Tom Chapman Hair Design, a young salon located in Torquay, United Kingdom, has a team of creative and talented hair artists that find inspiration in music, street style, and fashion. We had a chance to talk to Tom Chapman himself, who fulfilled his dream of opening the salon in 2011.

Check out our interview with Tom to learn more about the salon, the client experience, and their future goals!

BANGSTYLE: How long has Tom Chapman Hair Design been around?

Tom Chapman: We opened October 1st, 2011.

BANGSTYLE: What were your experiences in the industry prior to the salon?

Tom Chapman: I started my career with Toni&Guy, where I completed my training specializing in the cutting side of hairdressing. Then I worked for a couple of independent salons before realizing my dream of having my own salon.

BANGSTYLE: What was the inspiration to open your own salon?

Tom Chapman: I’ve taken inspiration from all aspects of my life. I always wanted to have a salon team that focused on education and moving forward all the time, while being creative.

BANGSTYLE: What is the vibe and décor like? What is on the playlist?

Tom Chapman: The vibe is very relaxed, with an industrial baroque feel to the decor. The playlist changes often to the mood of the weather and time of week. Everything from deep house, electro indie through classic ska to 20s jazz and swing.

BANGSTYLE: What kind of client experience do you like to create?

Tom Chapman: We love to create a relaxed atmosphere where people can have fun with the entire team on their journey through our salon.

BANGSTYLE: What is the clientele like?

Tom Chapman: Our clientele literally ranges from 1 year to 86! Although a majority of our clients tend to like the more creative side of our team.

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the work you create?

Tom Chapman: We draw inpirations from all over, from street fashion to the silver screen. A few memebers of our staff (including myself) are hugely influenced by different genres of music, which is often where styles start, with the kids on the streets taking on that look and then the catwalk plucking ideas from the streets. There is also a HUGE range of hair stylists we follow.

BANGSTYLE: Do you specialize in any look or cut in particular?

Tom Chapman: We don’t specialize in one look, although fashion can dictate this for a period of time. Vintage 40s and 50s looks with a modern twist is very popular for men at the moment. So, you have to adapt because of demand.

BANGSTYLE: What is Tom Chapman Hair Design known for?

Tom Chapman: We are known for being creative and producing some great images. We have a strong male following too, which will grow soon due to introducing classic wet shaves.

BANGSTYLE: What do you look for in the stylists for the salon?

Tom Chapman: I personally look for drive, passion and individuality in my stylists. I feel, to have a great team, you need a variation in interests and specialities. Some of our team adore colour and therefore drive the rest of the guys foreward while others love babering and share their tricks and skills with the others. A willingness to improve yourself is so important as the learning NEVER ends.

BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goal for the salon?

Tom Chapman: We hope to improve and grow, we are a very young business at the beginning of our journey. We hope to grow with more/bigger salons. Also, I’d love to have an academy to train our future stylists up to a standard that will secure the future of the business and fantastic hair!

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