Amid the chaos of London’s busy Soho resides a serene escape. A destination where superlative hair styling meets opulent interiors, it’s no surprise that SALON64 has been the name on the lips of top celebrities, leading beauty editors and the elite of the corporate world since its launch in 2017.
The name is a reference to 17th-century France, where the word ‘salon’ was first used in 1664 to describe a certain type of gathering. At these salons – often held in the hostess’ lavishly decorated bedroom – female guests would socialise and enjoy pre-dinner drinks as they dressed and had their hair and make- up done for the evening ahead.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and SALON64 founder, Ricky Walters, thought it was high time the concept of the hair salon as a social hub was revived, though this time round men are welcome too. Given that in the 17th century Soho was known as London’s French Quarter – due to the number of French Huguenots who settled – here, the salon’s location is also particularly apposite.
Fast-forward to the 21st century and SALON64 founder Ricky Walters thought it was high time the concept of the hair salon as a social hub was revived
Powered by an incredible team of talented and inventive hair stylists, SALON64 is set over two floors, its design inspiring conversation through transformative spaces. With tapestries and prints giving an elegant nod to its inspiration, the interior features oversized herringbone floors, a regal black colour scheme enlivened with pops of gold and styled concrete against opulent marble and golden detailing.
At the front of the salon is the coffee bar where clients can watch the world go by over a flat white or use the jewellery box mirrors to touch up their hair and make-up before an event or meeting.
Towards the back and downstairs, fire pits run through the centre of a sleekly customised marble unit incorporating lift-up work stations with mirrors and charge points. This is also where hair is cut, coloured and styled. The very private wash areas, meanwhile, are concealed behind wooden doors, with one entry for the client and a second for the stylist. For total privacy, however, clients are invited to book their own deluxe treatment room.
The salon aims to develop and innovate in 2020, with plans that include a vegan and natural botanical product range as well as CLUB64, London’s newest and most exclusive private club, with membership for existing clients of the salon or by invitation only. Serving the best of British fizz and French champagne from early evening onwards, CLUB64 will be the perfect precursor to an evening out, just as the original salons were more than 350 years ago.
SALON64 will also continue to drive the hair styling sector forward, developing and creating new hair techniques, predicting new trends and disrupting the market. There’s no doubt that with a second SALON64 in the pipeline, this is a brand that will redefine the way we view hair salons in the future, paving the way for innovative and unique concepts one step at a time.
