The salon has been around since 1972.
A city centre hairdressing salon has celebrated its 50th anniversary this month with a pledge to become more sustainable.
KH Hair in Bowling Green Street has partnered with Green Salon Collective (GSC) in a bid to increase the recycling of waste and reduce pollution in the environment.
According to a study at Southampton University, 99% of salon foil ends up in landfill. But, by partnering with GSC, 100% of the salon’s foil is recycled.
Salon director, Amanda Fall, who has been with KH Hair for 33 years, said: “GSC provides us with a service to recycle traditionally impossible to recycle items such as hair, foil, chemicals, and colour tubes.
“They provide us with separation kits for hair, metal, and chemicals, preventing them being sent to landfill and allowing almost every single piece of waste to be turned into something new.”
The team even is even recycling hair now for broom and mat projects that could help soak up oil spills in oceans across the world. The recycled hair can also be used for gardening and composting.
The salon has also recently introduced an award-winning, sustainable, cruelty-free, vegan range of hair care products – weDo/. The products are Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International certified.
“Created with minimal formulas, the products are not only 100% recyclable, but are made with 75-94% post-consumer recycled plastic,” says Amanda. “By introducing the range to our clients, we can help them discover great hair care without negatively impacting the planet.”
The history of KH Hair
The award-winning salon is one of the most successful salons in KH Hair Group’s 21-strong portfolio.
It opened in 1972 under its original name, Keith Hall Hairdressing, and moved to its existing location, a few doors down in the old Waterstones building, in 2015.
The move marked a significant new chapter for the salon, which now includes state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, a dedicated beauty room providing a tranquil escape from the city, and a beautiful reception area with relaxing armchairs for consultations and waiting.
Long-standing client, Elizabeth Kimberley has been a client for over 40 years. She says that when she first started having her hair done at KH Hair, she was in her twenties with two small children.
Elizabeth said: “I loved the way the salon combined contemporary, fashionable styling with traditional standards of service. Over the years, the salon has never failed me. With a growing family, developing career and busy social life, KH Hair and its stylists have been central in my life.
“Forty years after I first crossed the threshold, I know that the staff will always welcome me, listen to me and send me home with a smile and a flattering, up to the minute style that never fails to get me compliments. Thank you so much KH Hair. And bravo: I've no doubt this is the best salon in Leicester.”
The Leicester franchise is run by managing director, Darren Messias from KH Hair’s Head Office in Long Eaton, which is also home to the company’s acclaimed Training Academy.
A word from the Managing Director
“All of us at KH Hair are incredibly proud that our Leicester salon is celebrating 50 years in business,” Darren says.
“We have seen many changes since we opened in the centre of Leicester in 1972 and the last 50 years have been both challenging and extremely rewarding. The fact that the salon is still going strong makes this landmark all the more special.
“Of course, none of this could have been achieved if it had not been for the talented and hardworking salon teams from the very beginning right up to present day.
"Also our wonderful, loyal clients, some of whom have been with us from the salon’s opening day. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients and teams, past and present, for their loyalty over the past 50 years.
"Here’s to 50 more!”
Written by Kerry Smith
Kerry is editor of Cross Production's Niche Magazine in Leicester and has a degree in film and journalism. She writes about business news, local people, and entertainment, and has a particular interest in theatre.
