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The Natural World

The Natural World

Partnership

Cute, cool, and authentically au naturel – hair this simply stunning requires a magic mix of craftsmanship and product performance… and we’ve brought it! 

For this Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Authentic Beauty Concept, we tasked two hair artists to craft six looks – all with ‘natural’ in their DNA, whipped up using their favourite products and showcasing their unique styling moves. A loose bun, a little kick, a textured braid – this is elevated ‘everyday’ hair with a modern play, exquisitely styled to look perfectly effortless.

This menu is a natural selection that clients will covet, offering gorgeously beautiful hair that looks oh-so real and authentic, always. 

Melissa Timperley

Founder of Melissa Timperley in Manchester and adored for her work with textured hair and her modern approach to education, Melissa embodies just what Authentic Beauty Concept is all about. Stunningly crafted looks that meld a stylist’s creativity with a client’s desire for a natural finish that they can replicate at home.

Anthony McMeiken

Creative director of Jesmond’s Sassine, Anthony is an artisan who ensures his luxury salon brand delights guests while gifting them their-hair-but-better natural vibes. As an educator for Authentic Beauty Concept, he knows just what to grab to get that high shine swish that looks natural and effortless.

Danielle Vinson, Louise Nimmick, Victoria Rowland and Jo Eykyn

Say hello to this cadre of Authentic Beauty Concept brand guardians, gathered to enjoy an incredible community opportunity. On hand to help ensure the finished looks serve that natural aesthetic, they’ve also had the chance to soak up the atmosphere of an editorial shoot and learn those inside hair hacks from Melissa and Anthony’s tool kit!

The wave in this finish is the merest hint of pattern, an apparition that’s soft and subtle and always high on shine. Clever use of an S-shaped waver on some pulled out pieces – around the cheekbones, for example – enhance the finish, bending some ends in different ways to create a slightly more polished look.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Spray Conditioner, Hand & Hair Light Cream

The hero here doesn’t wear a cape – it comes in a tube! “The Hand & Hair Light Cream is my favorite. We use it a lot at Fashion Weeks,” says Melissa. “It can just be popped in your handbag, and it’s great for sealing in any ends and also adding definition to your ghost waves.”

The wave in this finish is the merest hint of pattern, an apparition that’s soft and subtle and always high on shine. Clever use of an S-shaped waver on some pulled out pieces – around the cheekbones, for example – enhance the finish, bending some ends in different ways to create a slightly more polished look.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Spray Conditioner, Hand & Hair Light Cream

The hero here doesn’t wear a cape – it comes in a tube! “The Hand & Hair Light Cream is my favorite. We use it a lot at Fashion Weeks,” says Melissa. “It can just be popped in your handbag, and it’s great for sealing in any ends and also adding definition to your ghost waves.”

Think ‘blowouts’ and you’ll be forgiven for picturing a gravity-defying bouffant, but that’s not what this is about. Yes, you want a little grit, a little memory, but most of all, this laid-back blow dry is about accentuating the glow of a beautiful colour as well as building in a little shape. This is loose, languid, laissez faire – never over styled, never overdone.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Cleanser and Conditioner, Glow Spray Serum, Amplify Mousse, Airy Texture Spray

Anthony used two different brush sizes, so that the curls didn’t look too samey or uniform. “Some of the curls are a little bit more formed, and some of the sections are a little bit looser and just a little bit flicked,” he explains. “And we really concentrated on that mid-level body, so not too much body in the hair, but not too flat. It really doesn’t feel over styled; it’s semi-polished, not too raw. Finish with a little Airy Texture Spray just in at the roots, for that bit of extra grit in the hair for hold.”

Think ‘blowouts’ and you’ll be forgiven for picturing a gravity-defying bouffant, but that’s not what this is about. Yes, you want a little grit, a little memory, but most of all, this laid-back blow dry is about accentuating the glow of a beautiful colour as well as building in a little shape. This is loose, languid, laissez faire – never over styled, never overdone.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Cleanser and Conditioner, Glow Spray Serum, Amplify Mousse, Airy Texture Spray

Anthony used two different brush sizes, so that the curls didn’t look too samey or uniform. “Some of the curls are a little bit more formed, and some of the sections are a little bit looser and just a little bit flicked,” he explains. “And we really concentrated on that mid-level body, so not too much body in the hair, but not too flat. It really doesn’t feel over styled; it’s semi-polished, not too raw.”

