The SU and the University are delighted to announce the opening of 213 The Salon, a new on-campus hairdresser based in The SU for all students. The Salon will feature dedicated hairdressers including those who specialise in Afro-Caribbean hair.
The SU and the University have been listening to feedback from students who have been detailing their issues with finding Afro Caribbean Hair stylists in Bath. Rajani Naidoo, Vice-President (Community and Inclusion), said “ The salon has been in planning since pre-Covid and has involved support from the University, particularly from the Director of Campus Services, Jane Loveys, The SU and the African and Caribbean Society (ACS). This is an important step to enhance a sense of belonging for all in our University and we are so thrilled to have a dedicated space opening this February.”
Former student and ACS society member Abraham Bayo-Tofowomo was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Abraham said "The opening of this salon marks a significant moment for our campus, as it demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all students. By providing quality hair services on campus, we are now able to alleviate the concerns of prospective students of colour, who have often expressed uncertainty about where to get their hair done without leaving the city. With this salon, we are affirming that everyone deserves a welcoming and supportive space to feel confident and proud of who they are. This is truly an exciting development for our campus, and I am thrilled to see the University taking such an important step towards equity, diversity and inclusion."
Sophie Mason, Social Media Exec member of the African and Caribbean Society, said "When welcoming new ACS members, one of the first things they ask is where in Bath they can get their hair done. Before we struggled to provide an answer, mostly referring students to Bristol but now the salon provides us with a space to support our members and in fact any student with their needs. I look forward to finally having an answer the next time prospective students ask where they can care for their hair. "
Andrew Ross, Head of Widening Participation, said “I’m really pleased the University now has this facility, it is really important that all students are catered for within the University and the wider city. The project was initiated by a student asking for some space and I’m pleased that I could support it in the little ways that I did.”
The Afro-Caribbean stylist will be on campus for three days each month. We will also have a modern and traditional barber who will be in The Salon every Thursday from Thursday 16 February.
Some of the Stylists will need to be pre-booked and some you can just turn up to. Visit The Salon website on the SU page for full details of opening times and how to book. thesubath.com/thesalon
We’re excited about the potential the new space can offer and we will continue to listen to students to look at how we can maximise the space.