I was recently lucky enough to experience a cut and colour
with Olivia Crighton, owner and creative director of Hackney's beautiful Glasshouse
Salon. Set in Netil House next to London Fields, the salon is a haven away from
the nearby bustling Broadway Market on a Saturday afternoon. Olivia prides herself in taking an as
natural-as-possible approach to hair care whilst never compromising on style
and aesthetics…
What is the story
behind Glasshouse salon - how did it come to be?
In my early twenties I began to develop a passion for a more
natural and organic lifestyle. I used to suffer from a lot of allergies and
skin sensitivities, and began making lifestyle changes which involved using
more organic products, from food to make-up. I wanted to incorporate this
approach not only into my personal life, but also my work. Traditionally the
hairdressing industry has been quite chemical heavy. When I moved to London seven
years ago I began working for Organic Colour Systems as their head trainer. I
felt like there were preconceptions that natural-based products didn't work as
well as their chemical counterparts but actually for me they worked better and
leave the hair condition more intact. With that in mind, I wanted to create an
environment that utilised these products and also informed clients on the best
way to cultivate long-term hair health. The general aesthetic of Glasshouse was
also something that was at the front of my mind - I wanted to combine a strong
visual identity with an ethical and natural approach, which I felt like other
brands hadn't achieved before.
Tell us a little
about the products used in the salon, why is it important for you to use
organic/ mostly natural products?
It’s important to me because of my own personal desire to look
after myself and my body. I’m also a big supporter of animal welfare and
considering the environment. We try and uphold this ethos across the salon,
from our shampoos to the coffee we serve and the cleaning products we use.
The Organic Colour Systems range is formulated with the
highest proportion of certified organic ingredients (their colour ingredients
are 95% naturally derived and at the point of use are 60% organic). I think using
fewer chemicals is safer for my staff and also creates better results for our
clients. We’ve recently expanded our product lines and launched an online shop for
a little slice of Glasshouse straight to your door step.
Cult natural make-up brand RMS has probably been the biggest
hit in the salon - their products are designed to care for the skin whilst
offering a good coverage and range of colours. Amongst others, we also stock
East London organic skincare brand, Guy Morgan, Japanese Binchotan activated
charcoal products from Morihata, 5-free nail polishes by Kure Bazaar and many
more miracle workers…
Do you find it easy
to incorporate natural/ organic cosmetics into your everyday regime? What are
your favourite products to use?
I try and use organic/natural products as much as possible
especially when it comes to my face and hair. I have some long-term favourites
and then constant new discoveries which fill up my make-up bag. I use bases by
RMS, and love the really pigmented lip shades by Bella Pierre but also adore
Ilia. Current new discoveries include a natural deodorant balm by the Natural
Deodorant Co which we’ve just started stocking. The idea of a natural deodorant
is particularly important to me due to its relation to the lymphatic system,
which when clogged can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. It’s
great to finally find a product that actually works and smells great too!
How would you
recommend clients maintain strong and healthy hair?
There are two main things I would say are crucial for
maintaining the hair’s optimum condition. Firstly is prevention and protection.
I always suggest avoiding the use of heat and using a good heat-protection
product (Organic Colour System’s Thermal 2 Twenty is a powerful, easy-to-use
heat protection spray). Hair with a heat-damaged cuticle can be difficult to
get back to good condition once it’s felt the effects of heat, therefore I
highly recommend minimising the use of hot tools like irons and tongs. Reducing
the hair’s contact with potentially harmful chemicals, ammonia is the big one
for this - it degrades the natural protein and moisture from the hair which can
lead to some of my client’s most regular hair problems - colour fade, tangles and
breakage. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate are both commonly
used in shampoos to create a lather, but can dehydrate and degrade condition
over time, stripping colour faster and aggravating the scalp for a lot of
people. Sodium Chloride (table salt) can also have a similar effect and is
found in lots of shampoos as a thickener. All our shampoos are free from these
ingredients.
The second step: repair. Hair in good condition is much more
manageable and resistant to damage - this is because it’s more resistant to
moisture and less porous unlike damaged hair. In the salon, we look at the
protein and moisture levels of the hair and prescribe reconstructive treatments
accordingly. Chemical or heat-damaged hair is often lacking protein - the
Organic Colour Systems Power Build range is high in wheat and quinoa proteins
which is formulated to tackle this. For me, hair in good condition is the root
of long-term hair health - colour lasts longer, hair grows quicker and it’s so
much more manageable. It really is that simple.
Aside from natural
beauty products, how do you implement alternative therapies/ holistic living
into your everyday regime?
So many ways! Although it’s always a tricky one to try and
keep doing from week-to-week. Meditation is important to me, even if it means
just taking a break from the day to focus on being mindful for 5-15 minutes. I
love the Headspace app - it’s not your stereotypical meditation stuff, it’s
much more approachable and has a really simple system that’s easy to follow.
Working in a salon can be quite physically demanding, I find gentle yoga very
restorative, it also helps relax and stretch my muscles. I get regular
acupuncture and also an occasional massage when I’ve had a particularly full-on
week. Something I’ve recently started doing is seeing a nutritionist, Danielle
Heyhoe, who writes a well-being series for our journal. I’m a great believer in
the effects of a balanced diet and seeing Danielle has helped me eat well to
target my own individual needs. When I’m feeling emotionally and physically
balanced I’m much more productive and able to be the best to my clients and
staff.
What have you learned
from starting your own business?
So many things! But number one, make sure it’s something you
are truly passionate about. Running a business is hard work and you need to be
creative and passionate when times get tough. I’m still only three years in and
constantly learning all the time from each difficulty and success. And lastly
be prepared. Prepared to learn a lot, branch outside of your existing skill
set, and to work hard.
What does it mean to
you to live a joyful life?
A negative and fearful mindset can be so narrow and restrictive,
and I think the key to a truly content life is acceptance and encouraging a
positive mindset when and where possible. I’m on a journey towards achieving
this- I feel like I haven’t quite reached this outcome just yet. For me it’s
been about learning to accept life for what it is and when to surrender to its
twists and turns.
Find our more at www.glasshousesalon.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment