In Conversation with Olivia Crighton

Last month we had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Olivia Crighton, Founder of Glasshouse Salon in East London. We found out all about what makes Glasshouse unique and the gentle organic products used to achieve beautifully nourished hair.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and Glasshouse Salon?

I am the founder and creative director at East London's Glasshouse Salon, and a mother to daughter Sadie. I grew up in New Zealand and moved to London over 10 years ago where I worked in the hairdressing industry before launching Glasshouse in 2013.

Have you always wanted to work in the Hair & Beauty industry?

I have been a hairstylist since I was 16 having always wanted to do something creative and tactile. Glasshouse was born from a passion to look after my own health. I became unwell and was suffering from a lot of allergies as a teenager and as a result I had to change several aspects of my diet and lifestyle. From there I began a journey towards discovering the world of organic and natural beauty.

Where did your inspiration come from when launching your brand?

In New Zealand, a more holistic approach to living was becoming more common, but in London over a decade ago, the organic haircare industry was still in its infancy. I couldn't find a lot of hair or beauty salons that were prioritising natural and organic services. I was working for an organic based professional haircare brand at the time and I decided to launch my own salon to provide Londoners with a more healthy and sustainable option.

What makes Glasshouse unique to other salons in London?

The primary focus of Glasshouse is to care for the long-term condition of the hair and your overall health, without compromising the environment. This means that with every service we endeavour to minimise compromising the environment. Our chosen brands and products prioritise the highest amount of natural and organic ingredients and the least amount of potentially harmful synthetic chemicals as possible. We also stock a full range of makeup and lifestyle products online and in store to help support our clients to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle overall. We also provide regular content on beauty trends, environmental issues and interviews with likeminded creatives on our online Journal.

Can you talk us through your haircare routine?

Being a business owner and mum I need to keep things quick and simple. It's my philosophy that hair in good condition is more manageable and will look good with minimal styling. A good cut and colour goes a long way too. I've been using the Organic Colour Systems Powerbuild range for about 10 years now to maintain the colour, volume and shine. I use the treatment at least once a week alongside a relaxing bath.

What is your favourite hair product and why?

By far the hero product in our salon is the Powerbuild Revamp Reconstructive Treatment. We use it for hair that is lacking strength (protein) - which is a surprising portion of clients. It's particularly important for clients who have a lot of colouring and keep the hair looking bright, thick and shiny by repairing from the inside out.

How do you make your clothes work for you and your busy lifestyle and what are your go-to wardrobe staples?

I tend to work around staple pieces in my wardrobe. Good quality basics such as widelegged trousers, shirts and dresses that work well when thrown together on busy mornings.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own brand or opening a salon?

Find your strengths and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Also, anyone starting a new venture in 2019 should be putting sustainability at the forefront. It's too important to ignore.

And finally...
If I wasn't running Glasshouse Salon... I would be running some other venture.
The best thing about my job... is working with amazing, talented and inspiring people. I also love being able to make changes and go against the grain in the hair and beauty industry.
My favourite holiday destination... Greece or anywhere with sunshine, beauty and lovely food.
Words to live by... love - just that
My handbag essential... the Glasshouse tote bag. It fits all my essentials and I throw it in the wash when it gets a little worse for wear.
My favourite London hangout... is the park on a sunny day with my girl.

Slim-fit Cotton Sweater >

Cropped Wide Leg Jeans >

Cropped Jacket >

Linen Cotton Trousers >