The Social is at the forefront of changing how the hair industry thinks. Creating a global lifestyle studio in true collaborative fashion, based in east London and encouraging the flexible work ethos of the “freelancer� community. We embrace your sporadic movements and let you take control of your own time, money and opportunities.
In early 2013 I took to the streets, scissors in hand, with the hash tag #IveFoundMyHairdresser. This was, unwittingly the first steps towards what I now call, THE SOCIAL, this venture begun as a simple PR exercise on the streets of London,which soon evolved into pop-up salons at various venues across the UK.
It suddenly occurred to me that I could take my skills anywhere, adopting the pop-up business model that has become very popular in recent years. I recognise how trade is now rapidly taking place on the internet; if a transfer can take place online people are more likely to invest, luckily, hairdressing is one of those crafts that will forever attract custom, but competition is slowly gaining strength and the need for experiential marketing is vital in a society that is becoming more demanding and tired of the norm. After popping up in pizza bars, burger joints, black cabs, canal barges, festivals and a warehouse I lived in sleeping above the backwash. I now have two permanent salon destinations.
Pop-up Salon, Stokey Bears Stoke Newington, London
“Keeping my business & brand social�
The Build - July 2017
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!”
The Social, London MKII July 2017
Sitting on the floor, looking at an empty space, no windows, no electric, no plumbing and generally no idea of what I’m going to do. I start drawing my ideas down, gathering references, and focusing on how my clients journey will be as soon as they arrive. Then I start to get a feel for the space! I use masking tape to try and visualise where I plan to build structure and add interiors. This was a great tip my dad gave me for prospective on the space. This is the fun part and it’s gets me proper excited! The hard part is actually doing it. Project managing in a world I once new nothing about, building up your team just like you do with creatives for shoots and working with recommendations like how I grow The Social. My Dad ventured down to the big smoke to help build The Social, London MKII. He’s a dad’hand and perfectionist when it comes to ANYTHING, so I’m luc’ky keeping the labour costs down and spending time with him! Makes it even sweeter knowing we’ve done it together!
The Social own label coffee. A bespoke roast in collab with Red Bank Coffee Hand stamped in biodegradable cups , served with fresh homemade popcorn
Located off the beaten track, but a stones throw from the tube, with no high street to be seen, in collaborative communities where we all help each other grow! I like knocking any expectations out of my clients before they enter the studio so this generally helps being in derelict, obscure venues and only sharing little snippets on social media. Then WE rebuild with the services that we offer and undoubtable knowledge we pass on. We give them all the finer details without any of the bullshit. This all came about when I had a lawyer bent over a bath in Hackney wick, washing the colour off and still paying high end prices. Even brought a bottle wine, you start to learn what’s important.
The energy of the space is really important. This comes down to the ambience, music, lighting, temperature, interiors, exteriors, the people and even the building itself! Everything has been custom made or carefully curated by myself or people I’ve met along the way. The concrete backwash, handmade mirrors (by Backyard Denim who make my aprons) Edwardian barber chairs, mid century sofa and cocktail bar with The Social logo neon light hanging behind, the oasis of plants, homemade popcorn washed down with The Social Slurp own label in collaboration with Red Bank Coffee Roasters whilst listening to our musician clients signed vinyls pumping out the speakers. A hell of a lot to think about just for a haircut. I know we can make someone feel absolutely banging and help them switch off from the world, so I know it’s all worth the slog!Â
The Social is the perfect setting for hosting clients, educational seminars, photoshoots, product launches and banging parties, yoga classes followed by a gong meditation are held for the super team and our clients to unwind.
The informal and exclusive experience we provide is key to how we are becoming such a game changer in the hair world. A place where the focus is solely on you and your hair with no distractions, and where clients become friends.
Hand screen printed tote bags by Ben Dodge
Custom printed gowns by Neocape
Custom made backwash using concrete, steel and exposed copper piping
Musician client signed vinyls
Mid century cocktail bar
Edwardian Barber Chair and Custom Made Mirrors
“A hidden oasis in a crazy city”
The Social WIG SESSION Education W/ Luke Pluckrose
Front Cover of Creative Head supplement SPACE 2018
L’Oreal Men’s Image Award 2017 Winners
“At the cutting edge of today’s hairdressing landscape Ky is continually challenging the industry norm. His individual brand has evolved into a current, fresh, and memorable experience but most importantly remains uniquely fun. With The Social Ky has nurtured a best-in-class approach to a refreshingly forward-thinking community feel; a real star of the industry.” Monica Teodoro, General Manager L’Oréal Professionnel UKI
“Already my home away from home... Ky has created such a chill, welcoming environment and it’s a complete pleasure to spend time there! Every client is involved in the salon, it really is like a day hanging out with your mates. It’s a space that they love being in and they look forward to visiting. Great hair and bloody Mary’s! What’s not to love? The collaboration we’ve created is what Linton & Mac is all about, working together and creating new opportunities, and it’s exactly what The Social is about! Having freedom and doing what works for you as a stylist, and in our case, as a salon is super refreshing! ” Sarah Black - Linton and Mac
“After 14years working in the hair industry in a variety of salons you get a pretty clear idea of how most salons operate. The Social London has not only revolutionised the way salons operate for its customers but also for the freelance community. With the ability to manage your own time, interact with your clients directly and collaborate with other talented artists, it really is more than just a hair salon and a studio, its a way of life. The Social has created an environment where I can be myself and feel inspired on a daily basis and also where its customers can visit a relaxed studio which offers so much more than just hair services.â€? Fabz - FreelancerÂ
“Fabz is AMAZING! Had a cut and wedding hair trial last week and it was perfect from start to finish (and beyond - my waves lasted for two days, which is a near-impossible feat on my dead-straight hair). Fabz is a dream, so lovely and chilled (and seriously talented), and The Social is the perfect setting from the beautiful hanging plants to the mid-century sofa and industrial style mirrors. And not forgetting the incredible homemade popcorn. If I could give Fabz and The Social 10 stars, I would.� Natalie Hughes Client (along with the other 100+ reviews on google)