7 September 2026
The Hair Bothy: A Salon Built Around Community, Inclusion and Wellbeing
The Hair Bothy: A Salon Built Around Community, Inclusion and Wellbeing
For The Hair Bothy, creating a salon was never simply about cutting, colouring or styling hair. From the outset, the idea was to create somewhere people could feel comfortable, welcome and able to be themselves.
“The idea behind The Hair Bothy was inspired by community, inclusion and wellbeing,” explains Kerry. “I wanted to create a salon where everyone, regardless of age, gender or sexuality, would feel welcome, comfortable and completely themselves. Everyone is welcome through our door without judgement.”
That ethos runs through the Inverurie salon, from its relaxed atmosphere and personal approach to the wider ambition of creating a space where conversation, connection and wellbeing matter just as much as the appointment itself.
More Than 30 Years Connected to Inverurie
For Kerry, Inverurie was the natural place to establish The Hair Bothy.
Having worked in the town for more than 30 years — first at the papermill, then Scotframe and later within local salons — she already had strong connections with the area and the people who live and work here.
“It felt right that Inverurie would be the place for me to set up,” she says.
The aim was to create something deliberately different from a busy, impersonal salon environment: somewhere with the warmth and familiarity of visiting someone you know.
“I wanted the salon to feel like a safe haven: somewhere you can relax, have a chat, and enjoy a bit of North East hospitality.”
Even the interior reflects that sense of place. The décor gives a nod to the area’s distilleries and farming community, something Kerry says has already become a real conversation starter among guests.
Bringing Back the ‘Visiting a Friend’ Feeling
Personal service is a major part of The Hair Bothy’s approach.
“I believe you should feel comfortable the moment you walk through the door of a salon,” says Kerry. “For me, that means bringing back that ‘visiting a friend’ feeling — somewhere relaxed and welcoming, where old-fashioned customer service still matters.”
It is an intentionally quieter and more personal environment, giving guests the opportunity to relax rather than feeling as though they are simply moving through another appointment.
“I think that sense of comfort and genuine connection can sometimes be lost in the busy modern salon environment, and I wanted to bring it back. A quieter space where you can really have that personal experience.”
That philosophy also extends to the language used within the salon. Customers are guests, and the experience is centred as much around making people feel at home as it is around the hair service itself.
Three Stylists, Different Strengths, Shared Values
The Hair Bothy is home to three self-employed stylists, each bringing their own areas of interest, personality and experience to the salon.
Kerry’s particular focus is barbering, while Emma has a passion for vivid colours and creative hair alongside more traditional salon services. Claire brings further expertise in hair-ups, colouring and extensions.
“The Hair Bothy has three self-employed stylists, each bringing their own unique style, personality and expertise,” Kerry explains. “Together, we offer something a little different, while sharing the same values of inclusivity, kindness and making people feel good about themselves.”
There are also plans to bring educators into the salon, allowing the team to continue developing their skills and remain up to date with new trends, techniques and fashions.
Creating Space for Wellbeing
The longer-term vision for The Hair Bothy goes beyond hair.
Kerry wants the salon to become a place where wellbeing and mental health can be talked about naturally, building on the relationship that often develops between hairdressers and their guests.
“As hairdressers we always joke that we are underpaid therapists,” she says. “The truth is, clients open up to us and it can be quite therapeutic for them.”
Rather than trying to replace professional support, the ambition is for the team to become more aware of the services available locally so that, where appropriate, they can help signpost people towards the right support.
“I want to make it easier for people to take care of their own wellbeing and create a space where conversations about mental health feel normal, comfortable and supported.”
The salon is also fortunate to have Rise Studio alongside it, something that fits naturally with the wider ambition of bringing different aspects of wellbeing together in one place.
“Having access to services and people who share that same passion for wellness makes it easier for our community to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.”
Supporting Men’s Mental Health
That vision is already beginning to take shape.
The Hair Bothy now welcomes Men United SCIO, a men’s mental health group, into the salon once a month, providing an informal space where people can meet, talk and support one another.
“Being able to provide a comfortable, informal space where people can come together, talk and support one another is something I’m particularly proud of,” says Kerry.
It is a practical example of what The Hair Bothy hopes to become: not simply somewhere people visit for a haircut, but a business that makes positive use of its space and its place within the community.
A Business Shaped by Community
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons since opening has been just how important that community connection is.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned so far is how important community really is,” Kerry says. “I’ve been extremely lucky that, from the beginning, local businesses and the wider community have been so supportive. This has meant a huge amount to us and we hope to build on that.”
That support has reinforced the original vision for The Hair Bothy and what it can become in the years ahead.
“Our hope is that The Hair Bothy can continue to grow into a real community hub in Inverurie — a place where we look out for each other, make time for our wellbeing and, most importantly, make everyone feel at home.”
And perhaps the best summary of The Hair Bothy comes from the simplest line of all:
“Our door is always open and the kettle is always on.”
