The story of London Hair System, so far…
Every business has a story, but this one starts with scissors, soul, and a whole stack of spreadsheets.
Before London Hair System existed, Marlene had already made a name for herself — not in boardrooms or branding agencies, but at the side of women quietly battling hair loss. With over 15 years of experience as a hair stylist and salon owner, she’d honed her styling skills, business acumen and her customer service skills. Then, she went in a new direction to evolve into a highly skilled hair system technician. She didn’t just style hair anymore; she helped women rediscover their confidence, one beautifully crafted hair system at a time.
Success became routine. Marlene’s hair system clients adored her. They’d ask for her by name, book months in advance, and often arrived not just for the hair work, but as much for her calm, compassionate presence and listening ear. But behind the scenes, the atmosphere around her had become increasingly difficult. The working environment was tense and unsupportive, with little room for collaboration, growth, or professional development. Though Marlene remained committed to her clients, the emotional and physical toll of such conditions, entirely beyond her control, made it clear that something had to change. Working for someone else came with limits: limited time with clients, limited creative freedom, and limited space to thrive. The more she gave, the more she wondered: Could she build something better for herself, and for all the women out there who needed her help?
So she did what all brave women do when the calling won’t subside. She left. No parachute, no promises, no guarantees. Just the decision to start something of her own. And so began the story of London Hair System.
Starting any business is rarely glamorous, and this one began with a good dose of property hunting and head scratching. Some locations were too expensive, some too far-flung, some shaped like a shoebox, and others were just crumbling and beyond salvation. But eventually, she found it: a slightly tired-looking premises in New Barnet. Not love at first sight, perhaps, but great potential at second glance. The structure was solid, the neighbourhood was familiar, and Marlene had a good feeling about it. Her instincts would soon prove right.
The negotiations for the lease began, and while lawyers and landlords played their part, Marlene rolled up her sleeves and got stuck into planning. Business plan? Check. Financial projections were drafted through hours of spreadsheet wrangling. Branding ideas and designs were scattered across notebooks and browser tabs. And then came the moment it all felt real: she registered her new company at Companies House. London Hair System officially had a heartbeat.
Alongside the legal and branding milestones, another essential part of the foundation was taking shape: Marlene’s search for the perfect suppliers of REMY hair. It wasn’t enough to offer great service; she wanted to offer outstanding products too. That meant embarking on a global hunt for consistency, quality, and trust. She dove into online research, trawling supplier reviews and analysing hair samples. She attended trade shows, combed through exhibition halls, and tapped contacts she’d built over the years across different corners of the globe. Finding premium hair was one thing. Securing it at fair prices from suppliers who could deliver reliably, month after month? That was the real challenge.
Then came the key moment — literally. After months of waiting and wrangling, the lease was signed and sealed, and Marlene collected the keys to the new home of London Hair System. The timing was just after New Year. A bit late for Christmas, but it felt like the best present imaginable.
With the keys in hand and a vision in mind, she got to work. Yet life has its own timelines, and shortly after the transformation began, Marlene received devastating news: her mum’s health had deteriorated sharply, and it was possible she might not have long to live. The cancer diagnosis had come earlier, but this moment marked a painful turning point. Priorities realigned immediately. She travelled to the Philippines to be with her mum, dad, and siblings — knowing that while the dream of running her new salon could wait, precious time with her mum could not. In those quiet, emotional weeks, her heart stayed with family. Business dreams could pause; love could not.
When the time felt right, she returned to London, fuelled by the quiet encouragement of her mum’s words. The property clear-out resumed. Ceilings were repaired, floors laid, walls painted. Locks were changed. The doorbell got an upgrade. And as if waking from a long nap, the building came back to life: water, gas, and electricity all switched back on.
With the structure revived, the space began its transformation into a salon. Marlene worked with salon furniture suppliers to select the perfect chairs, mirrors, reception desk, and waiting area furnishings. The upstairs became the bright, client-facing heart of the space, while downstairs took shape as the engine room: a consultation office, a technical workshop, and a compact but mighty stockroom. By then, Marlene had solidified her network of REMY hair suppliers — the dependable partners she needed to fulfil every order with confidence.
One of the final flourishes came with the signage. Sleek lettering, elegant tones, softly lit by white LED lighting. It was tasteful, confident, and unmistakable. Even the neighbouring shopkeepers gave their nods of approval. A new neighbour had arrived, and she came bearing good design.
Soon after, broadband arrived, along with the usual dance of router resets and tech support calls. Payment systems were configured, making contactless checkout a breeze. Everything was falling into place.
London Hair System officially opened its doors by inviting women to free, no-obligation consultations. From that point on, the mission was clear: to restore more than just hair. To offer care, comfort, and confidence in a setting designed to feel as reassuring as it is professional.
Not long after opening, Marlene’s mum sadly passed away. It was a profound loss, and one that shaped the way Marlene thought about illness, vulnerability, and the burdens so many women carry. Reflecting on that experience has given her a deep empathy for those undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other medical treatments. London Hair System, she decided, would always stand for more than just aesthetic renewal. It would be a sanctuary for women facing the most difficult chapters in life — a place where care begins with understanding.
Today, Marlene continues to do the work she loves, but now with the freedom to do it her way. London Hair System is more than a business; it’s a continuation of her dedication to women experiencing hair loss, a space where experience meets empathy, and where every appointment is another step toward feeling like yourself again.
We know hair loss is more than cosmetic. It’s personal. That’s why we’ve created a space where you’re seen, heard, and supported. If you’re looking for expertise wrapped in kindness — and for hair loss solutions that fit your life — then we’re 100% here for you.
From one woman’s vision to a full-service sanctuary, London Hair System is here to help keep you confidently beautiful.
Welcome to London Hair System.
