TGt Meets...Kelly of Pixal-Rose Hair Design

In this edition of TGt Meets, you can get to know Pixal-Rose's founder, Kelly and the story behind her business.

Your salon's name, Pixal Rose, is quite unique. Could you share the story behind it?

This is quite a story. So, Pixal-Rose was the first vegan hair salon to open in Swindon. The idea was to promote ethical hairdressing and to highlight that there were many salon brands which still tested on animals.

I really wanted to push forward the notion that you can still have great hair without harm and also how we should be celebrating our pets, not using them for beauty purposes.

So, I decided to name the salon after my very own Guinea Pig, Pixal (and the Rose part just sounded pretty).

Pixal-Rose is known for its specialisation in curly hair. What inspired you to focus on this niche, and how do you approach curly hair differently?

Again, this happened by accident – but we’re glad it did. Our first niche was ethical, vegan hairdressing.

When I was freelancing, renting a chair, I also had a job at a salon in Bristol which appealed to me because of it’s ethics. I actually didn’t know at the time that this salon specialized in curly hair, which is where I began my journey to become a curl specialist. That’s also how we became the first curl specialists in Swindon.

It also means, we can feel confident to accept all clients without having to worry about cutting and styling.

Beyond using vegan products, how does Pixal-Rose incorporate sustainability into its daily operations?
Sustainability is so important to us. We use hair colour without PPD or Ammonia, we recycle as much as we can and we purchase pre-loved where-ever possible. Our work stations are made from re-claimed wood that we actually kept from the old salon building. Most furniture you see has come from another home. I think it tells a story!

When you're not working, what are some of your favorite self-care rituals or hobbies?

I’m a huge fan of the gym. You’ll find me going to NOVA health and fitness most days. But I also love a good rummage through a charity shop (especially in Camden), singing country music or enjoying a glass of whiskey in the pub.

Visit the Pixal-Rose Hair Design website!