Like any industry, the beauty world relies on new launches and innovations to keep the punters paying. Every day my inbox is filled with ‘beauty newness’ coming at me and words like groundbreaking and game-changing are often so much puffery rather than accurate assessments. A new treatment or product can still be effective and desirable even if it isn’t radical but when lightning does strike, it’s worth shouting out. Let’s start with hair…
West Oxfordshire might not be the place you would expect to find a revolution in hair cutting taking place, but I’m betting residents of Witney, Woodstock and Eynsham would disagree if they are already clients of Hare, run by brothers James and George who are ripping up the rule book when it comes to cutting hair. It’s a cliché, sure, but in this case it’s true. Every detail, from salon design to pricing structure, has been radically rethought and carefully reconsidered.
Starting off with the visuals; each branch is clean, bright and modern, but ultimately respectful of the building’s original aesthetic. Fixtures and fittings have been created from sustainably sourced materials. Hare’s logo has been designed to reflect their gender-neutral approach – all stylists are trained in barbering and styling – which leads me on to (arguably) the best bit: the price. You’re only paying for your time in the chair. Male readers might be looking a bit confused at this point. Like, duh? But I’m betting the women, and especially those with shorter hair styles, will know why this is so exciting. Generally, a haircut starts off with a wash (whether your hair needs it or not), before cutting and then the blow-dry. If you don’t want either ‘the starter or the pud’, tough: it’s automatically built into the price and honestly, it’s rarely worth the effort of trying to explain to a stylist that you don’t want either.
At Hare you’ll get a lovely hair wash if you ask for it as an add-on and a superlative blow-dry if that’s what you’re after, and you still won’t end up paying through the nose. What’s more, there’s a no-booking policy, so the system operates on walk-ins (apart from colouring), so if you’re just looking for a quick trim or a bouffy blow-out just swing by one of the three salons. You won’t be waiting long as Hare is well-staffed with fully trained pro’s. James told me that people rarely wait more than 15 minutes and has to be said, it’s a pretty great environment to hang about in. Proper, decent coffee or tea are on offer along with a tempting selection of cold drinks including Pellegrino sparkling water. Plus it’s spotlessly clean as any snipped tresses are quickly swept up to be bundled and sent off to be recycled into their second life as rope twine or compost as Hare are partnered with the Green Salon initiative and sustainability is built in from root to tip, so to speak.
All of which is exciting and commendable, but how about the actual service? Personally speaking, I’ve been so happy with my cut that I’ve been positively evangelical about my experience. I’ve since sent several friends to Hare, and also some randoms who have complimented my hair at shops, events, parties: even in the street. James is clearly proud of what he and his brother are achieving, and rightly so. It’s no surprise to learn Hare were Finalists in four leading hair and barbering awards this year. Deservedly so, this fresh approach is clearly hugely popular within the local community and across the generations, from teens to nonagenarians. Hare is cool, it is modern, and it is relevant. I’ll give James the last word: “It’s not a Cotswolds yoga studio, it’s honest fair hair”
From £30 harestudio.co.uk
