This article is taken from the latest JQ Life magazine issued in July 2021. To read the full magazine, head over here.
BLACC + BLOND is more than ‘just’ a hair salon, it’s a lifestyle. Since 2018, Anil Salhan and his team have been dedicated to offering a unique service. Not only do they seek to leave customers looking and feeling amazing, they’re eager to benefit the wider community and the environment too. In fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the store for a gallery over a hair salon, especially pre-pandemic when arts and music events were a regular occurrence here.
Anil Salhan, BLACC + BLOND
BLACC + BLOND moved to their space on Lionel Street in November 2019, just months before the coronavirus pandemic abruptly brought the entire beauty industry to a standstill. Luckily, Anil’s drive to enrich the community, protect the environment and provide meaningful support to his customers was undeterred and inspired him to do better on a much bigger scale.
With that in mind, he shut the doors to the shop and swung the virtual ones open; offering virtual hair appointments to customers helping them to style their hair. Anil recognises the value of a trip to the hairdressers, beyond the material, and the positive impact it can have on a person’s mental health. All proceeds from these virtual hair cuts were donated across two mental health charities, CALM and Birmingham Mind. As a result, thousands of pounds were raised for these organisations in need of support at a trying time.
Just last year, BLACC + BLOND was featured across Sky News and ITV, highlighting the environmental initiatives laid out by the team. Sustainability was once again put into perspective when the pandemic hit and the use of PPE equipment became a non-negotiable. With much of the protection available nonbiodegradable, Anil made it his mission to transform BLACC + BLOND into the most environmentally-friendly salon in the world. He has since been focussed on creating a whole new standard and pioneering a fully sustainable experience, which he hopes will inspire others to do the same.
It is clear to see that no stone has been left unturned by the salon’s efforts to ensure the environment is being protected. Its minimalist aesthetic that further establishes its eco-friendly commitment with stripped back, modern interiors which have conscious living at its heart.
Eco-friendly showerheads reduce water waste by 65%, all refreshments offered to clients are sustainable, the cleaning products are refillable and the PPE biodegradable. Even the toilet paper is made of bamboo! What’s more? They donate 10% of the profits made on first-time client cuts to a charity that plants trees world-wide. The result is a climate positive workforce, which means that through donation from Anil, each team member off-sets more carbon than they produce. Quite the achievement!
BLACC + BLOND, Jewellery Quarter
As much thought goes into its inclusivity and wellbeing policies as does the environment too. Anil knows how important it feels to be a part of something and wants to use his position within BLACC + BLOND to make sure there is a space for everyone to feel at home. He recognises the fundamental part hairdressers can play within an inclusive society. Going to the salon is an intimate experience and Anil wants people to feel comfortable and uplifted by their treatment at BLACC + BLOND. The team certainly stands firm on this, offering a Slow Hair Space where an hour is dedicated to a customer, allowing them a real chance to relax and build meaningful relationships with their hair architect.
As Anil looks forward to the future of BLACC + BLOND, he says expansion isn’t a huge part of the plan. Serving the community is number one priority. He intends to work on several new initiatives that tackle other societal issues close to his heart, such as racism and homelessness. He believes that the pandemic has given people time to slow down and reflect on what matters. Therefore he looks forward to welcoming back customers, hosting events for the community and helping his clients to feel empowered by an inclusive environment that values individuality.
This article is taken from the latest JQ Life magazine issued in July 2021. To read the full magazine, head over here.
Photography by @hank&margotuk
