Balayage baby

18 months ago I made a decision that completely changed the products we use in the salon.

I’d been using the same colour brand for years and, if I’m honest, I’d never really looked into animal testing. I just assumed it wasn’t really a thing anymore.

Then I started researching.

The deeper I went, the more uncomfortable I felt.

I remember sitting there thinking, surely this can’t still be happening?

But it was.

And once I’d seen it, I couldn’t unsee it.

That’s when I found O&M.

Originally, I switched because they’re cruelty free and PETA approved.

What I didn’t expect was to completely fall in love with the brand. The colour, the products, the education, the results… I genuinely wouldn’t go back.

Since then, I’ve become a bit obsessed with checking what I’m buying 😂

I’ve had colour brands reach out and tell me they’re cruelty free. And to be fair, many of them are telling the truth.

But I’ve learned it’s not always that simple.

A quick search on the Cruelty Cutter app can sometimes reveal a very different picture. Often the brand itself isn’t testing on animals, but it’s owned by a parent company that still does.

That might not matter to everyone.

But for me, it does.

If I’m choosing where to spend my money, I’d rather support companies whose values align with my own.

And recently I’ve started looking at things beyond hair products too.

Did you know some toilet bleaches and household cleaning products are still tested on animals?

Because I didn’t.

Honestly, I was horrified.

So we’re now making a conscious effort to switch our cleaning products over to cruelty free alternatives wherever we can too.

Will every client care about this?

No.

But I know some of you will.

And if you’re one of those people, I want you to know it’s something we’ve put a lot of thought into.

Animals shouldn’t suffer so we can have beautiful hair.

And they definitely shouldn’t suffer so I can clean a toilet.

That’s why O&M will always have a home at Balayage Baby 🐰🤍

When I first opened my business, I thought being fully booked was the goal.

I chased it.

I said yes to every client.
Yes to every service.
Yes to every opportunity.

Even when I was exhausted.
Even when I didn’t enjoy it.
Even when it wasn’t the right fit.

What I’ve learned is that being fully booked means absolutely nothing if you’re not profitable, happy, or building a business that’s sustainable.

The same goes for team culture.

I don’t believe people do their best work when they’re ill. If someone is genuinely poorly, I’d rather they stay home, rest and recover than drag themselves into work because they feel guilty. You’re a human being, not a machine.

I also don’t believe technical skill alone makes a great hairdresser.

Some of the most successful stylists I’ve ever met aren’t necessarily the most talented in the room. They’re the ones who can make people feel comfortable, listened to and understood.

People remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten the formula you used.

I have zero tolerance for bitchiness in the salon.

Not because I’m trying to create some perfect workplace, but because negativity spreads quickly and culture matters. Life is hard enough without coming to work and feeling uncomfortable.

I also don’t think clients should be allowed to disrespect staff simply because they’re paying.

Clients deserve respect.

But so do stylists.

One should never come at the expense of the other.

And finally, I want my team to benefit as the salon grows.

I’ve seen too many businesses where staff work harder and harder while the owner takes all the rewards.

That breeds resentment.

If the business grows, I want opportunities, education, confidence and success to grow with it.

Everyone pulls their weight.
Everyone contributes.
Everyone matters.

Because at the end of the day, beautiful hair is important.

But culture is what people remember.

🤍

May, you were a big one 🤍

One month ago we opened the doors to our new salon, and honestly, it still feels a little surreal.

This month has been about finding our feet, settling into our new home and learning the rhythms of life on the high street. We’ve welcomed so many familiar faces through the door, met lots of lovely new clients, and watched Balayage Baby start this next chapter.

I’ve been so busy living it that I’ve been terrible at taking content 😅 but that’s probably a good sign.

There have been long days, plenty of challenges, endless cups of coffee and moments where I’ve had to stop and remind myself that this is real.

I’m incredibly grateful to every single person who has booked an appointment, popped in to say hello, shared our posts, recommended us, or supported us in any way.

We absolutely love our new home, and we’re only just getting started 🫶🏽✨

Here’s a little photo dump from our first month at Balayage Baby HQ 🤍

We’re still on the hunt for an employed stylist to join our team! 🫶🏽

Honestly… this salon has become such a lovely place to work already 🥹

The team we’re building feels supportive, creative, drama free and genuinely fun to be around. We work hard, hype each other up, celebrate wins together and have created such a nice atmosphere inside the salon already ✨

Since moving into our new Cookham salon, things have grown SO quickly and we’re now looking for one more employed stylist to join the team.

If you’re someone who:
🤍 Loves creating beautiful hair
🤍 Wants to continue learning and growing
🤍 Wants to work in a luxury salon environment without toxic salon culture
🤍 Wants supportive teammates instead of competition
🤍 Wants team nights, staff perks, good vibes and clients that genuinely value your work

…then we’d love to hear from you 🫶🏽

We’re a busy salon with strong client demand, ongoing education opportunities, commission on services & retail, reception support and the opportunity to train in extensions too ✨

Part time progressing into full time.
Minimum 3 years salon experience required.

Please send your CV to:
[email protected] 🤍

So excited to finally announce that Lydia will be joining the Balayage Baby team from July 🤍✨

Lydia will be joining us on a self-employed, part-time basis and brings with her over 20 years of experience within the hair industry.

Throughout her career, Lydia has worked across salons in Buckinghamshire and London, taught within hair academies and colleges, and also worked within West End theatre, television and film as a wigs, hair and makeup artist 🎭✨

Lydia specialises in haircare, cutting, styling and colouring, with a huge focus on creating hair that feels authentic, wearable and individually tailored to each client. Her approach is all about enhancing natural features and personal style, while making every client feel comfortable, confident and truly their best.

I know so many of you are going to absolutely love her calm energy, talent and attention to detail 🤍

As always, I’m so proud to continue growing a team of stylists who each bring something unique and special to the salon.

For now, Lydia is not yet bookable online while we get everything set up behind the scenes, so if you would like to book an appointment with her please contact Lydia directly via DM ✨