G
U
I
L
L
O
T
I
N
E
guillotine is an independent hair design studio
located in leith, edinburgh, scotland.
it has grown out of a real need for
alternatives to mainstream salon and barbershop
spaces, both for clients and stylists.
scroll down to read more about our philosophy
and how to make the most of your first visit.
we are not a luxury beauty brand. we are closer to an art studio or design firm than a day spa. we do not have a long menu of beauty services. we aim to do one thing -- cut your hair -- and do it very well.
we are not a barbershop. you will not be in and out in fifteen minutes. we will take our time to listen, to pay attention to every aspect of your cut, to develop a design which is unique to you, and to execute it using any appropriate barbering or hairdressing techniques.
we reject the hustle. crammed salons, long hours, and high throughput drive creative burnout, chaotic environments, and a mass production approach that damages the client-stylist collaboration at the heart of good hair design. we slow down, see fewer clients, and give deep attention to every cut.
we are artists and designers. our work has a point of view. our signature aesthetics are most clearly rooted in queer, punk, goth, club-kid, skinhead, and other alternative subcultures. but we combine this with sassoon precision, scientific understanding, and a wide range of visual references from architecture, sculpture, fine art, everyday observation, etc. we draw on any visual language that is relevant, and can work with any references you bring us.
we are not a luxury beauty brand. we are closer to an art studio or design firm than a day spa. we do not have a long menu of beauty services. we aim to do one thing -- cut your hair -- and do it very well.
we are not a barbershop. you will not be in and out in fifteen minutes. we will take our time to listen, to pay attention to every aspect of your cut, to develop a design which is unique to you, and to execute it using any appropriate barbering or hairdressing techniques.
we reject the hustle. crammed salons, long hours, and high throughput drive creative burnout, chaotic environments, and a mass production approach that damages the client-stylist collaboration at the heart of good hair design. we slow down, see fewer clients, and give deep attention to every cut.
we are artists and designers. our work has a point of view. our signature aesthetics are most clearly rooted in queer, punk, goth, club-kid, skinhead, and other alternative subcultures. but we combine this with sassoon precision, scientific understanding, and a wide range of visual references from architecture, sculpture, fine art, everyday observation, etc. we draw on any visual language that is relevant, and can work with any references you bring us.
how to get the most out of your first
appointment with us
bring references. having a few handy is useful. these can be pictures of cuts that you like, cuts that you dont like, or other images that help to convey who you are or what you are looking for. you could also bring us images of nature, architecture, or art that inspires you. anything that helps us understand what appeals to your eye. in the same vein, it is best to wear clothing in your typical style so that we can understand your overall visual identity.
help us understand and work with your hair as you wear it. come with clean hair styled in a manner that is typical to you. don't have your hair tied up, braided, under a hat, etc, unless that is how you typically wear it and plan to wear it. where possible don't turn up with excessive product buildup or very matted hair.
don't make us rush. turn up on time, and if you suspect you need a longer or shorter appointment please tell us in advance where possible.
bring references. having a few handy is useful. these can be pictures of cuts that you like, cuts that you dont like, or other images that help to convey who you are or what you are looking for. you could also bring us images of nature, architecture, or art that inspires you. anything that helps us understand what appeals to your eye. in the same vein, it is best to wear clothing in your typical style so that we can understand your overall visual identity.
help us understand and work with your hair as you wear it. come with clean hair styled in a manner that is typical to you. don't have your hair tied up, braided, under a hat, etc, unless that is how you typically wear it and plan to wear it. where possible don't turn up with excessive product buildup or very matted hair.
don't make us rush. turn up on time, and if you suspect you need a longer or shorter appointment please tell us in advance where possible.
access information
we are located in a basement at 2A henderson street, leith, edinburgh, EH6 6BS. there are twelve steps down to the studio floor.
we are a small team, with just two stylists working at any one time. however, the space can still be noisy when everyone is talking, both stylists are blowdrying and there's music playing. we are always happy to adjust the music if needed, and your stylist will be happy to talk less during your appointment if requested.
the space can be cold. an electric heater and hot water bottles are available on request.
if cost is a barrier, please consider asking your stylist for a sliding scale / pay-what-you-can cut. it is typically best to do this in advance so that our stylists can manage their finances.
if you feel there is information not listed here which could be helpful if included, please let us know -- email bevbev@guillotinehair.co.uk with any suggestions.
we are located in a basement at 2A henderson street, leith, edinburgh, EH6 6BS. there are twelve steps down to the studio floor.
we are a small team, with just two stylists working at any one time. however, the space can still be noisy when everyone is talking, both stylists are blowdrying and there's music playing. we are always happy to adjust the music if needed, and your stylist will be happy to talk less during your appointment if requested.
the space can be cold. an electric heater and hot water bottles are available on request.
if cost is a barrier, please consider asking your stylist for a sliding scale / pay-what-you-can cut. it is typically best to do this in advance so that our stylists can manage their finances.
if you feel there is information not listed here which could be helpful if included, please let us know -- email bevbev@guillotinehair.co.uk with any suggestions.