INTERVIEW WITH ANNE VECK

the interview

leading by example

Anne Veck is a hairdressing pioneer. Not only is she a major creative force, along with husband and business partner, Keith Mellen, she also leads the way at her Oxford-based salon when it comes to sustainability.

“My collections very often reflect my passion for the planet we live on”

Concept Hair: How would you sum up your approach to hairdressing?

Anne Veck: I believe that all hairdressing should be ethical, sustainable and professional — and that hairdressing is Art!

CH: Tell us more about the Anne Veck salon.

AV: In 2021, Anne Veck, Oxford celebrated its 30th anniversary. Over the years our business and values have developed just as much as we have. My mission and brand is clear - to make the hairdressing industry more professional, inclusive and sustainable. We also try to influence our clients to make sustainable changes in their lives. We talk about sustainability throughout their time in the salon, provide refill stations for products and explain why we use the products we do. We share the latest sustainable salon updates in our newsletter and we like to tell clients that by choosing Anne Veck, Oxford, they reduce their own carbon footprint.

CH: Tell us a bit more about your commitment to being environmentally friendly

AV: Anne Veck, Oxford is the first – and only – certified carbon-neutral salon in the UK. A few years ago we undertook a whole salon refit to incorporate clean, recycled energy to power the business, and we have won countless awards in recognition of our green achievements and efforts towards educating the hairdressing industry about sustainability issues. We believe that the hairdressing industry should operate ethically and sustainably, in a world where being kind to our fellow humans and the earth resonates with clients.

“Anne Veck, Oxford is the first certified carbon-neutral salon in the UK”

CH: How do you keep your team motivated?

AV: A happy, highly skilled and loyal team is the key to a successful salon, which is why we encourage everyone to fulfil their goals. Each team member has their own individual training and development plan which is discussed each month with their manager and reviewed and updated annually. Followup action includes in-house and external training, as well as online training through social media, education by our product partners, or through industry magazines and books. Each Tuesday, from 12 noon onwards, is training day for the apprentices and graduate stylists. Once a month we have an evening workshop at which stylists take turns in leading on one of their areas of expertise — helped along by pizza!

CH: You are known for your incredible photographic collections – where does your inspiration come from?

AV: My inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes it might be social media, other times it can literally be something I see while walking down the street. My collections very often reflect my passion for the world and planet that we live on. Inspiration can come from anywhere—don’t force it and let it come to you.

CH: What advice would you offer to a young hairdresser or trainee wanting to put together a collection of their own?

AV: Really think about what you want to achieve. What will your collection reflect? Ensure that it really showcases you as a stylist. Practise, practise, practise and be prepared to make mistakes - you will learn from them and they will make you stronger.

CH: Any advice to trainee hairdressers on how to follow your success?

AV: Never stop learning. Even the best of the best continue to train. You can always improve your craft. Listen to your clients, ensure that you offer all types of services from balayage to working with Afro hair. If you don’t already work with all hair types then learn to do so. @annevecksalons