Hair salon group celebrates 40 years with a focus on expansion through acquisitions

KH Hair is marking a milestone this year, celebrating 40 years since the business adopted the franchising model in 1985.

While reflecting on its success, the company is focused on securing its future through new acquisitions.

With salons across the East Midlands, including Leicester, Nottingham, Loughborough, Mansfield, and West Bridgford, the group continues to expand its network

Darren Messias, the current managing director said: “When you invest in a franchise, you benefit from being part of an already established business. The brand is already known and trusted by an existing client base, which can mean a better chance of securing financing and favourable lease negotiations. Plus, you get ongoing support and industry expertise you wouldn’t necessarily have access to if you were going it alone.”

The shift to a franchise model came as Keith Hall, the original founder of the business, prepared for retirement.

At that time, Keith Hall’s business consisted of 12 salons, each run by a junior partner.

Rather than winding down the business, Hall decided that a franchise model would give these partners more control and motivation to succeed while ensuring the continuation of the Keith Hall brand.

Then joint managing directors Stephen Messias and Brian Gosnell expanded the business through additional salon acquisitions.

It rebranded as KH Hair in 2014 and the fully franchised group now operates 20 salons across the region, alongside a training academy that helps develop the next generation of stylists and future franchisees.

Owner of KH Hair’s Arnold salon, Dawn Bramhall said: “Our partnership with Wella, guidance from Darren, the team at head office and the whole KH Hair family means the world. All our staff have great pride in the company and its reputation, and our annual awards bring everyone together to celebrate individual and team success, which is motivational. I am very proud to be part of this amazing KH Hair family, which has looked after me from apprentice to franchisee for nearly 40 years.”