Think nature, think rugged beauty – you can’t spell ‘wilderness’ without ‘wild’, and the idea of this fuller curl is to wholly embrace the natural texture and even amp it up just that little bit in places you feel it needs it. Some sections will be straighter, and that’s a-okay. This finish is one to ride into the sunset with…

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Working Hairspray, Airy Texture Spray, Hydrate Smoothing Serum

To prep, Melissa used the Hydrate Curl Enhancer on wet hair, “squidging until you hear a squelch!” and then twisting each section depending on which way the root falls. “Apply to wet hair, it’s a really great trick for curly hair,” she says. “It acts as an anti-humectant to stop the curls going frizzy as you touch them” Want another great trick? When combing through and dressing out the curls, use the Airy Texture Spray… but then wait a little bit (“like when you put deodorant on,” grins Melissa). “Don’t touch the hair straight away, allow it to cool on the head, and then you can go through. What that means is the heat from your hands isn’t moving the product into parts that you don’t want.”

Think nature, think rugged beauty – you can’t spell ‘wilderness’ without ‘wild’, and the idea of this fuller curl is to wholly embrace the natural texture and even amp it up just that little bit in places you feel it needs it. Some sections will be straighter, and that’s a-okay. This finish is one to ride into the sunset with…

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Working Hairspray, Airy Texture Spray, Hydrate Smoothing Serum

To prep, Melissa used the Hydrate Curl Enhancer on wet hair, “squidging until you hear a squelch!” and then twisting each section depending on which way the root falls. “Spray on wet hair, it’s a really great trick for curly hair,” she says. “It acts as an anti-humectant to stop the curls going frizzy as you touch them” Want another great trick? When combing through and dressing out the curls, use the Airy Texture Spray… but then wait a little bit (“like when you put deodorant on,” grins Melissa). “Don’t touch the hair straight away, allow it to cool on the head, and then you can go through. What that means is the heat from your hands isn’t moving the product into parts that you don’t want.”

For a while the top knot replaced the ponytail as the cool girl’s go-to off duty. Then suddenly those knots morphed into ever-increasing buns that looked precisely like the effort they took. Nope, not with this knot – it’s a return to that DIY, on-the-down-low vibe that looks achingly cool without even trying. Two simple sections tie above and below, a little pull in a places, and you’re good to go. 

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse, Nymph Salt Spray, Airy Texture Spray, Dry Shampoo

Use Dry Shampoo to soak up any excess moisture in the hair before taking two pieces from the nape and almost draping the hair over. You then use those two pieces as almost the elastic for the ponytail. “So, twisting them, bringing them up and over the hair around in your knot, and securing them back underneath,” explains Anthony. “No bands or anything – it’s all done just with the hair, in that kind of effortless, undone manner.”

An extra tip from Anthony? “Pop a little bit of Amplify Mousse on the back of your hand, and with a make-up brush or a soft tint brush, just brush the mousse lightly in on any flyaways around the nape. It’ll dry and hold it in shape as well without being crunchy.”

For a while the top knot replaced the ponytail as the cool girl’s go-to off duty. Then suddenly those knots morphed into ever-increasing buns that looked precisely like the effort they took. Nope, not with this knot – it’s a return to that DIY, on-the-down-low vibe that looks achingly cool without even trying. Two simple sections tie above and below, a little pull in a places, and you’re good to go. 

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Amplify Mousse, Nymph Salt Spray, Airy Texture Spray, Dry Shampoo

Use Dry Shampoo to soak up any excess moisture in the hair before taking two pieces from the nape and almost draping the hair over. You then use those two pieces as almost the elastic for the ponytail. “So, twisting them, bringing them up and over the hair around in your knot, and securing them back underneath,” explains Anthony. “No bands or anything – it’s all done just with the hair, in that kind of effortless, undone manner.”

An extra tip from Anthony? “Pop a little bit of Amplify Mousse on the back of your hand, and with a make-up brush or a soft tint brush, just brush the mousse lightly in on any flyaways around the nape. It’ll dry and hold it in shape as well without being crunchy.”

