Designed to impress

In our extensive interiors focus we are looking in to how salon owners can level up their interior design to reach a broader clientele.

As salon design continues to evolve, it’s essential that you’re moving with the times in order to keep your business relevant in such a competitive era. Along with ensuring your salon looks appealing to new and existing clients, it’s also important to get the most out of your space to really demonstrate its capability. You only get one chance to make a first impression and an easy way to make this count is by presenting a memorable interior.

When creating or updating an existing salon design, Kym Wyser of Medusa Salon recommends starting with a calm, neutral space with a coherent design: “The elements of design that are current can be interchanged to follow trends, so don’t spend a fortune on a something that will feel outdated in a few months. Create balance by using timeless, classic materials such as wood, concrete, marble and brick.”

Because of the turbulence over the last two years, it has meant that clients look for a sense of escapism and sereneness when they visit a salon. Kym believes that a calm atmosphere is crucial so it’s important to consider how best to create this through your interior design: “Take into consideration the choice of music, salon fragrance and the reading material on offer. Use plenty of greenery to promote health and wellbeing.” Design is at the heart of the salon experience but the small aspects are also important in creating a tranquil atmosphere.

When marketing a salon’s design to positively impact not only the brand’s reputation but the footfall also, the interior needs to represent the location, the ethos, the clientele and be sympathetic to the building. At Medusa, they have six salons and the buildings are all different.

Kym explained: “It is important that the brand is fully represented in each salon but not at the detriment of the building. There must be a sympathetic approach to salon design. This also includes the personality of the team working within the space. Interior is a massive contributing factor to the salon experience, it’s how it makes someone feel on the journey through their time with you.”

Valerie Maine is the founder of the London salon chain Live True and, after recently designing their flagship salon in Soho, Valerie knows that when designing a salon, it’s important for the space to feel inclusive and welcoming for everyone: “If you are using imagery in advertising throughout the salon, make sure to include images of models with different hair types and textures, as well as from all racial backgrounds.

“Ensure that your space is wheelchair accessible, or if this isn’t possible, have a plan in place to cater to clients with limited mobility.

“It’s also important to think about whether your salon is set up to cater to clients from different religions, for example if your client wears a hijab, and how you can adjust your salon space to meet any specific requirements.”

We were keen to find out, in Valerie’s expert opinion, what she believes a salon shouldn’t be without in terms of interior in 2022, to which she answered: “A ring light! This is key to taking incredible photos of your work as well as your interior.”

Clients don’t just want great hair; they want a great experience during their salon visit, which means that the interior always has a role to play in their choice of salon. A beautiful and comfortable salon space where clients can feel pampered is incredibly important in attracting the right type of client.

Georgia Faulkner of Blushes in Cheltenham notices that just like any other industry, salon design has evolved in the last ten years from something that was once functional, to now creating environments that are more immersive and inspiring for those who visit. Georgia added: “When designing salon spaces it’s important to look at the designs based on their usability first and foremost. Style over substance doesn’t make for a happy team. The magic happens when you find the sweet spot between functionality and aesthetical pleasance.”

Inspiration for interiors can come from so many places; up and coming designers, films, celebrities, Architectural Digest and so keeping your finger on the pulse when it comes to tracking cultural shifts in trend is key. What was on-trend five years ago won’t be now, but salon design is about finding ways to maintain and improve over the years to continue to serve a timeless design that appeals to a larger audience.

Georgia knows that everyone has their own style but when it comes to a salon experience it’s all about feeling special in a comfortable environment. The space needs to work for the stylists whilst being welcoming and accommodating to the client.

Georgia believes there should be as little resistance to the client journey as possible – but that includes how the space works for the team. It’s important that the little things that add to the client experience are as accessible as possible: “For example where is the client coat rack? Does the location of the reception desk and waiting area to ensure clients feel welcomed rather than at a loss when they walk through the door?”

Salon interiors are about invoking all of the senses: “We aim to replicate our signature Blushes feeling through the atmosphere and experience we curate – building great customer relationships, the music playlist we make, great coffee and drinks menu, magazines to read or the latest from our online Journal, ambient fragrance and great lighting.” Added Georgia.

Sustainability is something that Blushes are incredibly conscious of, especially as there is so much potential for waste in the hairdressing industry. Research shows that Gen Z’s purchase decisions are driven by a business’s sustainability practices above all else. It’s more important than ever to demonstrate clearly the ways in which salons incorporate sustainability into their working practices.

When it comes to designing lifestyle spaces within a salon, Georgia recognises the importance of functionality from a client’s perspective as they are busy people with busy schedules. For some, it’s unrealistic to take three hours out of their work day to have their hair done, or perhaps they just want somewhere other than the salon chair to sit and relax while they’re reading: “With that in mind, clients need a dedicated space away from the stylist section that allows them a comfortable and luxurious area to work or relax in while their colour is developing.”

