The biggest challenges in salons today often aren’t technical; they’re cultural. It’s rarely the craft that wears people down; it’s the atmosphere. Things like tension, lack of trust, drama or simply a group of individuals sharing a space without sharing a sense of purpose.
At The Hair Movement, we believe culture sits at the root of everything. It’s how we show up, how we grow and how we sustain success. We’re a shared working space, but we operate under one brand banner and a shared set of values. That’s what holds it all together.
We’re not fluffy – in fact, we’re fiercely commercial! We monitor every penny, watch the bottom line and operate with a high level of structure and efficiency. In a co-working environment with many individuals under one roof, structure isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Structure creates clarity, consistency and calm, and without it, things spiral. It might feel rigid at times, but it gives everyone the stability they need to focus, thrive and grow. We believe culture and commercial success fuel each other, but if we’re ever forced to choose, we’ll back our culture and values every time.
Of course, it’s easy to talk about values when everything is going well. But what happens when sticking to them carries real risk? When it could hitthe business financially, create disruption or cause temporary upheaval? What about when you’re just craving an easier path? That’s the real stretch test. That’s when you find out if you are truly values-led or just playing the part.
A few months ago, we made the decision to part ways with two of our highest-earning co-workers. On a human level, it was tough, but from a brand perspective… it was a no-brainer. Their ability was never in question, but behind the scenes, their behaviour didn’t reflect the values and principles we live by.
So, we asked ourselves: What’s the real cost of keeping someone who disrupts the culture we’ve worked so hard to build? Of course, at first glance, it’s always easier to maintain the status quo… until it’s not.
Skill and revenue can never justify toxicity, especially in a shared space. So, we made the call. Immediately, co-workers felt happier and more connected, and our guests noticed the difference too. And here’s the thing – we didn’t even feel it on the bottom line. These two spots were filled straight away, as we had other stylists wanting to join us because of this culture.
That decision reinforced what we already believed: success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating an environment where people genuinely thrive. And thriving looks different for everyone. For some, it’s building a loyal guest base, and for others, it’s refining their craft, feeling seen and supported, or having the freedom to maintain a work-life balance. At The Hair Movement, we try to celebrate all of it, and when we don’t get it right, we learn, adjust and move forward. That’s the reality of being values-led.
Culture shapes guest experience too. People feel it in how they’re treated, listened to and respected – whether they’re in for a transformation or a trim. Values don’t show up on a P&L, but they drive loyalty, retention and referrals. Guests stay longer and co-workers grow. That’s the real return on investment. It also means we attract the right stylists. The structure is there, but we shouldn’t need to micromanage. Those who fit, thrive, and those who try to fight the culture usually can’t sustain it and eventually step away.
If you’re a freelancer working in a shared space, ask yourself: What kind of environment do you want to create? Your values should answer that. They don’t need to be pretty words on a poster; they need to be practical, usable and reflective of the community you’re building.
Think about how people interact in your space: How do you handle conflict when it shows up? Who do you invite in and why? What behaviours do you intentionally welcome and which ones do you silently accept?
If you don’t have clear answers, start by writing three to five principles that reflect the environment you want. Keep it real. Keep it useful. You should be able to come back to them when things get messy, and find your answer already waiting for you.