Tinkerbell has flown the coop – these barely there braids are your hairline’s new must have accessory. Teeny, tiny, delicate plaits with the ends left with their natural texture… oh, and a knotted braided twist at the back that acts as the ideal counterweight to your itsy-bitsy face framers. No wings, no wands, just a whimsical touch that’s playfully perfect.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Nude Powder Spray, Working Hairspray

Perfect with day two texture, for the main knotted braid at the back, Melissa took two sections of hair, applied a bobble, and then flipped the bobble through the middle. “Then take your next ones, apply it over the top, and you keep going down,” she says. “What’s great about this is it keeps the length of the plait. When you do a normal braid, it shrinks the hair up. By doing it this way, you get to keep all the length.

But you want a bobble free zone with your delicate fairy braids – Melissa’s tip? “Apply the bobbles or ties through the ends. Take Nude Powder Spray and apply it while the bobble’s on. Then take slip the hair tie out and just backcomb the edges slightly – that will give you a much cooler vibe than having an elastic at the end, and the Nude Powder will really grip that into place.”

Tinkerbell has flown the coop – these barely there braids are your hairline’s new must have accessory. Teeny, tiny, delicate plaits with the ends left with their natural texture… oh, and a knotted braided twist at the back that acts as the ideal counterweight to your itsy-bitsy face framers. No wings, no wands, just a whimsical touch that’s playfully perfect.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Curl Enhancer, Nude Powder Spray, Working Hairspray

Perfect with day two texture, for the main knotted braid at the back, Melissa took two sections of hair, applied a bobble, and then flipped the bobble through the middle. “Then take your next ones, apply it over the top, and you keep going down,” she says. “What’s great about this is it keeps the length of the plait. When you do a normal braid, it shrinks the hair up. By doing it this way, you get to keep all the length.

But you want a bobble free zone with your delicate fairy braids – Melissa’s tip? “Apply the bobbles or ties through the ends. Take Nude Powder Spray and apply it while the bobble’s on. Then take slip the elastic out and just backcomb the edges slightly – that will give you a much cooler vibe than having an elastic at the end, and the Nude Powder will really grip that into place.”

Think dewy mornings and you’re along the right lines for this finish. Yes, it’s a wet look, but not as you know it. This is softer, more lived-in, a subtle slip rather than a slick to land on a result that’s wearable yet firmly editorial too. No crunch, all creativity – and that essential natural dose of chic.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Enhancing Water, Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly, Glow Spray Serum

Anthony turned to a clever “make-up blender on a stick” that was dampened down with a little bit of Enhancing Water first and then applied the Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly to the back of his hand. “Just taking up a tiny piece at a time, we smoothed that through section by section, really applying it heavier at the roots and letting it fade out towards those mid-lengths, working all the way up the head shape,” he explains. “We get this tighter feel, that everything at the root is really saturated and styled. And then using the Glow Spray Serum in the mid-section gives a nice transition from ‘super wet’ into ‘almost wet’ then into that ‘barely there’ texture towards the end.

Think dewy mornings and you’re along the right lines for this finish. Yes, it’s a wet look, but not as you know it. This is softer, more lived-in, a subtle slip rather than a slick to land on a result that’s wearable yet firmly editorial too. No crunch, all creativity – and that essential natural dose of chic.

Crafted using: Authentic Beauty Concept Enhancing Water, Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly, Glow Spray Serum

Anthony turned to a clever “make-up blender on a stick” that was dampened down with a little bit of Enhancing Water first and then applied the Cosmic Blow Dry Jelly to the back of his hand. “Just taking up a tiny piece at a time, we smoothed that through section by section, really applying it heavier at the roots and letting it fade out towards those mid-lengths, working all the way up the head shape,” he explains. “We get this tighter feel, that everything at the root is really saturated and styled. And then using the Glow Spray Serum in the mid-section gives a nice transition from ‘super wet’ into ‘almost wet’ then into that ‘barely there’ texture towards the end.

A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with Authentic Beauty Concept 

Photography Lily Craigen  

Hair Melissa Timperley and Anthony McMeiken, assisted by Jo Eykyn, Louise Nimmick, Victoria Rowland and Danielle Vinson, all for Authentic Beauty Concept  

Fashion Morgan Elizabeth Hall, assisted by Anna Milnes  

Make-up Roseanna Hackett using Saie Beauty, assisted by Sophie McGowan  

Models Lerissa Pillay (Zone) and Olivia Shelton (Milk)  

Editorial Amanda Nottage, Creative HEAD 

Digital, social media and BTS photography Haydn Hubert-Squibb and Zuri Mullings, for Creative HEAD 

