When Hari met Liz

Since 1976 Hari Salem and his famous Hari’s Hairdressers chain has been an integral part of the London hair scene, well known for catering to everyone from Bianca Jagger and Debbie Harry to all the members of the Rolling Stones (just to name a few). Opening his first salon on Sydney Street over 45 years ago, Hari has since become a household name in West London, with a flourishing empire of 4 salons and a killer clientele list to boot. With such a wealth of knowledge under his belt, naturally, we had to pick his brain. From Meghan Markle’s wedding hair to the biggest mistake women still make in the salon chair, our Beauty Director Liz Hambleton asked him all our burning questions when she visited him at the King’s Road branch recently. Read on to find out more…

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• 1 What’s the biggest mistake women make when they book in for a haircut?

  ‘People generally hate change’ Hari explained; ‘and they want to keep their hair in the style of how they had it in their prime. So sometimes even the smallest updates can come as a shock. I think you need to find somebody you trust and just go for it. Change is good, just make sure you’re doing it with a hairdresser you trust.’
• 2 What would your advice be for anyone who’s struggling to communicate with their stylist?

  ‘There’s definitely a terminology barrier,’ explained Hari; ‘people can feel intimidated or self conscious in the salon chair; you’re in a new environment with somebody you don’t know. But I always say, take a picture with you, or half a dozen pictures. But more importantly, don’t look at the face! Most people look at the model’s face and not the hair, and what suits one may not suit the other. If you’ve got a good hairdresser, they will convert that look into something that will suit your features, your personality and everything else’.
• 3 And does that apply to colour too? Is it harder than cutting?

  ‘Colour is harder because it’s like trying to explain a certain shade of pink for your room, there’s 100 different shades of pink, so you can really get lost, especially under different lights and settings’ explained Hari. ‘That’s why it’s really not good to have your hair coloured at home because of how different the lighting is. When you go outside it can often be a completely different shade altogether! That’s why in hairdressing, you have special lights for colour that gives the hair a warmer more natural shade’.
• 4 If you’ve had a hair colour go wrong, how is the best way to approach your colourist?

  ‘Always go back if you’re not happy.’ explained Hari. ‘Obviously stay away if they’ve really screwed it up (!) but in general, if they’ve made a mistake it’s best to go back to the person who has done it. They should know what needs to be done and should want to correct it. At the end of the day though it’s all about different interpretations. Everyone’s definition of blonde is completely different – whether it’s tarty, cool or subtle, so don’t be afraid to spend time talking to your hairdresser before they get started’.
• 5 Who would you say are today’s modern hair icons?

  ‘Cara Delevigne or Sienna Miller are definitely up there with that sought after natural, undone look. It’s less like the old days though when everyone would follow one look, and all come in asking for the Jennifer Aniston for example. Thank God it’s not like that anymore!’ joked Hari. ‘Today’s clientele are more sophisticated, and nowadays it’s more about what suits you, what type of hair you have, and more importantly the personality and face shape you have. Following one look doesn’t suit everybody anymore.’
• 6 What advice would you give to young hairdressers who want to do something different in the industry?

  ‘Training is key’ explained Hari; ‘Unfortunately apprenticeships are less popular nowadays, but if you get your training right, then the sky's the limit. Sadly most people want to get there overnight without putting in the work, going to one of those 3 month courses and then jumping straight onto the salon floor. I don’t agree with this. Here we train all our staff inhouse for up to 2 years, so there’s a standard that we don’t go below. My advice is training, training, training. Once you’ve got that basic knowledge, the rest is up to you’.
• 7 You’ve had some pretty amazing moments in your career. What are your fondest memories or achievements?

  ‘Well opening my first shop in the 70s was my first and most important achievement – it was in a back street and was really quirky; the whole shop was done with church furniture and we got some pretty cool people coming through our doors. From the Stones to Debbie Harry and Bianca Jagger – that was definitely a highlight. People didn’t want to be seen around in big salons so they came to us instead.’
• 8 What do you think Meghan Markle should do with her hair for the Royal Wedding?

  ‘Keep it simple, so it doesn't date.’ explained Hari. ‘The more trend lead it is, the more dated it will look, within months almost. And she’s got a beautiful face, she doesn’t need to do much. Less is definitely more with her.’