Luke Benson Hair Opens in Berkhamsted
Former London Hairdresser of the Year turned session stylist, Luke Benson launched his inaugural salon in the picturesque market town of Berkhamsted on Friday September 8th, with a party to celebrate packed with industry names, friends, family, and clients.
Luke, who was recently named Global Ambassador for Keune, regularly works with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Billie Eilish, Roman Kemp, Joe Jonas, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Michelle Keegan, Louise, Anna Friel and Amy Jackson, creating iconic hair moments at the BRIT Awards and the James Bond premiere, as well as being stylist of choice for brands including Tom Ford, Miu Miu and Joshua Kane.
Luke Benson Hair specializes in cut and colour, styling and occasion hair drawing on Luke’s red-carpet background, extensions, men’s hair, and hair health.
The project’s designer is local company Consilio Interiors, who used sustainable materials to create Luke’s vision of a comprehensive hair and grooming experience for both men and women, using luxury brands in a relaxing environment that can accommodate education and photoshoots. Charlotte at Consilio says, “When it comes to sustainability, it’s crucial for us as designers to consider the environmental impact of the materials we choose. In this project, we made conscious decisions to prioritise sustainability without compromising on style and functionality.
“One of the key elements we incorporated is Silestone's new HybriQ Romantic Ash as a bespoke reception desk and worktops. Silestone is a brand known for its commitment to sustainability, and their HybriQ technology takes it a step further. It is made with a high percentage of recycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources and minimising waste. By choosing this material, we were able to create a beautiful and durable work surface while minimising our environmental footprint.
“We also selected the SHOCK sink in Cristadur Greenline. This carbon neutral sink is made from a unique material that combines natural minerals with recycled components, making it an eco-friendly choice. By opting for this sink, we were able to reduce the consumption of raw materials and contribute to a more sustainable future. Another sustainable choice we made was to preserve the existing concrete structure of the salon's ceiling. Instead of boarding over it, we decided to paint over it, giving it a clean and contemporary look whilst keeping the amazing shapes and texture. By doing so, we avoided unnecessary waste and saved resources that would have been used to cover up the existing structure.
“Sustainability is a core value for us, and we strive to incorporate it into every aspect of our work, including our bespoke furniture workshop where we manufactured the Mirrored cutting stations and all the cabinetries. The concrete effect panels used to construct the furniture are known for their eco-friendly properties. They are made from responsibly sourced wood and are produced using sustainable manufacturing processes. They are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste. Furthermore, we make it a priority to recycle as many materials as possible in our workshop. By repurposing and reusing materials, we can reduce the demand for new resources and contribute to a circular economy.
“Overall, our goal was to create a space that not only reflects the style and vision of Luke but that aligns with our commitment to sustainability. By carefully selecting materials like Silestone's HybriQ worktops, the SHOCK Greenline sink, preserving the existing concrete structure, as well as many other details, we were able to achieve a beautiful and eco-friendly design.”
The salon features a cool, calming grey interior with a fun pop of pink in the bathroom and staff room, and is partnering with other local businesses to supply food and drink ensuring that clients get the best experience possible. From a quick blow-dry to a maintenance trim or a cut and colour makeover, clients can be confident that they're getting a London standard of service without leaving their town. SalonIQ offers a smooth booking service. Promising convenience without compromise, Luke's profile and reputation will bring clients from Berkhamsted and beyond.
Luke says, "I'm really excited to have opened my first salon in my hometown, and to offer state of the art hair services in a sustainable environment. As well as Keune, I've partnered with brands like Easydry towels (both these brands are B-Corp certified), and Leaf, the world's first sustainable scissors who plant 10 trees for every pair sold."
Jessica Nicholls, Marketing Manager at Sorbon Estates, said, “We are delighted to welcome Luke Benson Hair to Berkhamsted High Street. As a former London Hairdresser of the Year, and having worked with celebrities like Billie Eilish and Daisy Lowe, we know that his skills will be in demand. We are always keen to bring unique, desirable tenants and, as the Berkhamsted salon will be Luke’s first, we have no doubt he will receive a very warm welcome from customers in the town.”