HJ INTERIORS
Hex APPEAL
One salon owner details how she has created a space full of personality, with inclusivity at its core
“While Hex has a distinctive look and energy, the goal is that anyone can walk through the door and feel welcome, seen and looked after.”
FACT FILE
Name: Hex Hairdressing
Address: 97 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW
Owner: Kayleigh Johnson
When did the salon open: October 22, 2025
How many staff: 14 – hybrid employed/self-employed
Budget: Originally £25k, but ended up spending £37k
When Kayliegh Johnson decided to relocate Hex to a bigger premises, she experienced what can only be described as a full-circle moment. “I did my apprenticeship in 2011 right here in the same space I’ve now taken over,” she reveals. “My best friend owns the piercing studio Holier Than Thou downstairs, and when she bought the whole building, the old salon unit was just sitting there empty. It felt like the perfect chance to bring the space back to life,” she explains. Both businesses champion an alternative energy – and even share a lot of the same clients – so the move was a no-brainer.
Kayleigh describes the salon as vibrant, comforting and chaotic – with hot pink, neon green and bright yellow all used throughout. “While Hex has a distinctive look and energy, the goal is that anyone can walk through the door and feel welcome, seen and looked after,” she shares. The design inspiration all stemmed from a “super cool but obnoxious” wallpaper that Kayleigh had shipped in from the US; the bold leopard-print design is balanced with painted white walls, which are easy to touch-up when scuffed. “The real magic, though, is what’s on the walls – we cover them in art created by our ridiculously talented clients, or gifted to us because someone thought ‘this looks like Hex.’”
The black and white checkerboard flooring backs up the striking aesthetic, while a yellow non-slip rubber – used in the entrance and at the backwash – enhances accessibility while still contributing to the salon’s overall vibe.
Hex’s previous location didn’t have a dedicated reception, so this was something Kayleigh was excited to introduce in the new space. It features her beloved bold wallpaper, along with leopard print chairs, grounded by a sleek, gold-trimmed black desk. “I wanted reception to set the tone the second someone walks in,” she explains. “It’s the first hint that you’re somewhere that celebrates individuality and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
The salon boasts 11 styling stations, three of which have reclining backs – perfect for diffusing curls or cutting facial hair. Additionally, one of the stations can be separated from the rest of the floor using privacy screens. Hex also features three backwash stations, all of which fully recline for comfort. The original plan was to have this area completely flat, but due to the building’s plumbing, they had to be positioned on a raised platform. “Accessibility is really important to us, so I am currently looking into getting a portable backwash for wheelchair users. It matters that every client feels cared for and included, and we will keep adapting until the space works for everyone,” says Kayleigh.
KAYLEIGH’S TOP TIPS
1 Know your vibe before you lift a single paintbrush
If you don’t know who you are as a salon, you’ll end up with a space that feels confused.
2 Make accessibility
part of the design, not an afterthought
Ramps, clear level changes, wide spaces, gender neutral toilets… all of it matters. If you are creating a space for humans, create it for all humans.
3 Follow your heart -
but also follow the regulations
Do the fun design stuff, yes, but also make sure your plumbing, electrics and layout meet the boring-but-important rules. It saves money, time and stress later.