Twitter: @mparr3101
Mathew Parr
Lipstick & Gunpowder is a boutique salon, with a difference. Located in the South Laines, this quirky salon is being talked about, for all the right reasons.
L&G makes you smile as you walk in with its timeless look and slight retro designs. This simply is a salon unlike any other.
Recognised for its team bringing hairdressing to the next level, whilst boasting winning the regional finalist in the L’oreal Colour trophy award for consecutive years. L&G promotes and supports creativity. Owner Matthew Dimmick takes time to have a chat with me about his chic and retro salon in the heart of Brighton.
Firstly, I love the name – LIPSTICK & GUNPODWER. How did you come up with this name?
We came up with the name about 3 years ago. Our thought process was to combine glamour with power. The name is strong and represents our boutique salon perfectly.
What is the vision behind your Boutique salon?
We want to create a brand that is synonymous with quality, but has a lighthearted element to it. All of our stylists are very experienced, many having spent years working for high quality international chains and working for fashion weeks around the world. We also have a couple of internationally renowned colourists. They have left these places because they want the freedom to be more creative. Lipstick and Gunpowder offer a top of the line make up and nails service as well.
One of the things we are really passionate about is educating our clients about their hair, how to look after it, and how to create styles and looks by themselves.
We also work as a kind of co-operative, with many of the stylists owning part of the company.
What makes your salon different to others?
We are fiercely independent, and non-judgmental. Major, high quality salons, often have a kind of superiority complex, we don’t feel they offer the most relaxing of environments, are perhaps a little too formal, and when you are spending that sort of money you should be laid back and relaxed.
What we aim to offer is a service that parallels or exceeds the quality of a major high-end salon, but with a more friendly, happy, fun and welcoming environment.
What experience will your client receive when booking in with L&G?
The salon itself plays host to revolving art exhibitions on a permanent basis. We’ve got a big competition coming up where you can win free haircuts for a year; check our Facebook page for info!
We launch our Christmas look book at the start of December and early next year we are launching our T’s and Tiaras competition for amateur drag queens!
Most importantly for us, December sees the launch of our Home Salon service. We bring a full salon and a top end stylist to your home or office. They bring all the amenities you would expect: even down to a glass of wine and a cupcake! They can also come to your home to get you and your friends ready for a night out, from hair to nails and make up. Its also surprisingly affordable!
Is there any exclusive information, you can share with absolute magazine? Is there any upcoming shows, awards in the pipeline?
Anyone who comes to Lipstick and Gunpowder is guaranteed to leave being ecstatic with their hair, nails or make-up.
People who come into the salon say they feel like they have just spent an hour with a group of friends, laughing chatting, having a coffee or a glass of wine and leave feeling relaxed and re-energised.
We also ensure that customers leave feeling confident that they can recreate the style we have created for them at home.
What styles/colours are you promoting for the AW2015 season?
Plaits and Glitter partings are all in right now. Hair Colours we are promoting for the winter are Vintage China Pink and Mermaid Blue.
Christmas is not far away. What is a must have product for a Christmas gift?
For Men I would recommend Label M mens grooming crème, which will manipulate and sculpt your hair giving you the option of many diverse looks.
For the Women, I advise Label M Sleek Blowout – fights against humidity, leaving your hair feeling silky soft and free from frizz!
Lipstick & Gunpowder
7 Kings Road
Brighton
BN1 1NE
www.lipstickandgunpowder.com