Macroom post office building gets new life as a hair salon

For more than half a century, Macroom Post Office served the people of the town in a two-storey building on Main Street.

Recently, the Post Office moved to a new location nearby, leaving the building empty.

However, two local hairdressers have now moved into part of the building and opened their own business - Kali Hair Studio.

Kamilla Sikorska and Liga Ceimere welcomed their first customers a fortnight ago, and the rows of cards and flowers adorning the windowsill reveal how much these ladies are admired in their trade.

Both worked in another salon in Macroom but had a dream of starting out together.

Kamilla, originally from Poland but who has been living in Macroom for 20 years, says all they knew at the beginning is that they wanted to create a sanctuary for women.

Liga, originally from Latvia but based in Macroom for eight years after working in salons in England, says that they want to treat their customers the way that they want to be treated when they get a chance for ‘me’ time.

“Our customers have busy lives with work and children, sometimes the salon is the one place that they can relax and get pampered a little,” Liga says.

The only thing they knew for sure when they decided on this venture is that they wanted a green sofa!

“Everything else could work around that idea,” Kamilla says. “the colour green is refreshing and that is how we want our customers to feel when they leave, refreshed.”

The ladies have secured a five-year lease on part of the old post office building, which allows them time to relax a little and build on their already impressive client base.

The old post office needed extensive renovation work and an upgrade, so when the owner had completed those, Liga and Kamilla and their husbands spent three days and nights decorating the salon to their liking.

It’s now a lovely, large, bright space with a high ceiling and wall-to-wall window.

The old post office will also be the new location for a Youthreach facility, with planning permission already granted for necessary upgrades to improve facilities and accessibility.

However, Macroom already has several hair salons, is there space for another?

“Yes, the town is growing and the population is getting bigger very fast,” they said. “We will see how it goes, but we hope to employ another stylist in the future if possible.

“There are a few hairdressers in Macroom that are planning to retire so already our appointment book is filling up.”

What do they hope will make them stand out from the rest?

“Many salons, especially in the cities, have huge pressures, that might be high rents or competition, and that can create a factory atmosphere.

“We have been in this industry more than 15 years each and we see how this ruins the customer experience.

“Going to the salon is not just about your hair, it is about getting some time to yourself, having a nice coffee and chat, and with a stylist that you can build a relationship with.”

What is the difference with Irish customers compared to customers in other countries?

“They like to experiment more in some places with dramatic colours and cuts. Here, ladies like to keep their style classic and keep colours close to their natural colour.

“Trends are always changing. Many of our clients like to have an easy-to-manage-and- maintain style.”

Does diet affect the quality of a person’s hair?

“Definitely. The scalp can be dry and hair can show the effects of a poor diet.”

What is very popular among clients?

“Highlights, but women will get a colour close to their own natural colour so it can be more easily maintained.”

Do many women cut their hair short during menopause?

“The texture of the hair changes during menopause and it can get thinner, so some will keep their hair a little shorter, but most will see the quality of their hair improve after menopause so it’s about good diet and good hair care.”

To help her understand the differences between Polish and Irish hairdressing, Kamilla went to the Academy of Hairdressing on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city for three months.

“It was a wonderful experience,” she says, “and I learned so much about my new clients.

“Irish women like to have a close relationship with their hairdresser. We get to know them and learn about their lives. It’s an important relationship.

“Irish women like to have the same stylist when they come to a salon, someone that knows them and what they like.”

As for their clients on the day I visit. One lady says, ‘I feel so good when I’m in here. I’m not rushed; I can relax’.

Another lady says, ‘I’ve been a client of these girls for years, I trust them’.

The number of well-wishers, cards, presents and flowers tell their own story of how much the clients of Liga and Kamilla are delighted to see them out on their own and starting their business.

Kali Hair Studio, Main Street, Macroom. 087 1883466

@kalihairstudio.com

Kailhairstudio13@gmail.com