With our owner and founder away on a European summer holiday, we’re day-dreaming of crystal blue waters and balmy, Mediterranean nights. One of the greatest lessons we learned during the pandemic is that slow, conscious and grounded energy really ought to be protected and cherished. As the world once again speeds up, we’re planning on taking a less is more approach to life and our craft - we hope to make a conscious effort in enjoying the simple pleasures and quiet moments. Eager to hear about her travels, we caught up with Mikki about the things that are currently inspiring her and what’s likely to trend come Spring/Summer ‘22.

How has it felt being abroad again and where have you been so far? It sounds kind of cheesy but touching down in Europe honestly felt like I’d finally taken a breath after holding it in for what felt like an eternity. I just feel better when I travel, nothing inspires me, motivates me or lights me up more than exploring the world. So far i’ve worked in London and have been making my way through Spain - Spain is so special to me and I feel chock full with new ideas. Tomorrow, I’m off to Italy!

What new learnings/inspirations do you think you’ll bring back to the salon, when you return? I think I’ve just had a major shift in perspective - which isn’t surprising as we really spent the last few years just trying to make it through. When I started my business five (ish) years ago, I had such huge ambitions to have an empire-like brand and now, I really just want something strong, sustainable and much, much slower. Of course, we’ll always be up to creative, fulfilling things but I really just hate hustle culture and I don’t want to be a part of it. Sometimes slow and steady does win the race - I don’t feel so rushed to conquer anymore, haha - I just want something beautiful, long lasting and forever giving.

How do you think this philosophy might impact the way you practice your craft and will your aesthetic shift slightly? Yes I think so - to be honest I’ve always felt a little stuck with hair trends - just in the way that, I myself am such a minimalist when it comes to my hair. I don’t colour often, I let it air dry and I don’t complicate my hair routine. Although we’ve always been a salon that celebrates natural textures and free flowing styles, I expect to see more minimal and natural colour work and less “styled” finishes.

What will be trending come Spring/Summer ‘22? I have so many ideas for our spring/summer campaign, which I’ll get onto as soon as I’m home but think, classic French balayage (that’s hand painted and lifted slowly), golden tones and sun-kissed hairlines (steering away from trending tiktok panels), glossy chestnut hues and beach washed texture. Lived-in, simplistic but intentional colour, slightly frizzy, bed hair styles etc.

What are some tips you have for someone who might want to head in this direction? If you’re transitioning to lighter, take baby steps and create a “hair journey” with your stylist. Have minimal bleach work in salon and let the sun and surf do the rest. Keep your haircare regimen simple but impactful. Only use beautiful, quality brands that are results driven and environmentally conscious. Keep your hair healthy with regular lunar rituals - eat and drink well. When tackling hair health, think holistically.

We know that you’re a light traveller, what are your hair and beauty essentials? You know it’s funny, I bought a Dyson airwrap just before leaving and I’ve touched it once. I really do try with heat styling but I just prefer my hair when it’s messy, a little frizzy and big. A quality shampoo and conditioner is a MUST - I’m using Oway moisture bath and rinse. I adore Oway and I also use their smoothing cream like you wouldn’t believe. My other go-to is the k18 treatment for those days where I’ve spent a little too long in the sea. I love travelling with a silk pillowcase - it keeps my hair soft and shiny. Oh, and a hat! Don’t forget to wear a hat.

What are your recommendations for those who are nervous to steer away from heat tools but would like to try new and less damaging hair care techniques? As I mentioned before, a silk pillow case will do wonders and it really is so important that you’re using quality haircare. I had a friend recommend rice water to me recently and I’m really eager to try it. It’s where you boil rice and then use the leftover water as a rinse treatment for your hair. Plaiting your hair and sleeping in it works well for natural texture. Always rinse your hair with fresh water before entering chlorine pools is a must. When performing treatments at home, wrap a hot towel over the top to open and further penetrate the cuticle. Take supplements, collagen and fish oils. Use scrunchies or claw clips instead of hair elastics for hair ups.

What services would you recommend booking for the PR devotee that wants minimalist locks? Firstly, always chat to your hair stylist and formulate a plan - both for services and hair care. If you’ve not been to us before, a consultation is an absolute must. If you’re lucky enough to have 100% virgin hair, or close to, classic balayage could work well for you. For those wanting blonde without the beating, retouch highlights and leave your face frame out if it’s getting dry or becoming too compromised. Drop your highlights from the roots - add in shadowy depth and keep your toners golden. Regular trims are a must and a monthly lunar ritual is a fab idea. Ask for loose waves that hardly look styled - a large barrel waver and larger sections. If you’re after even less fuss, get a twisty blow-dry and ask your stylist to twist and clip the mids and ends while it cools. This setting technique will add more kink to most hair types. Sea salt spray is a favourite for finishing.

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