ON OWNING A SAKS SALON: THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY IN

Salon group Saks shines a light on the different ways that hairdressers, therapists and salon owners can come to own a Saks salon: convert an existing business, take over an established Saks, or be nurtured into ownership as part of an owner’s exit plan. Plus the option of a brand new salon in a location of the enquirer’s choice.
With three ownership stories in 2026 so far, Saks salon owners in Perthshire, Teesside and Northumberland show how their chosen route worked for them.

CONVERT AN EXISTING SALON TO SAKS
Independent salon owners can convert their business to Saks. The Saks HQ team handles everything from business operations to staff training, website, social media set-up and local marketing, plus a salon revamp contribution, stock start-up pack and full launch support.
Elaine Morgan swapped Morgan’s Hair for Saks, and reopened as Saks Perth in June. Elaine’s still at the helm, now backed by being part of the Saks family.

Elaine says: “After running Morgan’s, I wanted to give my customers something even better. Joining Saks means I can offer the best in hairdressing, as part of a brand with a brilliant, longstanding reputation. The hair training and creative opportunities for my team are second to none. We’re loving customers old and new having the Saks experience.”

The launch offer, first appointments for half price, brought customers flooding back, some of whom were aware of Saks given the group’s two award-winning salons in Aberdeen.

In the first few weeks of trading, Saks Perth has seen a rapid uplift in customer acquisition, digital visibility, and online engagement. Facebook followers up 42%, Instagram followers up 139%, and Google search visibility up more than 300% across key local search terms. And over 20% of salon income already coming through online bookings –  a channel that Elaine didn’t utilise previously.

Initial results demonstrating how converting to Saks can rapidly enhance a salon’s visibility, attract new clients and introduce scalable systems that support long-term sustainable growth.

TAKE OVER AN EXISTING SAKS SALON
Existing Saks salons occasionally become available for takeover, complete with an established team and loyal customers – ready to go from day one.

Saks Tees Barrage, at the David Lloyd Club in Thornaby, was taken on by Hannah and Mick Chatt in May. Hannah originally completed hair training at a Saks Academy, and is a familiar face in the hair industry, already working closely with the group. Hannah is taking it on alongside her current role with L’Oréal Professionnel, with a full move into Saks ownership later in 2026.

The team has stayed with the salon through the handover, and early feedback from existing and new clients since Hannah took the reins reflects the seamless transition:

“A warm welcome upon arrival… my stylist actually listened to my concerns and expectations and wow she delivered. I’ve found my forever stylist.”

“My first visit to Saks, was amazing. My hairdresser took the time to discuss the style I wanted and gave me great advice based on my hair type.”

NETWORK SUCCESSION
Saks helps owners plan their exit by mentoring talent from within, so a salon passes to someone the team and customers already know and trust.

After 25 years running Saks Hexham, Andrea Currah handed the day-to-day running of the salon over to daughter Shannon in May, who’s worked in the salon for nearly a decade.

Shannon, who’s also a Saks Artist delivering hair training and representing Saks backstage, says: “I came on board nearly 10 years ago, and my mam’s trained me from the ground up on how to manage a salon and how to be a hairdresser as well. Our ethos at Saks is about making women feel special. Everything that we do leads to that – it will never change. It’s been my guiding star since the start.”

Growing into ownership isn’t only a family affair. At Saks Yarm, stylists Amy Pengilley, Charlotte Lewington and Sean Kelly proved when they teamed up to become co-owners as previous boss Jane Myers-Lewis stepped back in 2025, with laser-focused support and mentoring from Jane and the Saks HQ team. Perfect timing as the salon celebrated 30 years of success, and ready for its next era.

Jezz Ellis, head of business operations at Saks, says: “These successions show the strength of the businesses our owners build. They create salon cultures that clients trust and teams want to be part of, making the transition to new ownership a natural next step, not a fresh start.

“For new owners, it’s a chance to grow from strong foundations while bringing their ideas to the business. For clients, it means the same values, familiar faces and high standards. We’re proud to support our owners through every stage of their journey, helping successful businesses thrive for years to come.”