A new year, a new era: The Hair Salon Brighton
Stepping into The Hair Salon on Blatchington Road in Hove always feels makes you feel lighter – it’s a relaxed, welcoming space where the feet-up washing basins are as comforting as the soft buzz of creativity. When I sat down with owner Oliver Blackaby to hear what’s new for the year ahead, it quickly became clear that 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative one for the salon.
Ollie is visibly excited as he tells me about two new stylists joining the team. The first, Kaela, arrives with over 20 years of industry experience and an impressive pedigree as a Sassoon-trained cutter. Her technical ability is exceptional, but what really sets her apart is her expertise with curls, coils and Afro-textured hair. She embraces each client’s natural movement and shape, crafting cuts that celebrate texture rather than suppress it. Ollie describes her consultations as “phenomenal” in detail, thoughtful and genuinely personalised. Kaela will be available on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and sits at the higher end of the salon’s pricing due to her extensive experience and meticulous approach.
The second addition is Sean, who joins the salon on 16 January after relocating to Brighton. Owner of Sean Inc. in Walton, he brings 15 years of skill as an all-round stylist.
Sean is as comfortable creating bold, expressive colour as he is delivering soft, seamless balayage. He’s also a talented barber and precision cutter, with a strongly gender-inclusive ethos that aligns beautifully with The Hair Salon’s values. While he settles into Brighton life, Sean’s prices will be at a slightly lower level, but like Kaela, he offers complimentary consultations to ensure clients get exactly what they need.
Conversation naturally turns to the salon’s beloved Davroe products. Ollie lights up when describing the Australian brand, calling them “the OG of vegan haircare”. Family-run for over 30 years, Davroe’s products are ethically sourced, packaged in recycled and recyclable materials, and soon to include a colour range, which is launching this year.
They’re particularly effective for strengthening fragile or over-processed hair and also offer a comprehensive selection for every curl pattern from loose waves to tight Afro textures.
With new talent, ethical products and a growing focus on natural texture, The Hair Salon is perfectly placed for anyone seeking a fresh start this January.
www.thehair-salon.co.uk / 71 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 3YG
