As you step into KIKU’s oasis, you’re greeted by notes of bergamot, sicilian orange, jasmine and sandalwood.
The salon’s signature scent, Oribe Côte D’Azur, wraps you in an unforgettable sensory experience that sets the scene for your appointment. In the background a tech house mix of lo-fi house music fills the air – the words are inaudible, but the base quietly vibrates throughout the salon, alluding to the salon’s essence of cool.
KIKU have opted to use technology when it comes to their front of house, curating their salon without a reception desk. This removes the barrier between the stylist and the client, creating a flow between the stages of the appointment and doesn’t section off any area of the salon. An iPad is used to confirm the arrival of the client who inputs their number into the system – this directly notifies the stylist that they have arrived through their smartwatch, meaning the client can sit and relax until they’re called.
‘KIKU’ is the Japanese verb to listen - the principal foundation of their ethos, shaping how they interact with every client who walks through the doors. Everything is brought together when the client is sat in the chair. The pair opted for Takara Belmont chairs, which are known for their comfort and understated elegance, while alluding to the salon’s Japanese influences. When colouring hair, every hairdresser knows that natural lighting is the best for working. However, this wasn’t a favourite amongst their clients. In their recent salon refurbishment, KIKU opted for a warmer light on the client’s face, keeping the natural light above their head, away from the stylist. For retail, KIKU continues this essence of luxury, stocking Oribe in the salon. Every shampoo, conditioner, and styling treatment is formulated with skincare-grade ingredients to repair, protect, and elevate your hair from the inside out, aligning with KIKU’s principles of giving the hair exactly what it needs. The nearest location for purchasing the brand in the north of Scotland is Gleneagles Hotel, alluding to the salon’s exclusive feel.
Co-founders, Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo, set out with the intention of creating a carefully curated salon that focuses on rejuvenation and relaxation. Setting the ambience doesn’t just come from the stylist’s interaction with the client, the atmosphere from the moment that client walks in the door sets the tone. Everything has been carefully thought out by Paul and Hiro with every second of the experience feeling luxurious.
“When we first opened, we didn’t want to create just another salon,” Paul explains. “Our goal was to build something thoughtful and lasting, where listening genuinely guides everything we do. Our recent salon refurbishment echoes our original principles with an elevated experience that our clients can immerse themselves in. At KIKU, we’re curating a zen salon.”
Discover more and book your next appointment at kikusalon.co.uk.