Creative direction and production Joanna Kidd, Creative HEAD 

Shot at and around Street Studios in London 

“We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

“We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

“We Believed Pricing Should Reflect The Time, Products, And Expertise Involved, Rather Than Gender”

Co-founders Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton have converted a disused railway arch in Worcester into a sustainable hair salon with inclusivity at the forefront 

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Mosu hair salon exterior

Nestled in a transformed railway arch in Worcester, Mosu’s sustainable ethos is palpable from the minute you set foot in the door. Neutral tones, Oway products lining the walls, minimalist furnishings and palm fronds framing the space all help to create a sense of calm and serenity. Co-founded by Jenna Husbands and Alicia Hammersley‑Fenton, Mosu is a progressive, inclusive, and sustainable hairdressing space. With its genderful ethos and attention to every detail, Mosu has quickly become a community favourite. 

What inspired you to create Mosu? 

“Our goal was to ensure that every client received the same high level of care and consideration. With Jenna’s expertise in the hair industry – specialising in short hair and male grooming – and Alicia’s background in client experience and brand development, we initially saw a gap in the market for men. Our original idea was to create a premium barbershop, offering an elevated experience with services like cutthroat shaves and facials. 

“However, we realised we were unintentionally limiting our vision. That’s when we decided to create a completely gender-neutral space, embracing a more progressive and inclusive approach. Adopting gender-neutral pricing was a key part of this vision. While we were initially nervous about how it would be received – especially in a small city like Worcester – we believed pricing should reflect the time, products, and expertise involved, rather than gender. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

What drew you to the railway arch as a location?  

“This part of Worcester is an up-and-coming area that required vision, and we saw incredible potential in transforming the space into something special. It took us two years to secure the lease, as the structure came with its own complexities. Along the way, we watched other businesses open in spaces we had considered, but we always felt that the arch was worth the wait. As our flagship hair space, it makes a bold statement and reflects the uniqueness of our brand.” 

Mosu hair salon transformation

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the renovation?  

“The biggest challenge we faced was during the build itself. Converting a disused railway arch brought unique complexities and required a lot of plan refinement to secure the lease. When construction finally began, progress was unexpectedly halted, and we had to bring in additional trades to address and rectify significant work. This delayed our initial launch by a year. 

“Fortunately, our flexible jobs allowed us to contribute as much as possible to the process ourselves, though it still placed a significant strain on us. Looking back, the challenges we overcame made our opening day even more meaningful.” 

How did you incorporate sustainability into both the renovation and daily salon life?  

“Every decision we made – during both the renovation and in daily operations – focused on creating a premium, eco-conscious space. 

“We opted for a 100 per cent renewable energy supplier and invested in energy-efficient appliances, including infrared heating, a heat pump tumble dryer, and an inline water filter. During the build, we prioritised sustainable materials like Kabric, responsibly sourced wood, and durable, high-quality fixtures designed to last.” 

“We’ve vetted every supplier to ensure we’re making the most sustainable choices, from cleaning products to toilet paper. We share our efforts on a dedicated page on our website, so clients can see how seriously we take this commitment.” 

Describe the atmosphere you’ve created at Mosu…  

“From the beginning, we wanted to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and reflective of our ethos. We’ve used earthy, neutral tones and natural materials to add a sense of calm, balanced with clean lines to keep things fresh and modern. We offer quiet appointments for those who prefer a peaceful experience, along with a curated selection of design, travel, and food books for a moment of mindfulness. 

“Our playlist, a blend of electronic and mellow beats, completes the atmosphere, making Mosu a space where clients can truly relax and feel at ease. We’re always so pleased to hear clients’ first impressions when they step into the arch. The structure’s high, curved ceilings create a unique space with an airy yet comforting ambience.” 

What are some of your favourite areas or features?  

“While we love the open-plan workspace and its welcoming vibe, one feature that’s especially meaningful to us is the bathroom! Creating an accessible WC within the unique constraints of the arch was challenging, but inclusivity was a priority from the outset. Standard commercial washroom packages were shockingly utilitarian and expensive, so we spent countless hours sourcing equipment that balanced functionality with style. We used earthy tones, eco-friendly plaster from DetaleCPH, Carrara marble tiles and matte black fixtures to create a cohesive, modern look. 

“The positive feedback we’ve received about the bathroom means so much to us. It’s a small but important example of how we’ve approached every detail with care.” 

