Sustainability focused hair salon launches in Plymouth

A brand new hair salon launched on Saturday in Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard. YOKE is situated at 2 The New Cooperage, and is run by highly experienced husband and wife team Jo Barker and Steven Dyer.

Established with an ethical sustainable, eco-sensitive ethos in mind, YOKE will not only provide the highest standards of hair styling and care, but will also minimise its environmental impact with a series of initiatives designed to reduce water use, reduce the use of harmful chemicals wherever possible, and lower energy usage - all whilst giving clients cutting edge styling and the very best treatments in a fresh, sleek new salon.

Nestled amongst the yard’s thriving business community – situated between Le Bistrot Pierre and Le Vignoble - YOKE enjoys an enviable position in one of the most sought after areas of the city.

New owners and salon partners, Jo Barker and Steven Dyer, said: “We love this site - it’s a wonderful place to work and we’re really pleased we’ve finally opened the doors to our customers. The plans for YOKE have been under wraps for a long time and we’re really excited we’ve now launched our brand to the public.”

Steven continued: “Between us, we have over 30 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, in some of the UK’s most exclusive salons. We have both worked as stylists and top-level colourists, as well as doing on-set hair and make-up for magazine editorials and managing other salons. We are very excited to now be able to pass our experience on to our wonderful team, and we look forward to welcoming our clients - both old and new - into the salon.”

Working exclusively with haircare experts L’Oreal, YOKE will look to bring some of the global brand’s expertise to the South West. Jo Barker, head colourist and salon partner said: “We have both worked in some of the UK’s very best salons, as well as spending two years living and working in Sydney, Australia. Many of the salons in Australia are way ahead of UK salons in terms of being more eco-friendly and sustainable, and we want to be amongst the first to bring this to the UK.”

Jo, who holds the highly sought after L’Oreal Colour Specialist qualification, which you won’t find at any other independent salons in the city, continued. “At YOKE we are looking forward to teaming up with more of the South West’s independent businesses to run exciting events, all with a focus on lessening our impact on the environment and creating beautiful, stylish hair in a salon environment that our clients can relax in.”

The yard has been transformed by award winning regeneration company Urban Splash over the past decade, evolving from a disused naval supplies yard to a place in which people can live, work and play. The developer has attracted a wide variety of businesses to create a thriving offering including restaurants, bars and shops.

Urban Splash Director Emily Handslip explained: “We are delighted to welcome YOKE to the yard, they add to a vibrant mix of businesses and their presence is another great offering for our residents, visitors and people working here.”

New clients booking at YOKE will receive 15% off cut and colour services (skin test must be carried out 48 hours prior to all colour appointments). Find out more about YOKE by visiting their website on www.yokethesalon.com , and keep up to date with the team on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yokethesalon.