The perfect salon EXPERIENCE

Here at HJ, we’ve noticed an increase in hair studio spaces opening. The rise in independent stylists and the desire for private areas that can be used for clients, shoots and high profile guests are making studios a hot topic right now

Session stylist Joe Mills opened the Joe Mills Studio in Soho, London, a stone’s throw from his Joe and Co barbershop on St Peter Street earlier this year. “Opening a creative space was something I have always wanted to do,” he says. “I originally created a space for myself in the basement of our Joe and Co shop, but we needed it as we were getting busier. I had the other shop space empty, and after things came together over Christmas we decided to get on with it. I have a large clientele and some of them wanted the privacy so it made sense.”

A one-chair studio with a meeting area, it’s a private and personal space and feels different to the more social atmosphere of Joe and Co. “I use the space for clients, one-onone education and we are talking to brands about doing smaller launches there,” says Joe.

When it came to the interior, Joe wanted something clean and focused. “I knew what I needed in order to do my work but then I also thought about my clients and what they like about the other shops we have. The space has very high ceilings so we used lighting to create the illusion of it feeling cosy, even though it’s very minimalist. We use black, white and grey as the core colours and then chose all of the elements around that,” he describes.

When it came to choosing furniture, it was a no-brainer for Joe. “From the very start we have used Takara Belmont for all our salons, barbershops and projects,” explains Joe. “For us the simplicity, functionality and build quality really stand out. Their furniture is actually always a key factor in how we design our spaces. Their professionalism with ordering, advice and delivery are second to none.”

“TAKARA BELMONT FURNITURE IS ACTUALLY ALWAYS A KEY FACTOR IN HOW WE DESIGN AND LAYOUT OUR SPACES. THEIR PROFESSIONALISM WITH ORDERING, ADVICE AND DELIVERY ARE SECOND TO NONE.”

Joe was also able to hang a lot of his own art and photography that he’s collected over the years. The other more unusual touches include a bar and also a turntable (“all the music I play in there is on vinyl which is another favourite thing of mine,” adds Joe). Another key feature, is that the studio is hidden. The windows are covered in vinyl which gives it an air of mystery and as it’s down a small alley in Soho, which also adds that exclusive feel. “The feedback I have had from my clients is that they love the fact that they have my attention fully. In a busy salon it can be harder as there is always so much going on around you,” says Joe. A fully one-on-one experience? Surely that makes a studio space worth considering.

Recreate the look

The Majolica Porto mountable sidewash basin by Takara Belmont is crafted to ergonomic perfection in black or white high-end ceramic. Its gel-filled neck cushion ensures seamless contouring around each clients’ neck, and its tap options ensure regulated water pressure and temperature.With a free-swivelling, ergonomic shower-head with retracting cord giving the styling unbridled access to deliver each service, and a hair-trap system to prevent blockages, Majolica Porto ensures service satisfaction every time. Price: £1,290-£1,630+VAT

The Dainty grooming chair features 360º (lockable) rotation and a reclining backrest for the upmost comfort. From Takara Belmont’s traditional collection, it also features an adjustable and removable headrest, upholstered padded armrests and footrest. Choose from a range of upholstery colours and customisable options including contrasting piping. Price: £1305-£1345 Discover at www.takarahairdressing.co.uk Email: hairdressing@takara.co.uk or call: 020 7515 0333