Mosu hair salon bathroom

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

Inside Host Manchester, the brainchild of scalp bleach expert Sarah Louise Keane.

by KELSEY | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Located just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly on historic Ducie Street, Host Manchester offers hairdressers a home-from-home – a bespoke space which puts their craft firmly in the spotlight. Set in the iconic former ‘Home’ nightclub, the space captures the spirit of innovation and individuality, packed with unique details and nods to Mancunian culture, like the carefully curated prints seen on the gallery walls.

Spanning two floors, the light, spacious space is the epitome of thoughtful design, with every detail considered with the hairdresser in mind.  “The biggest thing for me – not just as someone who teaches who needs a space designed for that – but as a hairdresser who works for herself, I wanted to be somewhere where everything is designed for me, the hairdresser,” Sarah says. “As nice as it is to have a dimly lit backwash, if you can’t see what you’re doing, it’s not ideal,” she adds, laughing.

The three key areas which the space addresses are light, layout and the backwash area. First and foremost, there are massive windows which span both floors. There are also 36 Daylight Bars that mimic natural light, ensuring perfect visibility no matter the weather – ideal for the many days of rain that Manchester is known for!

The backwash areas are strategically placed to maximise the benefits of natural light upstairs, while downstairs, the event and education space has been designed for creativity and learning.

The hairdressing stations have also been carefully positioned to take full advantage of the natural light flooding, ensuring that every station is bathed in optimal light. The thoughtful placement also encourages collaboration through an open, inviting atmosphere. “We wanted to create a space where everyone can come together – whether that’s a hairdresser working behind the chair, someone who does education, or people like Peter [Host’s co-founder], who wants to have a branded event,” Sarah explains. “We can do it all under one roof!”

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“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

A decade on, the iconic Notting Hill salon has transformed into a sleek, modern space with
a bold vision – blending high-end design, artistic flair and next-level support for its talented team.

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

A decade after its initial launch, the Josh Wood Atelier has enjoyed not only an interior refresh but a business rethink, too. Design group West and Vittori were brought on board to elevate the space. “I wanted it to look slick, stripped back, modern,” says Josh. “It’s a little more noir, slightly edgier. We’ll be hosting art and flower installations, so we need to have a backdrop that can keep evolving.” His favourite element? A pink quartz underlit table in the colour room: “It glows,” he whispers, describing it as his pièce de résistance. “It took some doing with engineers because those quartz bricks are quite heavy. It was a labour of love.” 

This transformation wasn’t just aesthetic; it reflects a shift in the Atelier’s ethos. Josh explains, “We wanted to think about the next five to ten years and what the industry might look like. It’s about creating a much cleaner, crisper space – a blank canvas – using very high-quality furniture and materials. The design before was quite full-on and we pared it back to focus on timeless functionality.” 

Located in Notting Hill, just behind Holland Park tube station, the Atelier aims to strike a balance between its international reputation and a local salon feel. “A lot of our clients are high-profile or high-net-worth individuals, and their image is incredibly important. But they don’t see hair as separate from their overall look – it’s about the full picture,” he explains. “So, we think about how they’re going to look and feel at the end – whether they need brows, lashes, nails or make-up. We’re a one-stop shop for incredibly time-starved clients.” 

The redesign also prioritised flexibility, allowing the space to evolve over time. “The upstairs floor, for example, used to feel more curated with old furniture I’d collected – library tables from France, a black metal chest from America. Now, we’ve stripped it back so it’s more open and adaptable. I dream of hosting a sculpture exhibition up there one day,” Josh shares. 

Beyond the physical changes, the Atelier now operates more like a talent management agency, nurturing the careers of its self-employed stylists, including The It List Editorial Stylist winner Mike Mahoney. “The industry has shifted,” Josh explains. “Most people here are self-employed and running their businesses. We encourage their growth, whether that’s through creativity or building a team. We act almost like agents, helping manage both their salon clients and creative work. If someone has a big job, we’ll take care of the logistics so they can focus on their craft.” 

Clients have embraced the changes wholeheartedly. “They love the freshness and cleanness of the space,” Josh says. “But more than that, they appreciate the spirit of the business. We’re curating something special here, from partnering with Chanel for make-up at Claridge’s to introducing Bio Sculpture nails and collaborating with local food producers. It’s all about creating opportunities and taking the headache away from the team, so they can focus on what they do best – being creative.”  

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“The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

“The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

"The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

Celebrating individuality, nostalgia and unbeatable client experience, Kitch is a pastel-hued, kitchen-inspired salon offering a welcoming space for all. 