When it comes to marketing successfully, it’s all about telling a story. For salons, it’s never just about the hair or just about the interiors. It’s about each element coming together to create a memorable experience. People trust people and more importantly happy people tell their friends online and in person by leaving reviews – so if you can really wow someone with the service and the environment, you’re one step closer to getting a bunch of new clients. 

At MARKDAVID salon design plays a huge role in their marketing. Mark McCarthy, Owner of MARKDAVID explained: “Our salon design was of prime importance to us when opening under two years ago and we wanted it to be unique and unlike anything in the area and we definitely achieved this with our contemporary, Art Déco Gatsby-inspired feel. The interior design enhances the client’s overall experience in the salon. Great attention to detail was taken to ensure every element of the client’s visit was enjoyable, including the ambiance and fragrance of each area.

“Clients always complement our interiors and extra touches and often share images on social media, which helps to spread the word of our salon and attract in new clientele. We also share imagery of our salon interiors across our own social media platforms and these regularly get shared by local and industry press and attract media attention to our salon.

“Our salon exterior also plays a role in our marketing. We work with a local florist to create floral displays at the front of our salon and this receives a lot of attraction from passers-by. We love that people stop to take photos and to have a look inside our salon. We change the look of our outdoor space each season and the frequent reworks of the salon has become quite a talking point.”

At Rainbow Room International, they recently refurbished the salon. Although the previous design stood the test of time and was classic, the team wanted to update the salon to reflect who they are today and the journey they’ve been on in the last 20 years.

Dylan Brittain, Director of Rainbow Room International’s George Square Salon explained that when they chose the new look for the salon, they wanted it to appeal to their clientele of all ages and decided to add some unique finishing touches to the space in order to do this: “A couple of our statement features include our waiting area with exposed fireplace and leather armchairs, great for those who like to sit back and relax before or after their appointment, as well as our bar in the reception area of the salon. This is complete with high-backed stools and a fridge to serve cocktails. Perfect for clients who would like to come to the salon ahead of their big nights out and events.”

So, how can salon owners level up on their salon interior to reach a broader clientele? Simon Hill, Owner of SESH Hairdressing said: “To broaden horizons, my advice would be to think outside the box. Work with local artists and designers and come up with something different to the norm. For example, we commissioned a handmade table from a local artist for our retail area. We also added some gorgeous art work from a local artist that is of the gargoyles on the outside of our salon building.”

It’s most important that your interior represents your salon and what you stand for. You hope it will appeal to your clientele and your captive audience. As for it appealing to everyone, this is something you may not be able to achieve.

The owner of ROAR Hair and Beauty, Brian Leo McCallum, believes that showing off a section dedicated to something a little more interactive makes a lasting-impact on clients in terms of a salon’s interior.

“At ROAR Hair and Beauty, it’s really important that guests can see their colour being mixed. It adds an element of theatre to their appointment and allows you to show them you adding in any Olaplex treatments, for example. I also believe it’s important to have a dedicated retail area to inspire your guests. A couple of shelves with some products isn’t likely to spark interest in your clients.”

As we’ve mentioned, being inclusive through your salon’s interior really does reflect well on the reputation of your business. Brian told us that for him and his team, being inclusive isn’t about avoiding anything pink or blue.

Brian said: “My top tips to being inclusive through your salon design are to ensure your toilets are gender neutral. Where possible images used in the salon should be inclusive of all hair types and the lighting should be spot on – regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and so on… no one looks good under bad lighting!”

Through the design process, establish what you wish to achieve. The look, the feel and the must-have areas must all be included from the very beginning, allowing you to put in what is important and is non-negotiable. Brian MacMillan, Salon Director at F&M Hairdressing notices that this will allow you to then get to work and design the space in an ideal way.

Brian said: “For us as salon owners, we were fortunate to have a great deal of space to work with and we wanted a salon that was free flowing, had designated areas and that allowed the client to feel relaxed in their own styling station, whilst close enough to connect with others should they wish to engage.

“Our salon caters from the ages of two right up until 92, therefore we wanted an interior that could work for everyone, no matter their age, gender or requirement. We incorporated full disabled accessibility into the salon via the ground floor and our design is simply timeless.”

Zoë Rees of Bliss Hair Therapy told us that during the recent refit of her salon, the team opted for a much more sustainable inspiration, focusing their efforts on using natural greenery, organic materials and incorporating our sustainable ethics into the design. By doing this, they have assured they appeal to clients who are hugely passionate about the planet, making them a first choice over other salons who aren’t so eco-friendly.

Zoë’s one piece of advice is: “Think through your decision carefully never act on impulse. A salon interior is something so important to the brand, the team and of course, to the perception of clients and potential clients, therefore a lot of thought and research should be put into this. If unsure, always seek advice from professionals in interiors and materials.”

The initial step to either re-vamping or designing your salon is considering your target audience. This will provide you a clearer idea of colours and themes with which to style your salon in order to appeal to the clients you want to attract and beyond. Bear in mind the importance of appealing to everyone and not segregating yourself from a particular demographic or group of people. Take the expert’s advice on board to enable you to level up this 2022.