Why a Trip to Editorial Whiz Jimo Salako’s Marylebone Salon is Mandatory

“If I could cut hair at Tate Modern or MoMA, surrounded by art, that would be a pretty great environment for me,” says the London-based hairstylist Jimo Salako, whose eponymous new Marylebone studio more resembles the back room of a cool gallery than a posh central-London salon. When designing the space, Salako eschewed gilt mirrors and glossy marble for mid-century Danish furniture, Bauhaus-inspired station chairs, and stacks of art, film, and photography books. Hand-lettered in Yves Klein–blue tape on the front window: the word HAIR.

The veteran editorial stylist, who has worked with photographers like Nick Knight, Norbert Schoerner, and David Bailey, wasn’t interested in “that typical beauty-parlor vibe.” Instead, he wanted a pared-down, relaxed atmosphere—a place where his clients, who include models Lizzy Jagger and Elisa Sednaoui and creative types like art critic Skye Sherwin and fashion consultant Yasmin Sewell (entire blogs are dedicated to her wavy bob), can literally let down their hair.

Salako, who’s also a photographer, filmmaker, and former magazine editor, describes the studio as a living incarnation of Next Level, the photography magazine he launched in 2002 (it’s still in publication, but Salako’s no longer involved). In addition to giving women the unfussy, supersexy cuts he’s known for, the stylist plans on hosting art exhibits, pop-up sample sales, and TED-like talks with experts in science, philosophy, health and wellness, literature, and, of course, hair and beauty. “It’s the sort of place people find really comfortable,” he says. “They want to linger, invite their friends over, have a chat; it’s quite Warholian in that sense.”

On a recent afternoon, a florist friend used the lower level as a staging ground for arrangements he was preparing for a wedding at nearby Home House, a private club. “Clients were wading through masses of beautiful white flowers to get shampooed, and they were enchanted,” says Salako. “It sums up how I’d like the space to function. Naturally, we do really good hair, but I’m always looking for interesting ways to extend the conversation.”

Salako
85 George Street
London
0207.262.5620
salakolondon.com
Cuts from £90