Salon Spotlight: Hession Hairdressing
A modern fresh look is something we all aspire to when it comes to our hair, and interiors are no different. Hession Hairdressing in the bustling north Dublin town of Drumcondra has undergone an extensive renovation resulting in a gleaming new salon with one or two stunning extras.
Owner Paul Hession and interior designer Karl Rocca talk us through the transformation.
“The salon is located at 108 Upper Drumcondra Road, we own the building and have been here for over 25 years,” Paul tells us. “It’s a super location as it’s a busy street with great footfall and
a brilliant community.”
The salon has been completely renovated and redesigned with a more modern and luxurious feel. “Like a lot of projects this size you do come across problems once into the build. There were minor issues around supporting steel but thankfully all went smoothly in the end and we ended up with a completely new extension to the rear of the building. It now extends to over 2,000sq feet, it has 22 styling stations and a backwash area with six massaging wash units as well as a separate make-up suite on the upper level.”
To maximise the space and create a harmonious scheme, Paul turned to the professionals, bringing interior designer Kari Rocca onto the project. “We wanted to create a tranquil luxurious space for the clients so colour scheme was of huge importance,” she says. “Soft greens, greys and ivory paired with smoked glass achieve a sense of relaxation and ambience in the salon, while polished metals add interest and a modern edge.”
Glamorous eras of years gone by informed the materials used. “There are Art Deco elements in the choices of materials used such as Carrera marble and keyhole geometric shapes on the lighting, seating and mirrors,” says Kari. “We have included pockets of decorative areas, lamps and floral arrangements to highlight the overall sense of luxury and space.”
Function is as important as form and those must-have areas needed for a thriving salon aren’t
forgotten. “The retail area was custom-made,” Paul tells us. “It is a hardwood piece that was sprayed to get the required colour. It is a mixture of storage and display.”
A secluded back washroom is the epitome of relaxation. Hidden away behind black sliding glass doors, this exclusive area is a real treat for the senses with six reclining massage chairs, ambient music and individual lighting for each basin which can be tailored to the client’s preference. Speaking about her vision for the space, Kari commented: “By introducing a closed washroom using smoked glass and mirrors we succeeded in creating a tranquil pod with a relaxing spa-like feel.”
Changes are afoot upstairs too with the addition of a new BUFF Make-up Suite. “We are really excited about our Beauty room and we feel it’s a super addition to our business,” Paul reveals.
“From styling to make-up and HD Brows treatments, it is a great option for wedding parties, hen parties and for groups that want to be pampered.” Lucky clients will be tended to by Jessica Moulds, make-up artist and Creative Director for BUFF Make-up. An instagrammer’s dream, the area has a similar aesthetic to the downstairs salon. According to Kari, “Carrera marble and gold accents form a more feminine feel while smoked glass doors create a secluded private area – it
really feels like a bespoke boutique experience.”
The eye-catching chairs in the beauty room are particularly stunning and were sourced from
Holland. The new-look salon has delighted owner and client alike. “Our goal was to create a chic and relaxing atmosphere with a modern twist and I’m over the moon with the newly designed salon. The reaction from clients has been amazing and the new Beauty Room, in particular, is going down a treat!” ✂
www.hessionhairdressing.com