She’s fun, fearless and freaking amazing at her job. Meet the brains (and the hands) behind Liverpool’s hottest new boutique hair salon. 

After spending 25 years working for Toni&Guy, Maria decided that it was time to take the bull by the horns and go it alone. 

In true girl boss style, Red Door Hair Studio was born. An inclusive, creative and boutiquely beautiful salon on the street otherwise known as ‘The Harley Street of the North’ (in case you didn’t know that’s Rodney Street in Liverpool). And later moving to the business district where it is currently located.

We caught up with the colour expert, salon owner and founder of the city’s coolest salon to talk about what inspired her to go it alone, the biggest challenges she’s faced along the way and why she wants Red Door to be a salon that caters to all ethnicities, genders, sexualities and skin colour. 

What inspired you to open your salon? 

The idea to open Red Door Hair Studio came from my regular clients when I worked at other salons. I felt like they deserved more attention and a more tailored service, not a standardised service like what they were getting. I wanted Red Door to be a place where clients could get my full attention.

My clients and I work very closely together in terms of what they want to achieve. I very much want them to contribute with their own ideas and creativity. My dream was to create a space where the sky is always the limit. 

You opened the salon during lockdown, how did you find that? 

I opened in Rodney Street in the middle of lockdown. I really wanted my own place for my creativity to break free. I wanted somewhere that I could decorate and where my clients could feel at home.

I began the moving process in May which gave me two months to make the place just like I wanted it. I think having a lot of time to decorate had a positive result as I was able to completely transform the attic into this cosy and homely place that I always dreamt of.

What has been your biggest challenge so far in your career? 

My biggest challenge in my career these last years has been adapting to the big change that came with technology and social media.

As a colourist, I've seen colouring techniques and technical products get much more sophisticated to levels that are unrecognisable to what they were years ago. It pushes to be constantly learning, which means you can give your clients the best and most sophisticated colouring experience.

Why did you choose Rodney Street as the salon’s location?

I chose Rodney Street for various reasons: the charming character, beauty of the Georgian buildings and the centric location. I love the vibrant energy of the area and it’s where a lot of beauty clinics are. 

You’ve been hairdressing for 25 years, what inspired you to become a hairdresser? 

My entire family are hairdressers. I actually grew up in a salon watching my mum and auntie doing hair. They inspired me the most and made me love this profession. Despite that, I studied engineering and accountancy for a while. That made me realise that what I really wanted to do was hair, because that’s when I feel at home and it’s the environment I’m happiest in.

What type of salon do you want Red Door Hair Studio to be? 

I want Red Door to be the number one colour specialist and creative studio in Liverpool. I want it to be more than just a hair salon. I want it to be a place where it’s cool to be kind, caters to all gender identities, ethnicities, sexualities and skin colours.

If you’re looking for something more private or prefer to book a silent service, we’ve got you covered.

What type of service can those coming to the salon expect? 

Guests coming into Red Door can expect an expert and relaxing service in a safe, homely environment. Everything in the salon has a vintage and unique vibe, with a smell of flavoured tea. You can choose to play your own playlists, or choose from the vinyls that we have - everything about the experience is truly personalised. 

Like what the boss has to say? Book your appointment now.