Winning hair salon design

Surreal Hair (Christchurch) was recently judged best salon design at the annual Industry Awards.

The awards recognise the best business, training and creative talent in New Zealand’s hair, beauty and barbering industries.

Salon owner Michelle Marsh relocated her business and reopened Surreal Hair in July 2022, saying at the time that it felt like a “homecoming”.

“As soon as I arrived here, I had that feeling of excitement again – all the things I had missed working in a proper salon were right in front of me,” she explains.
The 2011 earthquakes required the salon to move to a renovated-for-purpose villa in Westminster Street. Clients loved it, but Michelle and the team found it a limiting workspace.

The salon, designed by Krush Architecture Ltd, exudes calm and serenity, something Michelle was focused on from the beginning. “People’s lives are so busy now; it’s nice to have an oasis – a place to enjoy time out.”

Sustainability and supporting local are fully embraced here, with all waste disposed of responsibly and all beverages locally sourced.

“We are proud to be a member of Sustainable Salons,” says Michelle.
Another major point of difference is the salon now has a liquor licence.

“To offer that extra touch of pampering to clients is paramount. Bring on the cocktails.”