At Kitch in Angel, Islington, owners Luca Jones and Scott Humphreys are reinventing the salon experience, one pastel corner at a time. Their 1950s kitchen-themed space is anything but traditional, blending a sense of nostalgia with modern inclusivity. Designed as a vibrant yet familiar kitchen, Kitch offers everything from salon services to barbering, in an inclusive and gender-neutral setting. Kitch welcomes everyone to enjoy a unique salon experience that feels like getting your hair done at home with friends. 

Following their recent win for Most Wanted Best Client Experience, the team has been busy enhancing their signature space. This includes expanding the retro theme upstairs while introducing functional updates for an even smoother client journey. And while the decor is as pastel and charming as ever, it’s the updated backwash area that’s turning heads. The newly added basins sit next to the colour zone for seamless toning, and the installation of a new boiler ensures consistent water pressure across multiple stations. The bright pink cabinet housing the boiler ties functionality with the salon’s aesthetic, allowing clients to enjoy a faster, more efficient rinse without sacrificing the beloved Kitch vibe. 

“The experience starts at the door,” says Scott. “As soon as you walk into reception, we want it to be relaxed and easy – not too formal or stuffy. Having the dog by the door also helps ease everyone in. It’s an open, friendly environment.” This approach is what sets Kitch apart from traditional salons, making it feel more like a community hub where clients can truly be themselves. 

Central to the Kitch experience is its commitment to inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQIA+ clients. “We wanted to create a safe space for everyone,” says Luca. “Here, you can come in, be yourself, wear what you want, and say what you want. It’s a nice, fun place to be, and everyone seems super relaxed.” This openness and inclusivity foster a sense of connection among clients and staff alike, and the layout even encourages conversation between clients. “It feels like you’re part of a whole group. No one’s left out, no matter their age,” Luca adds. 

The recently expanded salon upstairs builds on Kitch’s charm, offering even more practical functionality while keeping its signature aesthetic intact. “Being able to use the backwash area properly is worth a billion dollars!” the founders joke.  

Kitch also brings a unique approach to customer service, emphasising listening and collaboration. “An important point is listening to what your client wants,” says Scott. “A lot of hairdressers go on a tangent and do what they want, but it’s important to tweak it your way while listening to the client’s wishes.” This dedication to understanding clients’ needs reflects the founders’ vision for a salon where everyone’s individuality is celebrated. 

Inspired by his upbringing, Scott explains, “My mum was a hairdresser, so there was always someone in the kitchen getting their hair done. It was usually a really fun time, especially after COVID. The kitchen was always a relaxed place, and that’s what we wanted here at Kitch – a space where people chat, laugh, and feel comfortable.” 

With a nostalgic design, high standards, and an inclusive atmosphere, Kitch in Angel is more than a salon; it’s a space where everyone can feel at home while getting top-notch service. 

 

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“The Position Of Barbershop As A Pillar Of The Community Had Been Lost… And We Wanted To Change That.”

“The Position Of Barbershop As A Pillar Of The Community Had Been Lost… And We Wanted To Change That.”

“The Position Of Barbershop As A Pillar Of The Community Had Been Lost… And We Wanted To Change That.”

Take a look inside time, a new barbering space that’s set to bring back the community element of the industry.

by AMANDA | DOCUMENTS

Founded by former It List Rising Stars Tommy Cunliffe and Callum McDonald, along with fellow barber Tom Hunt, time. is on a mission to live up to its name. The main objective? For the space to be somewhere for locals to come together and have a good time. “We felt like somewhere along the line, the position of barbershop as a pillar of the community had been lost… and we wanted to change that,” explains the trio.

They’ve taken special care to curate the ideal space, with thanks to Chris Tidy Architects – barber chairs from Japan, a coffee brew bar, bespoke joinery (because it’s all in the details). Family-run workshop Duel Works created all the work stations to exact measurements and specifications after a “frankly terrifying initial quote” from another firm. The mirrors are a favourite element. Originally from India, the gang drove three hours out of town to pick them up from an antique dealer before getting a carpenter to bring them back to life. “We feel they only enhance our theory of time being the most important factor,” they explain. “They’re as old as the hills, took ages to pick-up and ages to refurbish, but are so worth it.” But more important that the interiors is the vibe they’re aiming to create – attentive and tailored but also friendly, caring, inclusive and relaxed. We believe time is on their side…