Meet the colourist behind Charli xcx and Stella Maxwell’s manes

Hannah Harrison is relaxed, personable and possesses the type of Liverpudlian chattiness that inevitably makes you feel at ease in her new North London salon. Though laid-back, the stylist is a true maven in her craft — diligent while effortless, a combination of fresh vision and seasoned expertise. It’s no surprise, really, given that Harrison has been dying hair since the age of fourteen. Granted, it was her own (thanks to a teenage “goth phase”), but her finessing of box-dyed black soon developed into more sophisticated home-grown balayages. It wasn’t long before she’d moved down to the capital with a job offer from, perhaps the most well-known bleaching brand of all time, Bleach London. The “natural” next step? Opening her very own space: The Haye Studio.

Despite the gothic influences that impassioned her pursuit of hair styling, Harrison wound up specialising in somewhat the opposite. For her, bleach is far more than the traditional Barbie blonde (although she could likely carry out a classic root bleach in her sleep), but adventurous colours and unorthodox hand-painting techniques. It’s this perspective that landed Harrison into the fashion, editorial and celebrity space. She’s no stranger to a runway show, magazine shoot or famous face (or, more accurately, famous mane). The studio owner has worked with models who are essentially synonymous with the word ‘blonde’ — think: Stella Maxwell and Georgia May Jagger — as well as it-girls like Rina Sawayama. She’s even had her hands on Charli xcx’s plush locks.

The VIP edge is something that translates into The Haye Studio. Having opened in April this year, there’s a palpable freshness to the loft-like space. With pale walls punctuated by a smattering of carefully-picked artwork and curated indie magazines, the salon feels simultaneously relaxed and effortlessly cool. That feeling is compounded by the distinctly chic scent of santal lingering in the air and a fridge stocked high with crispy Diet Cokes. It isn’t hard to imagine the drink’s high-fashion ambassador sitting down in one of the studio’s taupe leather chairs. If one thing is clear, it’s that Harrison cares about the client experience — but more than that, she cares about her clients’ hair.

Anyone who has considered bleaching their hair will no doubt understand the scepticism around such a style (read: life) choice. They’ll inevitably have been warned by an aunt or best friend about the time they endured a botched bleach job. But Harrison will ensure that never, ever happens. While she testifies that “bleaching isn’t for everyone”, for those willing to carry out the necessary maintenance, the stylist is enthusiastic about everyone needing “a platinum moment once in their life”. She even offers a treatment called ‘Hair Botox’ at her studio to keep hair healthy. But whether opting for balayage, dip-dyed blue or Barbie blonde, Harrison ultimately just wants her clients to feel like “their best selves” — and rest assured, she knows how to get them there.

You started dying your own hair at fourteen. What attracted you to hair initially?

I went through quite a goth phase as a teenager so I started dyeing my hair as a form of self-expression. I would change my look every few months. It felt like a fun way to reinvent myself.

You then spent seven years at Bleach London before opening The Haye Studio. What made you decide it was time to launch your own space, and what did you take away from Bleach London that you’ve transferred into the Haye Studio?

It honestly felt like a natural progression. I learned so much at Bleach, not just technical skills, but also confidence in my creative vision. Those years really gave me the foundation I needed to go out on my own and build something that reflects my own aesthetic and approach.

What did you hope to achieve when opening your own studio? 

My goal was to build a space that feels calm, inclusive and inspiring — somewhere clients can unwind and truly feel like their best selves.

How has your freelance editorial and runway work influenced the services and atmosphere you’ve created at The Haye Studio? Have you had any celebrity appearances in the studio yet?

My freelance work keeps me inspired and pushes me creatively, and I try to bring that same energy into the studio. I’ve also had a few recognisable faces visit, which has been lovely.

Colouring is your speciality, and your work ranges from natural highlights to bold colours. Why do you think your clients come to you specifically for all their dying needs?

I think clients come to me based on my experience I’ve gained over the years. I love creating bespoke looks and people trusting me to bring their vision to life while keeping their hair healthy and looking its best.

Bleaching is, of course, one of your specialties. What do you wish more people understood about the bleaching process, and what’s the most common misconception clients come in with?

I wish more people knew that bleaching isn’t for everyone. It takes care, planning and sometimes a lot of maintenance. That being said, I think everyone needs a platinum moment once in their life!

What are your holy grail products for coloured hair that clients can use at home?

My holy grail products would include the Money Masque from Color Wow — for dehydrated hair it’s my go to — and I really love the Colour Mask range by Wella. It’s a great in between top-up for my vibrant colour clients and honey blondes. 

You also offer more advanced treatments like Hair Botox. For someone who’s never heard of this treatment, how would you explain what it does?

Hair Botox is a deep conditioning treatment that repairs damage, smooths frizz and adds shine. It’s perfect for anyone wanting more manageable, low-maintenance hair, while still keeping their natural movement.

Looking ahead, where do you see The Haye Studio in the next few years? Are there treatments, collaborations or expansions you’re excited to explore as the business grows?

In the next few years I’d love to expand the studio and collaborate with like-minded stylists. It would be a personal achievement to train the next generation of assistants, because I know firsthand how much it meant to learn from stylists who truly cared when I was starting out.