A salon is where most individuals get their hair done and leave right after. It isn’t often a place where meaningful bonds are formed (note: especially if you love to do all sorts of stuff to your hair), yet in the bustling heart of upmarket Marylebone, where London’s streets meet the heart and soul of trendsetters, a salon director leads the charge. “It’s not just about hair, it’s about the soul beneath it,” shares Nohad Da Silva, the founder of Knots and Dye.
The personal touch
The 2023 hair salon trends report indicates a shift towards personalised experiences, with a staggering 78 per cent of clients seeking salons that offer more than just a haircut. Knots and Dye, under Nohad’s visionary leadership, is at the forefront of this movement.
Hairstyles and hair color preferences say a lot about a person – their personality, joys, triumphs, and even sorrows may reflect how they carry and maintain their hair. A typical salon appointment entails questions like: “What kind of cut or color are you going for?” or “What kind of treatment do you want to do today?” Nohad, on the other hand, takes a good look at every single soul that walks through Knots and Dye and listens closely to the underlying message one may have.
“Last week, a young woman walked into our salon, tears in her eyes, wanting to chop off her long locks after a heart-wrenching breakup,” recalls Nohad. “Instead of immediately reaching for the scissors, we sat down, had tea, and talked. We became her therapists for those few hours.” This approach, where the client’s mental well-being is prioritised over the immediate business, sets Knots and Dye apart in an industry often criticised for its superficiality.
Andrada, the floor managing director, adds: “Beauty isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good from the inside out. Everyone, regardless of their journey, is beautiful in their unique way, and we’re honored to be a part of highlighting that beauty, both inside and out.”
Challenging stereotypes: Beyond the chair
The hair salon industry in the UK has long been overshadowed by limiting stereotypes. A common misconception paints hairstylists as individuals confined to the lower tiers of income and education. It’s both ridiculous and deeply disheartening that professionals are judged so critically based on their chosen vocation. Nohad and her team at Knots and Dye are fervently working to dispel these myths.
“Every member of our team undergoes rigorous training, delving not just into hairstyling but also into the nuances of human psychology, current trends, and the art of conversation,” Nohad emphasises. It’s also noteworthy that some of their top stylists earn salaries that compete with IT specialists and even certain corporate executives.
Yet, despite these revelations, a segment of the industry remains skeptical, questioning if the progressive efforts of one salon can genuinely overturn such deep-seated beliefs. Nohad’s Knots and Dye stands firm in the belief that salons are not just places to enhance one’s outer appearance; they are sanctuaries of trust, of openness, and of genuine human connection. Every chair, every station, every mirror reflects back not just a face, but a story, a struggle, a dream.
The future of Knots and Dye
With the global hair salon market projected to reach $110 billion by 2025, there’s ample opportunity for salons to make their mark. Knots and Dye, with its unique approach and commitment to community, is poised to capture a significant market share and influence the direction in which the industry moves.
Nohad shares her vision as she aims to soar to greater heights through her passionate endeavors that go beyond business protocols. “Five years from now, I want people to walk into any salon, not just Knots and Dye, and feel seen, heard, and valued. Beauty is universal, and so should be the experience of it.”
Knots and Dye’s commitment to personal connection and community stands out in a world where trends come and go. It’s not just about hair; it’s about the stories, the emotions, and the souls intertwined with each strand. As Nohad and her team continue their journey, a new era for the industry is definitely on the horizon.
Factbox
Address: 159 Seymour Pl, London W1H 4PH
Phone: 020 7258 3003
