feels fun, a little unpredictable and completely us.
What’s one song we’ll always find on your playlist?
'Bring You Back' by Ocean State Alaska is definitely one that you'll always find on our playlist!
Charlotte O’Flanagan - Charlotte Paints Hair
How would you describe the vibe of your salon playlist?
Our playlist is full of empowering, upbeat music. We regularly hear comments that it's like the soundtrack to getting ready for a night out. Think summer road trips, windows down and singing along to your favourite songs. That's the kind of vibe we're going for.
Why is your salon playlist so important to your brand and your business?
Music sets the atmosphere. It makes people smile, puts them in a good mood and gets their toes tapping. Some clients even find themselves quietly singing along! It sets the tone for the whole salon.
I'm currently on maternity leave, but whenever I pop in, I can immediately tell if the girls have put on something that doesn't quite fit the playlist. I'll be straight in with, "No, this isn't the vibe!" It has to feel right for our salon. We've even had other salons using our Spotify playlist because they love it so much! We always describe it as Y2K-inspired.
What's one song we'll always find on your playlist?
Maneater by Nelly Furtado.
Naomi Brooks - Ascend Co Studio
How would you describe the vibe of your salon playlist?
Inviting, nostalgic and chilled. We like music that creates a relaxed atmosphere, with familiar tracks that people can enjoy and perhaps even reminisce over.
Why is your salon playlist so important to your brand and your business?
I want my guests to feel comfortable, relaxed and, sometimes, transported back to a time when the world felt a little lighter. Music plays a big part in creating that feeling. It's about making the salon a welcoming space where people can switch off, enjoy the moment and feel completely at ease. It's another little detail that helps shape the overall experience we want to offer.
What's one song we'll always find on your playlist?
Everything Is Everything by Lauryn Hill.
Josie Jackson
Josie is a content writer at Professional Beauty, supporting the team with content for the print magazine, website and social media channels. With over four years' experience as a health and beauty journalist, Josie is dedicated to creating informative yet accessible content for all beauty professionals.
