The Launch party of Simon Webster Hair

 

 

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the launch party of Simon Webster Hair, a new salon opening in Gardner Street in Brighton. 

 

 

I'd met Simon through mutual friends a couple of times and so knew of his reputation as a vintage hairstylist and barber. Simon also regularly Djs (as Switchblade Si), and we've often seen him spinning some platters at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair at Brighton Racecourse.

 







 

With prices ranging from £40 to £55 for a ladies cut and blow dry (depending on the stylist), it is fairly on par with other Brighton salons. I was particularly pleased with the price of a full-head tint (£45). I may have to visit them to maintain my, ahem, natural colour.

 

This gentleman made the shop signs







 

With prices ranging from £40 to £55 for a ladies cut and blow dry (depending on the stylist), it is fairly on par with other Brighton salons. I was particularly pleased with the price of a full-head tint (£45). I may have to visit them to maintain my, ahem, natural colour.

 



(L-R) Siggi, Rachel and Karen





 Every so often, the acapella soul trio Just the Three of Us would start entertaining the crowd outside the shop.  Their renditions of 'You Can't Hurry Love' and 'Reet Petite' perfectly suited the retro styling of the entire evening.  The ground floor was packed, with hardly any room for us to film, so we headed upstairs to see the upper two floors.



  

There are four floors in total, with each room beautifully yet simply set out.  Photos of Simon's past work adorn the walls, as well as a stag's head on the ground floor!  The decor contains lots of muted colours which makes the whole place look very elegant.  Each room felt very open, even when they were full of revellers.



 

It was refreshing to see a salon in Brighton to have more than a distinct nod to vintage style, not only in the way they style your hair, but also in the whole look of the place. As well as the four floors of cutting and styling rooms, there is also a 'faffing' room for ladies (and I suppose gentlemen) to fix their make up and get used to their new look before stepping out. I thought this was a really lovely touch as often you do want to get yourself sorted before facing your public.

 

The 'faffing' room

 

Sadly, once again we had a really good interview which wasn't filmed, so there may be an accompanying film, albeit a very short one.

 

 Along with offering all the usual hairdressing services, the salon is the only UK stockist of Hawleywood's  outside of London (makers of the world famous Layrite pomade). You can also get your complete fix of New York's Bumble & Bumble.  All these goodies are stored in a big silver fridge which certainly looks cool (yes, I meant that pun, no I'm not ashamed of it).

 

 

 

We met lots of lovely people at the launch and I imagine the salon is going to go from strength to strength.