Congrats to Christopher Laird who has just opened a new salon in bustling West End of Edinburgh.
Situated in Haymarket, Laird & Co will offer a premium hairdressing experience in a space designed to feel like an extension of Christopher’s home. Keen to break away from the traditional salon concept, Christopher has designed Laird & Co to feel aspirational and high end, eschewing traditional salon furniture in favour of hand-picked pieces sourced from across the globe.
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Laird & Co.
With just four styling stations, Laird & Co is a modest space, particularly given the generous proportions of Christopher’s previous business, November Collective, a joint venture which closed in September. ‘This is a downsize – but the truth is that November Collective wasn’t making me happy, and I’m not sure it ever did’ says Christopher. ‘The pressure was awful, and I was losing myself quite quickly. I had everything that ‘teenage Chris’ had dreamed of, but I wasn’t present, and I haven’t been present for such a long time. With Laird & Co, I feel like I’ve got a glimmer of ‘me’ back.’
After deciding to close November Collective in September, Christopher discovered a listing for a property described as ‘a proper old Edinburgh shop’ in Haymarket – a part of Edinburgh he has always adored.
‘It feels like I’m coming home’ says Christopher. ‘I love Edinburgh, there’s such a vibrancy and buzz. A lot of my clients are from Edinburgh, and I love the lifestyle and balance that the location offers the team, too.’
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The Team
The team join the salon as independent stylists who will each rent a chair in what Christopher describes as a ‘co-work space’. ‘I have kept the rates reasonable because I want the team to have the freedom to work when they want. The chair is theirs, so they can book in clients as and when they choose and although there is a minimum charge, it’s very achievable.’ Christopher describes developing his team into the stylists they have become as one of his ‘greatest achievements.’ ‘I’m so glad that they’re joining me for this new chapter’ he says.
Christopher and the team will be bringing their existing clients to the new space while also opening their doors to new clients. ‘I’m looking forward to welcoming client old and new to Laird & Co– and I want my team to be able to cherry-pick the work that they take on, too. It’s important to me that ultimately, our days are filled with the kind of work we enjoy the most – be that blondes, long hair or something else.’
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Luxury
In addition to styling zones, Laird & Co will have a ‘loungey’ vibe with chandeliers sourced from Italy, plush armchairs and marble coffee tables – and no reception desk. ‘I want the experience to be what the client needs it to be – whether that’s catching up on emails with a coffee while their colour develops, or just taking time to chat with a glass of wine – the salon has been designed to feel warm and cosy. It’s a grown-up space and I want guests to come here and feel looked after.’
Inspired by premium hotels and fashion brands, Christopher has created a minimal but luxury aesthetic, intentionally avoiding a conventional salon design to echo the ‘lifestyle experience’ he favours. ‘When you’re spending a lot of money on your hair, every element of the journey should reflect that, from the refreshments provided, to the hand soap in the bathroom. The type of client that books with us recognises those details, so I’ve invested generously to ensure we can truly exceed expectations.’
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