‘My main goal is to keep growing creatively and make the salon an even more magical space for my clients’
Elysian Hair Studio has been officially recognised as the UK’s Best Colour Salon at the 2025 UK Hair and Beauty Awards. The business finished in the top-ten in 2024 before managing to achieve the top prize in the competition last month.
They won the accolade against a strong field which consisted of competition from across the United Kingdom. Salon owner Kayleigh O’Connor, 34, started working in the industry 16 years ago, first qualifying in hairdressing at the age of 18 at Beverley College after discovering that working with hair is her “absolute passion.”
Elysian Hair Studio was first established four years ago in Grimsby, before the business relocated to Barton where the salon has now been at its current location for the past two years. Before opening, Kayleigh honed her skills working in other salons and by also plying her trade as a self-employed hair dresser.
She said: “Winning this award has been incredible, but my main goal is to keep growing creatively and make the salon an even more magical space for my clients. My focus has always been on giving people confidence and a sense of belonging, and if more awards follow along the way, that’s just a bonus.”
Kayleigh was unable to attend the ceremony in Birmingham this year but said winning the award against tens of thousands of others nationwide was a “humbling” experience.
“Alongside me, I have two incredible hairdressers who rent chairs at the salon,” said Kayleigh, “Bethonie Cooper, who works under Phoenix Hair, is a magical soul and a colour specialist. She shares my love for all things witchy and creative, and we’ve worked together in several salons before I opened Elysian Hair Studio.
“Georgia Moulds, who runs In The Chair With Georgia, is bubbly, fun, and a blonde specialist, always bringing energy and laughter into the salon. Beth and Georgia have both been with me for two years now, and together the three of us make a quirky, vibrant trio, no day is ever boring, and the salon is always buzzing with creativity and personality.
“Outside the salon, I also run Enchanted Ember & Elixir, where I create whimsical, witchy products like candles, bath treats, and home fragrances – all handmade by me and sold in the salon. It’s another way for me to share a bit of magic and creativity with people every day.”
Despite being recognised as the best in the business when it comes to colour, the team at Elysian Hair Studio are determined to keep progressing and Kayleigh said there customers are a big part of maintaining that vision.
She said: “Our clientele is wonderfully varied. From bold, adventurous colour lovers to those who prefer timeless natural styles. What I love most is that they embrace the salon’s quirky, witchy vibe and trust me to bring out their individuality. They let me push boundaries, get creative, and make their hair feel like an extension of their personality.
“For me, hair isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about helping people express who they truly are. I love creating looks that feel magical, personal, and empowering for each client. I think that’s what makes my work stand out. When I found out I’d won, I was absolutely overwhelmed, it was a real pinch-me moment to be recognised on a national level.
“I’d just like to add how grateful I am to the Barton community and to all my clients. Their loyalty and encouragement have made this journey possible. I’m also incredibly thankful for my husband, Sam O’Connor, and my two beautiful sons, Jenson and Hayden. They have been my biggest supporters — always believing in me — and together we’re a busy family running our own businesses. Sam with Sam’s Service & Repair and me with Elysian Hair Studio, both built from the ground up.