StyleNest take five minutes with the uber talented and lovely Adam and Paul – stylists behind London’s most unaffected and effective salon, Percy & Reed.
With a range of products under their belt and a thriving salon with an instant calming atmosphere there is no stopping for co-founders Adam Reed and Paul Percival. Adam and Paul talk bad hair days and business and tell us what a day in the life of two of the most loveable stylists in London is really like.
Adam and Paul, you joined forces in 2007, what was the inspiration behind launching the salon?
Adam: I had just moved back from New York and joined with Paul’s agency. It was about three years in the making and we really just wanted to do something different. We started doing shoots together and shortly noticed how nice the atmosphere was and thought it would be nice recreate this in a salon environment. Usually the salon experience is stressful and women feel they have to put on their best outfit and we wanted to emulate what people were saying on shoots in a salon.
Paul: We wanted to create a comfortable salon. We wanted to work somewhere where stylists enjoyed coming to work as well as the customers for appointments. We wanted the salon to be like our living room, characterful and welcoming with pictures etc. If we see something at the weekend that we like, we bring it in and put it in the salon. We wanted the salon to be a place where you can sit next to Noel Gallagher on one side and a client who has been coming here for years on the other. Whoever you are, you will be comfortable there.
Can you clue any StyleNest readers on any exciting projects you might be working on.
AR: We are launching a new salon – we can’t tell you too much at the moment. We really believe in fate, we had found somewhere that we both thought we liked but for various reasons it didn’t work out. Two days later we found this place and then I discovered that my grandfather in his plumbing apprentice had plumbed that same street. We also have some really fantastic new product developments coming through. As soon as we can we’ll let you know about them. We never rest on our laurels. Like the No Oil Oil or Dry Conditioner we want to bring the most cutting edge products of the moment.
Your range of products just keeps on expanding. What is your ultimate goal?
AR: Both Paul and I have worked across the industry for many years. We would like three amazing destination salons in London and as a final project a six seater salon in Manhattan.
Adam, you began hairdressing when you were 13. Did you always know you wanted be in the industry?
AR: I always wanted to work in the fashion industry and hair was a way of getting into it. I used to cut my sisters doll’s hair and I used to sit and clean the rollers when my grandmother used to have her hair done. Still today I absolutely love it.
PP: I was training to be an architect, working with my dad who was a carpenter when the recession hit. My mum’s local hairdresser needed someone to wash hair and after two weeks I didn’t want to do anything else. From there I decided that I wanted to work in a big salon and that’s when I first started at Charles Worthington.
You both have quite demanding schedules. What do you do to unwind?
AR: I love to cook, read and walk my dog. Coco, my dog is my ultimate relaxation. I live in the east end of London and love to explore. I go to Thailand once a year and it is my treat. I don’t have an alarm clock so I will sleep next to the window and let the natural light wake me up. I find it’s a great way to re-set your body clock.
PP: Walking my dog and spending time with the family. My sister runs a safari lodge in Africa so we visit when we can.
When working so close together, how do you manage to iron out any disagreements?
AR: Talking – we are really lucky. I need to vent but Paul is calmer. Once I have vented I feel much better and Paul will rationalise it. We rarely disagree as we have the same vision for the brand.
PP: We will listen to each other’s opinions and respect the others area of expertise.
How would you define the ethos of Percy and Reed? What makes your salon different to others?
AR: We take our work seriously but ourselves less so. We want the products and the salon to be amazing. As long as the hair is amazing we are happy.
PP: It’s very difficult to define your own ethos but we aim to create products with personality and a comfortable salon where egos are left at the door.
What have been both of your ultimate achievements?
AR: Opening the salon. We both started from very small salons. When you see that salon door and everyone working here, it really is a lovely feeling.
What advice would you give to our readers who want to set up their own business?
AR: Go with your heart.
PP: Make sure that when you draw up your business plan half it by 50%.
After summer, hair can often be dry and damaged. What tips would you give women to help repair their locks for winter?
AR: My ultimate tip is to prevent. Don’t wait until you get back from holiday or until your hair is already damaged. Give your hair treatments every single week to help keep your moisture levels up. You don’t wait until you are dying of thirst to have a drink so it is the same with your hair. If your hair is damaged, pop our TLC or Lovingly Light Mask on to restore its natural shine.
What are your top 3 products in the Percy and Reed range?
AR & PP: No Oil Oil for Fine Hair, Volumising Mousse and Hairspray.
Other than Percy and Reed what are your top hero products you swear by?
AR & PP: Oribe Light Texturising Spray, Babyliss Pro Volare Hairdryer and Goody Crystal Elastic Snag-free hairbands – they’re brilliant.
Summarise, a day in the life of Adam and Paul at Percy and Reed?
AR: Satisfying, hectic, varied, surprising. My favourite part of the day is the morning. I’m a morning person and I like getting up for work and having some “me time”. Walking to and from the station so I can get prepared for the day ahead in the morning and clear my head in the evening.
PP: When I wake up in the morning with my family and dog jumps on me. Seeing my kids at the end of the day is the highlight of my day.
On those dreaded “bad hair days” what are a quick fix solution?
AR: Goody Updo pins are fantastic to pop the hair back. They make it really secure and look fabulous.
PP: Dry shampoo and conditioner can work wonders.
What hair trends are going to be big next year and how can our readers incorporate them into their everyday routine?
AR & PP: It’s all about straight hair – for every hair type. Keep it modern and fresh with volume at the roots and straighten through the mid lengths and ends. Barbarella hair is also going to be a big trend. Use a barrette to hold the hair on the crown and create amazing volume through the rest of the hair.
What are your hair secrets?
AR: A good diet is the root. Take Udos Choice supplements and eat lots of oily fish. Omega 3s are essential.
Click here for some Percy & Reed hair top tips on how to achieve stylish Festival Hair.