Forma Hair Salon approaches first anniversary after nine-day refit

By Priya Raman

Owner Megan Pizzey, 24, opened Forma Hair Salon on Denmark Street in Diss on January 9 after taking the keys on New Year’s Eve and spending nine days transforming the former Junction Hair Studio.

At 23, Pizzey took over the business on Denmark Street after its previous owner decided to step back.

Her route into hairdressing began at 13, when she joined the salon as a “Saturday girl”; she later studied at college, qualified as a hairdresser and rented a chair. A loyal clientele kept her busy, and she calls that progression her best 10-year turnaround.

She saw the opening as the perfect opportunity to fulfil a dream she had held for years, then decided to take the leap.

Her stated ambition was to run her own salon, practise hairdressing and build a warm, welcoming space where everyone felt comfortable and at home. In practical terms, the nine-day conversion moved Pizzey from chair renter to salon owner. She now operates the premises, selected the fit-out and has begun adding staff.

That gives her a broader hand in the client journey: the room, the team and the range of technical services now sit under the same owner. In short, the takeover changed her role from a chair renter with her own clientele to the owner shaping the salon around it.

How did the nine-day refit change the space?

Pizzey began work as soon as she had the keys and called the nine days before reopening the busiest period of the transformation. Her refit covered three physical changes:

• Pizzey stripped out the previous salon interior.
• She invested in brand-new furniture.
• New basins and equipment completed the fit-out.

The refit also had a clear service purpose. Pizzey has never liked the stigma that salons can be intimidating and wanted to create the complete opposite: a relaxed place where clients feel comfortable. For the team, that makes the room part of the client experience before a consultation or cut begins.

The takeaway is simple: Pizzey did not treat the refit as decoration alone; she used it to set the tone for the business.

Why does she describe clients as more than clients?

Pizzey said: “To me, clients are so much more than just clients. Over time, they become friends, and I love being part of their lives as well as helping them look and feel their best.”

That relationship-led approach sits alongside a broad technical menu. Forma’s services include:

• Hair treatments, cutting, colouring and styling
• Perming and hair extensions
• Men’s haircuts

Pizzey also said: “Looking back, it’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done. The salon is now thriving, we’ve welcomed new girls to the team, and we’re continuing to grow.”

That statement pairs two forms of progress: a larger team and continued business growth. Pizzey gives no headcount or role details, so the scale of expansion remains less defined than the physical nine-day refit.