Luke Ormsby's Primrose Hill salon has been open for five months and has already been nominated for an award.
The Harrow born and raised hairdresser first put his name above the door of his Pinner salon in July 2020, just after lockdown. There was a stampede for his cut and colouring services, and he soon built up the business to the point of overspill.
"We were outgrowing the space and it was the next logical step to open a second," he says.
That turned out to be Princess Road in the fashionable north London enclave, an almost ready to go salon vacated by 35-year hairdressing business Hacketts.
He has introduced greenery, chandeliers, and his own range of sustainable, biodynamic products. The salon is dog and child friendly "bring your laptop and work," says Ormsby, whose mantra is "everything must be friendly from the moment people walk in."
"Coming into a salon can be incredibly daunting, it's about making sure everyone is approachable. In years gone by there was a style of trendy hairdressers that no-one had the front to walk into. We are getting rid of that, we are here to help, to make people feel and look good. The consultation process is the most important part of any haircut. We ask open questions to find out 'what would be the ideal? 'What's your lifestyle?'"
Ormsby believes it should be possible to get "a West End cut on the outskirts of London" and offer "high fashion hair in a sustainable, accessible way."
His clients range from 5-97 and "everywhere in between" with all stylists proficient colourists in everything from pink to covering grey hairs - using organic Oway products which are kinder on locks.
Ormsby trained at Tony&Guy before working on TV shows, including making over X Factor contestants.
"I'd get to the studio at 7.30am to get them ready for their first set up, then it might change if the judges didn't like the way their hair looked. Most of them were really lovely, quite nervous and quiet. You'd see them grow as the weeks went on."
Now with 19 staff, Ormsby divides his time between Primrose Hill and Pinner and says "both have a villagey feel". He opens Tuesday to Sunday to allow hardworking locals to have their hair done at weekends.
"People spot us on the way to the pub or park and pop in. There are lots of eccentrics, but I love the people, and the area. The business is building nicely. Once people come in, we know they will stay."
Luke Ormsby Hair has been shortlisted by Hair Magazine for best new UK salon and has 5 star status and an Eco Salon award in the Good Salon Guide. Ham&High readers can use code ‘HHLOPH’ for a complimentary wash, cut and blow dry worth £70.00 with any full head colour, balayage or foils, OR 50 percent off a wash cut and blow dry. Code is valid for four weeks, new customers only, Primrose Hill salon only with senior stylists Brooke or George.
Luke Ormsby Hair, 23, Princess Road, NW1. 020 7586 0969. https://tinyurl.com/3t2c42vz
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