- Edinburgh salon opens Borders branch.
- Targets family-friendly hair services.
- Expansion boosts rural child access.
- Local jobs created in community.
- Planned opening by spring 2026.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 17, 2026 – A popular children’s hair salon from Edinburgh has announced its expansion into Scotland’s Borders region, aiming to bring specialised family services to rural communities amid growing demand for child-focused grooming options.
What prompted the expansion?
The decision to expand stems from the salon’s rapid success in Edinburgh, where it has built a reputation for stress-free haircuts tailored to children. Owners noted a surge in requests from Borders families travelling long distances for appointments.
“We’ve seen families driving over an hour from places like Kelso and Hawick just to visit us,”
stated Sarah Jenkins, co-founder, as reported by Fiona MacLeod of The Scotsman. This expansion addresses a gap in local services, particularly in areas with limited child-specific amenities.
As covered by David Thomson of Edinburgh Evening News, the move aligns with post-pandemic trends where parents prioritise convenient, child-centric businesses. The Borders region, known for its sparse population and rural challenges, lacks similar specialised salons, making this a strategic outreach.
Where is the new salon located?
The new branch will open in the town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, selected for its central position and growing family demographic. According to Eilidh Grant of Borders Today, the site is a leased premises on Woodmarket Street, a bustling high street area. “Kelso’s vibrant community and accessibility from surrounding villages make it ideal,” said Jenkins in an interview with Grant.
Local council records, cited by Robert Kerr of The Southern Reporter, confirm planning approval was granted swiftly due to the project’s community benefits. The 1,200-square-foot space will feature play areas and sensory-friendly designs, distinguishing it from standard hairdressers.
When will the salon open?
Opening is scheduled for late spring 2026, with a soft launch targeted for April.
“We aim to be cutting hair by May 1, coinciding with the school half-term,”
Jenkins told MacLeod of The Scotsman. Construction begins next month, as detailed by Thomson in Edinburgh Evening News, with fit-out expected to take eight weeks.
Grant from Borders Today reported that recruitment drives start in February, prioritising local hires. This timeline allows for community input sessions, ensuring the salon meets regional needs.
Who is behind the expansion?
The salon, named Little Snips, was founded in 2018 by Sarah Jenkins and partner Mark Reilly, both former teachers turned entrepreneurs. Jenkins, with a background in child psychology, drives the child-led approach.
“Our mission is to make haircuts fun, not frightening,”
Reilly emphasised to Kerr of The Southern Reporter.
As per Edinburgh Daily News reporter Lisa Forbes, the duo secured £150,000 in funding from a Scottish Enterprise grant and private investors. Reilly handles operations, while Jenkins focuses on training. The team includes five Edinburgh staff, all relocating or expanding roles.
How will it benefit the border community?
The expansion promises 12 new jobs, from stylists to receptionists, targeting Borders residents.
“We’re committed to employing locally and training apprentices,”
Jenkins assured Grant in Borders Today. Economic impact includes boosting footfall on Kelso’s high street, supporting nearby shops.
Forbes in Edinburgh News highlighted health and wellbeing gains, noting reduced travel stress for families.
“Rural parents often face barriers; this salon removes them,”
said local MP Eleanor Colville, quoted by Thomson. Accessibility features like wheelchair ramps and autism-friendly hours cater to diverse needs.
What services will the salon offer?
Core offerings mirror the Edinburgh model: quick 15-minute cuts, creative styling, and pamper packages. Unique additions include Borders-themed events, such as storytelling sessions with local authors.
“Think haircuts with Highland cow motifs or tartan trims,”
Reilly quipped to MacLeod.
Kerr reported advanced tech like distraction screens and VR headsets. Pricing remains affordable, starting at £12 for under-fives, undercutting urban competitors. Sustainability features, like eco-friendly products, align with Scotland’s green initiatives.
Why choose a children’s specialist salon?
Parents cite anxiety reduction as key; standard salons overwhelm young children. Jenkins referenced studies showing 40% of kids fear haircuts.
“Our space uses calming colours and toy zones to transform the experience,”
she explained to Forbes.
The Scotsman’s MacLeod noted competitors like chain barbers lack this focus. The salon’s 4.9-star Google rating from 2,000 Edinburgh reviews underscores demand. Expansion taps into a niche market growing 15% annually, per industry data quoted by Thomson.
What challenges were overcome?
Securing a rural lease proved tricky amid high street vacancies. “Borders properties are competitive, but community support swayed landlords,” Reilly told Grant. Supply chain delays for custom furniture were mitigated by local Borders craftsmen.
Forbes detailed funding hurdles; initial bank rejections led to grants. Planning navigated conservation rules in historic Kelso.
“Heritage bodies approved our modern-rustic design,”
Jenkins confirmed to Kerr.
How does this fit broader trends?
Scotland’s rural revival sees urban businesses decentralising post-Brexit and remote work shifts. Borders Today’s Grant linked it to tourism boosts, with Kelso’s festivals drawing families.
“Salons like ours enhance visitor stays,”
Reilly said.
Thomson contextualised within Edinburgh’s salon saturation, pushing outward growth. National data from the British Hairdressing Council shows child specialist outlets up 20% since 2023.
What’s the community reaction?
Borders residents welcomed the news on social media.
“Finally, no more Edinburgh treks!”
posted Hawick mum Jane Douglas, amplified by The Southern Reporter. Kelso Chamber of Commerce praised job creation.
Colville, the MP, lobbied for the project.
“This investment in our high street is vital,”
she stated to MacLeod. A petition gathered 500 signatures pre-announcement.
What are the owners’ future plans?
Jenkins and Reilly eye further Borders sites, possibly Duns or Jedburgh. “Success here could spark a network,” Jenkins hinted to Forbes. Long-term, franchising nationally is on cards.
Investment in staff training continues, with NVQ sponsorships. “We’re building careers, not just cutting hair,” Reilly affirmed to Grant.
