Jadah Dale is catering to the hair needs of London’s “it” crowd

I’m someone who’s got a penchant for switching their hair up. I’ve gone from a fairly bog-standard brunette bob to a buzz cut to what I’ve tried to articulate to hairdressers as a “Drew-Barrymore-esque-90s-micro-bob”. The references for my cut and colour are, in other words, somewhat niche, and they require a hair studio that gets it. One such salon? Studio Studios, helmed by Jadah Dale, located in the heart of East London. 

The founder of Studio Studios seems to have found something of a sweet spot in the hair world — the salon is unpretentious but decidedly cool (they’ve often got a cult film playing on an old TV, just for the vibes) and they’re simultaneously ahead of the curve while prioritising what their clients want. Pop into Studio Studios and you’re just as likely to see a black dip-dye (that made the rounds thanks to Jadah’s cut and colour on resident “it” girl Susie Lola) as a natural honey blonde. It’s an attitude to hair that’s earned Jadah not just a clientele that reads like a whos-whos of London tastemakers, but a roster of celeb customers, too. Earlier this year, she curated Holly Humberstone’s signature look — she even gave it a little tidy-up before the singer’s stint supporting Taylor Swift. 

We sat down with Jadah to chat about the salon’s Shoreditch home, “cool girl” hair and how Studio Studios became the place of choice for London’s “it” crowd. 

How did Studio Studios come about?

I’ve been doing hair for over 15 years and I built a loyal client base when I worked at one of London’s most popular salons. I did love the environment there, but eventually I just felt like I needed something different. I wanted to create a space where I could truly connect with my clients on a deeper level — make them feel valued and cared for. And gorgeous! 

You moved over from Canada — what made you choose East London? 

So, I grew up on a small island off the west coast of Canada — beautiful, but quiet. There wasn’t much going on. But since moving to London eight years ago, I feel like I’ve just been surrounded by inspiration. East London was the right spot for Studio Studios not only because it’s my home, but because it’s got this amazing blend of Queer culture, creativity and this chic fashion-forward vibe. That clicks with the studio. 

You seem to attract a lot of cool clients — how has that come about? 

Our community is built on strong connections — friends introducing other friends and their family. Even that girl who complimented your hair in the bathroom at a party. It’s the same kind of thing that makes salon environments so special, too. Salons are where people come together, relax and chat about everything and anything — it’s as much about community as it is hair. 

I think the cool thing about Studio Studios is you’re not just doing one thing. If anything, you’re quite often ahead of the curve — Susie Lola’s black dip-dye for example. But what’s your favourite hair to do if you had to pick?

Culture and its impact on style is always a topic of conversation at Studio Studios. We draw a lot of inspiration from music and cult films. And our clients are just as creative and incredibly smart — they bring their own amazing ideas and references. It’s very much a collaborative process and we inspire each other. As for my favourite hair to do, I specialise in colour treatments, but for me it’s really about what brings the most joy to a client. It’s about creating a look that not only sets them apart but makes them feel good.

The salon feels more like a hangout than a traditional hair space. Tell me about that. 

I wanted the studio to feel more like a living room than a typical high street salon — the kind of space people can feel at home in. It’s somewhere you can read, work, laugh, or even cry, though that’s never hair-related — obviously. Ultimately, it’s a space where clients leave feeling refreshed. Not just because of their new hair, but in a deeper and more personal way, too. 

You’ve worked with a lot of celebrity clients — Iris Law, Maisie Williams, Robert Pattinson, Suki Waterhouse, and Arlo Parks, to name just a few. How does doing their hair for events and shoots compare to being in the studio? 

I do love working with celebrity clients for shoots and events. It’s a nice change of pace — like a little field trip. But, usually, my relationship with those people began in the salon chair, where we collaborated to create their signature look.

You recently did Holly Humberstone’s hair for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. How did you achieve her new look?

So, Holly first came to the studio wanting to create a signature look. We decided to give her a shaggy face frame and a curtain fringe to bring out her natural texture. It was all about creating a relaxed look. On the day of the Taylor Swift show, we touched up the cut, refining the shape. Then, I used an iron to bend the pieces back and forth, adding some natural, textured waves. It created this really ethereal, effortless look. 

What inspired the vibe of the Studio Studios space?

I love nothing more than practicing the dark art of cosiness. I designed the space to feel clean and inviting all year round. It’s warm and comforting in the winter – with candles and carefully curated music – and bright and fresh in the summer. When it’s warmer we leave the doors to the courtyard open. 

There’s something special about the relationship between a stylist and client. What’s your approach to building that trust?

Creating a space where my clients feel genuinely cared for is what makes me happiest. I make it a point to listen to their needs and pick up on things that might not be obvious at first. I want to understand not just their style, but their personality. You know the saying: “Dress for the job you want”. I think hair is a big part of that, too. Hair can have manifestive properties — it plays a huge role in building and affirming your identity. For me, it’s about giving clients a look that feels like a true reflection of who they are.

Everyone’s talking about “cool girl” hair right now. What does that actually mean to you?

“Cool girl” hair, to me, is more of an ethos than a specific style or trend. I think it has a lot to do with being able to tap into contemporary culture while drawing from interesting references of the past — to create looks that are cool and unapologetic. I guess it’s about hair that feels somewhat familiar. Almost nostalgic? But while keeping it fresh and not played out. 

What’s next for Studio Studios? 

Studio Studios is just over a year old! We’re constantly growing and evolving to meet demand, but (at least for now) our lips are sealed on what’s next. You’ll just have to come in and get your hair done to find out…

You can follow Studio Studios on Instagram here.