You know the drill: the impolite greeting from the nonchalant receptionist, the dreaded gamble of whether your stylist is running on time, the stack of dog-eared magazines you’d never willingly pick up anywhere else. It’s all strangely… accepted. Which feels wildly out of step when you consider the fact you’re investing serious money and time in established businesses. We’ve come to expect spa-level indulgence from our facials, manicures, and massages. So why are some (being the operative word) hair salons lagging behind? Especially when we’re parked in that chair for anything from a quick trim to a full afternoon of boho braids.
Enter Tressly Studios: the capital’s first dedicated space designed exclusively for Afro, curly and coily hair. Part salon, part cultural hub, the salon opened its doors in March, and is definitive response to an industry that has, for far too long, treated textured hair as an afterthought.
Statistics show fewer than 0.01% of UK salons cater specifically to Afro and textured hair despite it being the fastest growing category. Tressly Studios sets out to change that using these key ingredients; style, substance and intention.
The space itself feels like a shift. Thoughtfully designed with a calm, contemporary sensibility, it moves away from the traditional salon model and towards something far more elevated. When I first walked in the hustle and bustle of city life dissipated. The vibe check was premium Dubai hair spa meets Space NK. Perhaps, that’s when I knew this isn’t just another salon. It’s a quiet revolution.
So, what can you expect? In-depth consultations with stylists who actually listen and follow through. Rather than relying on YouTube to swot up on hair tips, the in-house team have devised a programme of educational workshops that empower rather than overwhelm. But what truly sets Tressly apart is its hybrid approach. Alongside a roster of independent hairstylists, each bringing their own expertise, sits a curated edit of culture-first hair brands that have long been overlooked by mainstream beauty retail. Jessica Parrish founder of Shedid & Parrish says, “As a small business we’re delighted to be part of the Tressly story. We focus on the finest quality, sustainability and inclusivity which aligns with what they’ve set out to achieve.”
At the heart of it all is founder Antoinette Ale, a leading voice in Black haircare advocacy and Hair Equity Lead for the British Beauty Council. With over a decade of industry experience, her vision is clear: to make textured haircare more accessible, more expert-led, and more reflective of the people it serves.
“We created Tressly Studios to redefine the experience for textured hair in the UK,” she says. “For too long, specialist care has been overlooked. This is about centring expertise, community and premium service — so clients feel understood, celebrated and confident.”
It’s also about supporting the professionals behind the chair. Building on the success of Tressly’s digital platform that enabled independent stylists to create their own online storefronts, the Lewisham space marks a natural evolution. And the timing feels right too because this is the blueprint for the future of all hair salons.
