Booking in for a cut and colour is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Creative director, Ricky Walters, of Soho's newest hair joint SALON64 explains the concept behind his revolutionary new 'Cosmetology Destination'.
Soho's newest hair salon SALON64 © Francesco Russo
"Hair dressing is such a creative industry that’s developed and changed so much over the decades but hair salons haven't, which didn’t make sense to me."
Beyond chic interiors © Francesco Russo
His mission was to open a luxurious social hub where customers could chat, take friends, have coffee or cocktail, relax AND get a great haircut. SALON64, which had a soft opening this week, was founded on that principle.
Charge your phone, and have a pop of fizz whilst you get pampered… © Francesco Russo
Set over two floors, the space is beautifully designed with dark wood, pops of colour and art deco detailing. It looks more like a cool bar than a hair salon and there's not a hair drier or barrel brush in sight. Instead, high-tech work stations open up to reveal mirrors and consoles with phone chargers, compartments for your magazine or iPad and drink holders - a bit like a giant jewellery box. The consoles are set into marble units around fire pits, which give the place a cool but cosy atmosphere. Hair washing is done in a private room, which looks like an all white science lab, ensuring total privacy while you relax and enjoy the experience.
Stylish science-lab wash basins © Francesco Russo
There are nice extras like reward points for coffee (caffeine addicts can get a free blow dry for 20 cups). There's also nail treatments, make-up and beard trims for the boys. Cult ethical hair brand Davines provide the products and Ricky and his team have impressive CV's. Having cut his teeth (or should we say hair) at Daniel Galvin and John Frieda, he is re-imaging the craft of hairdressing for the millennial era who want more than just a cut and blow dry.
To make an appointment at SALON64 call 0203 848 4130 or book online.
Photographs by Francesco Russo