Meg Piper is a Manchester-based hairstylist, colourist, and session artist known for her bold creative vision and inclusive ethos. With over a decade in the industry, she has worked on global campaigns for brands including Alexander McQueen and Simply Be, with her work featured at Fashion Week, Britain’s Got Talent, and Eurovision. Meg co-founded Solstice Hair Studio, a progressive, mentorship-focused salon space. Her approach blends technical precision with creativity and compassion, helping shape a more inclusive future for British hairdressing.
Meet Meg
What first inspired you to go into hairdressing?
I always say I fell into hairdressing, I never aspired to be a hairdresser, I actually wanted to be a film maker when I was a teenager. When I was in college doing my A-levels, I got a Saturday job at the salon I had my hair cut at and I fell in love. I’ve always felt strongly about people being able to express themselves and hairdressing married that ideology and creativity.
Your colour work really stands out, who or what has influenced your style as a colourist?
Thank you! I take most of my inspiration, especially in colour, from subcultures and art. Growing up queer and emo in the 2000s, I’ve always been fascinated by subcultures and counterculture movements. As artists, I think we draw upon our own experiences and how we see the world, and I’ve always put that at the forefront of my work.
What made you want to open a salon?
In all honesty? I never actually wanted a salon. But when I became freelance, I realised it wasn’t that big of a step to have a physical premises as well. I’ve loved having the salon, it’s given me the space to fully embrace my values around inclusion. That’s definitely one of the driving factors behind co-owning Solstice.
What experiences have shaped the way you run the salon?
We often talk in the salon about the impact that co-working spaces have on the industry, and what we, as a co-working space, can do to support that. We’re acutely aware that you can’t go straight from college or even the first few years of your career into a freelance co-working space.That led us to create the Solstice Graduate Program, a year-long mentorship designed to nurture new talent in all aspects of running your own business. We teach practical, behind-the-chair skills, business guidance, and more, to help bridge that gap.
Where did the name Solstice come from?
My business partner, Kelly Furnival, might kill me for saying this- but it was actually AI! We knew we wanted an eco-friendly, high-end spa feel for the salon, so we asked ChatGPT to give us some options based on our brand values. After narrowing down what we liked, Solstice Hair Studio was born out of a mash-up of what it gave us. It embodied our holistic values and just felt right.
What makes Solstice different from other salons?
It’s the feel, the welcoming, calming, inclusive environment we’ve created. I’ve always said (other than someone hating their hair) the worst thing a client could say to me is that they didn’t feel comfortable in the salon. Honestly, it would break my heart. Everyone deserves to belong and everyone belongs at Solstice Hair Studio.
What has been the most rewarding part of building your business?
It’s every day when I help someone feel like themselves. Helping them hold their head up a little higher is an incredible feeling. Knowing I’m a small part of someone feeling happier about how they present to the world, that’s all the reward I need.
What trends are exciting you right now?
STRIPES! Chunky highlights, block colouring and we’re now seeing horizontal stripes as well, I just love the creativity it brings.
How do you balance trends whilst keeping true to your creative identity?
It’s all about how you interpret them. You can always take elements from trends and add your own flair even if the overall trend doesn’t fit your vibe.Take when all-over honey blonde was trending that’s definitely not my style. But add a grungy dark root and some dark colour blocking, and suddenly… I love it!
Have you faced any challenges in your career?
Yes, I think we all do. My biggest challenges have always been how people perceive me and my journey and that’s looked different at different times in my life.In my early to mid-twenties, I had a lot of people telling me I just wasn’t good enough, not good enough to go into the session world, to join teams, or to be successful in business. And I believed them. These were people I looked up to people who were meant to be mentors.
How did you overcome them?
Thankfully, in the end, it gave me the spite and drive to prove them wrong. I also made sure to surround myself with people who only lift me up.It’s why I believe so strongly in championing others. I love this industry, we’re all amazing people, and we all deserve to be celebrated.
How do you balance business with your creative side?
It’s a tough one, but stepping into the session world has really helped. I know that when I go to Fashion Week or get on set, “Meg the businesswoman” can melt away and I can be the artist I love.Then “Meg the businesswoman” comes back on my admin days and I feel fulfilled knowing I get to embrace both sides.
How do you see the industry evolving over the next 5 years?
I really hope we can come together. I’d love to see us stop fighting, freelancers vs. employment, the new generation vs. the old.We need a united front to tackle the issues that affect all of us. Only together can we make real change. I’d love to see us making waves and showing the world just how skilled, creative, and incredible this industry is.
What’s next for you?
The big question and one I’ve been thinking about a lot. I’ve spent the last five years building my business, getting my name out there, and honing my skills.Now, I think it’s time to reap those seeds. I’ll be moving more into my love of session work, and I’d love to collaborate with new brands, artists, and institutions that really excite me.
For a bit of fun…
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Most used emoji: 😊
If you weren’t in hairdressing where would you be? Cinematographer
Hairstyle you never want to see back in fashion? Long hair, long layers always bores me a little bit but hey if that’s your vibe!
Sum your career up in 3 words… Resilient, Authentic and Passionate
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