THE PERFECT SALON EXPERIENCE

Russell Eaton moved into its new Leeds city centre home at the end of 2023, with a mission to continue growth, plant new seeds and flourish in a thriving city

Russell Eaton had been in its prime Boar Lane location in Leeds for 15 years, but with the lease coming to an end the team had a tough decision to make. “After weighing up the options, we felt it was time to make a fresh start in a new Leeds location,” shares Creative Director Robert Eaton.

HJ chatted to Robert to discuss how the brand found their new home. “We loved the old location at the top of the main high street, but the general flow of the city has changed over the last decade. The iconic Sassoon Academy had just closed on Albion Street, and it was a great opportunity for us. We knew we wanted to put our own stamp on the space.”

In terms of interior direction, they took inspiration from their recently-renovated Barnsley salon and commissioned the same designer, Simon Mitchell. “We love materials like dark wood and chain mail, and our circular mirrors have become a bit of a trademark,” explains Robert. The aforementioned circular mirrors seemingly 'float' on top of one another above the styling stations. Robert adds: “Our team love them as you can see the whole salon while you’re working – and clients can see their hair from all angles too, perfect for selfies!”

Although the team were complimentary of the existing salon’s space, there were inevitable changes that they wanted to make. “It’s a long, narrow salon split over two floors so we wanted to separate the salon into different zones and create a good flow,” explains Robert. “We have 24 styling positions over two floors. We have a colour floor, and a space where we can do training and education, whilst cutting and styling is primarily on the ground floor.” The salon group is known for its monochromatic and neutral tones, which perfectly pair with Robert’s 2023 British Hairdresser of the Year collection displayed proudly behind the calming backwash area. In fact, Robert admits that clients are so comfortable in the RS Elite backwash chairs that they have been known to fall asleep at the basin!

The team revealed that they had been looking for a new location for years, but found the process fascinating rather than stressful. “It was interesting to see the city change.

“THE QUALITY OF TAKARA BELMONT PRODUCTS IS EXCEPTIONAL... WE’VE WORKED WITH THEM FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND THEY’RE THE BEST.”

Leeds is a thriving city with a lot of new development,” he adds. But for Russell Eaton, it’s all about longterm investment. And that dictates the furniture partners they work with as well. “We have Takara Belmont in both of our salons. The brushed metal finish on the Cadilla styling chair fits our aesthetic perfectly, and the quality of the products is exceptional,” explains Robert. But it's not just the design, it's the client comfort the furniture delivers that keeps them faithful fans. “We’ve worked with Takara Belmont for over 20 years – they’re the best,” he concludes. Everything about Russell Eaton is underpinned by longevity. Although there were challenges along the way (read: juggling two city centre salons at the same time), all's well that ends well. Robert adds: “We’re set up for future decades in a location that is perfect and with a salon space that looks incredible.” The future really is bright for Russell Eaton.

GET THE LOOK

1 Cadilla styling chair
Cadilla’s classic design and gender-neutral appeal inspires salons looking for sustainable quality. With a multi-purpose version ideal for backwash services, achieve service continuity from salon floor to backwash.
£1,540-£1,620 (styling chair), £1,745-£1,825 (multi-purpose chair)

2 RS Elite backwash
With a wide basin, a 16° tilt mechanism, and a gel-filled neck cushion, neck pain is eliminated during every backwash service. Thermostatic water control and a water-saving shower head ensure energy efficiency, and you can customise from a range of colours to suit your salon interior.
£3,900

3 Roller Ball F colour processor
(wall-mounted version)
This infrared processor revolutionises colour services by halving processing time. Roller Ball F means salons can fit more clients into their day, while enhancing every colour service.
 £2,100 (mobile), £2,600 (wall-mounted)

Upgrade your salon experience with 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease. Discover more at www.takarahairdressing.co.uk