Travel anywhere north of Hadrian’s Wall and you’ll be sure to find someone who knows Marlene Lamont! Actually, probably true of most areas in the UK – in hairdressing for sure. This tour de force of a salon owner, is special. Marlene Lamont has spent the past 20 years running her own salon called Urban Hair & Beauty, right up in Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
Here she has focused on creating. salon where staff, clients and training blend. The standards are high in hair work, and business acumen. Which brings us here – time to share some of Marlene’s extraordinary insight:
What makes a great salon business?
Marlene Lamont tells us she has learned that success isn’t just about technique or trends. “It’s really about people, consistency, and thoughtful leadership.“
Marlene’s approach to business is straightforward: “Invest in your team, maintain quality, and always make sure your services meet real client needs.” She believes hair extensions, for example, shouldn’t be treated as a luxury service reserved for occasional use. “Extensions are a core part of what we do; they can make a real difference for clients dealing with thinning hair, hair loss, or lifestyle changes,” she says. Offering extensions as a standard service requires careful consultation, thorough training, and attention to quality principles she applies across every area of the salon.
We totally agree – extensions are a perfect way to to expand, if done right.
And education?
Education plays a central role in maintaining these standards. At Urban Hair & Beauty, training is ongoing and tailored to each stylist’s level and goals. Marlene says: “I encourage my team to experience as much of the industry as possible. Whether that’s assisting on photoshoots, entering competitions, or learning new techniques, it all builds confidence and consistency. If your team feels supported and capable, clients notice the difference.”
Leadership is practical and people-focused. “I take the time to understand my staff’s ambitions and adapt working arrangements to support them,” she explains. From mentoring and skills development to introducing a four-day work week, Marlene believes that providing stability, clear expectations, and opportunities for growth is just as important as technical training in building a successful salon.
Client experience is key
Marlene also places a strong emphasis on processes and client experience. “Every service begins with a consultation,” she notes. “We make sure each style is tailored to the client’s lifestyle, face shape, and preferences.” The salon uses client feedback systems to monitor service quality and make improvements over time. This combination of personalised service, professional standards, and operational discipline underpins the salon’s long-term success.
Overview
Ultimately, Marlene’s perspective on building a business is grounded in steady, thoughtful growth. “Investing in people, maintaining consistent quality, and offering services that genuinely meet client needs, these are the pillars that have allowed our salon to thrive for more than 20 years,” she says. “Success in this industry comes from focusing on the fundamentals. If you get the basics right, team, training, standards, and client care, the rest follows.”
Salon business isn’t easy and there are so many pressures. We get it. But with some calm planning and clear focus on what your priorities are – building profit must be one – then it’s going to help you navigate this rapidly changing consumer world. Thank you for sharing Marlene.
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