ASK HAIR STUDIO

After years of wanting to renovate Ask Hair Studio, owner Lisa Eccleshall took the plunge in January when she closed the business for eleven days. The results are beautiful; the seaside salon feels even more tranquil and is a great space to relax while you have your locks cared for by one of ASK’s talented stylists.

Lisa says, “Doing this big of a project took a lot of time, planning, budgeting, and sourcing of materials; it wasn’t for the faint of heart! It also couldn’t be done alone. I had so much support; this wouldn’t have been possible without it. The man behind the scenes, my hubby Clive, is my go-to whenever I come up with any crazy ideas. He takes my creativity, applies his math, and puts my dreams into reality.”

Lisa Eccleshall, owner of ASK HAIR STUDIO

@sandrasteierphotography

With a general contractor at the helm, a new laminate floor was put down to replace the slate floor. Three new wash stations were added along with two chairs, increasing the workstations to six. Clive created custom inserts for the stylists’ workstations, upgraded the backroom storage and painted. The entire Ask team and additional friends helped lend a hand to get the salon open for business as quickly as possible.

Ask Hair Studio celebrates its seventeenth anniversary in July.

In 2006, Lisa opened her own business after working in the industry for eight years. She and Clive (who co-owns Ask) thought Steveston village needed a young and fresh approach to hair styling. They had their finger on the pulse; the studio is thriving and has never been busier.

It is a priority to offer clients a high-end downtown salon experience. Lisa wants Ask to stand apart from the rest, with a strong emphasis on customer service. She says, “People are spending a lot of money in all areas of their lives, and service has generally decreased. We want our clients to see value in our service.”

We are like a family. I try to foster this feeling.

Jamie Price, one of Ask’s long-time stylists, trains new stylists under the studio’s associate program. Lisa says, “They train with Jamie to ensure they are up to Ask’s standards when they hit the floor.” The staff also have regular one on one meetings with Lisa to monitor their progress and map out career goals.

@sandrasteierphotography

Ask is a Redken flagship salon; the team attends events and travels together to attend Redken classes and symposiums. Lisa enjoys fostering professional growth in her stylists. Education is the driving force for the team and one of the salon’s core values.

Lisa and Jamie have also had the opportunity to participate backstage at Vancouver Fashion Week for six seasons. Lisa says, “It gets the creative juices flowing. Jamie and I have trained to join the L.A. and New York Fashion Week team.”

“We are constantly upgrading our skills, so we are always on top of our game. No matter what you request, we have a stylist for you,” says Lisa.

The company’s mission is to offer ‘style without the attitude.’ To make clients feel comfortable, they endeavour to create an atmosphere where clients feel like they are at home in a living room; it's a place to relax, enjoy and indulge. Most importantly, they strive to keep lines of communication open with clients so they feel as comfortable as if they are chatting with their best friend.

Lisa comments, “Our clients confide in us. Your hair stylist is always on your side.”

During the pandemic, Ask introduced a very convenient online booking which has met with great response. Clients request their booking online, and the admin sends an approval.

Gender-neutral pricing is a relatively recent change the salon has initiated. “We wanted to create a safe space. I thought it was important to make everyone feel comfortable and included. It is based on a person’s time behind the chair rather than one’s gender. A short clipper cut takes the same time no matter your gender,” says Lisa.

What are this season’s trends? Balayage remains Ask’s most requested service. This technique involves applying colour to create a graduated, more natural-looking highlight effect. The money piece (face-framing blonde highlights) is also very popular.

Ask’s many talented artists keep you looking your best. Lisa specializes in low maintenance colours, Gloria is a master colourist, Jamie is a blonding specialist, and Erin loves creating vivid colours. Jenna is a Bellami certified extensionist, Julia is a Philocaly certified extensionist, and Shana is a custom colourist.

All of Ask’s stylists update their education regularly to maintain the highest standards in the salon. Visit Ask’s Instagram page @askhairstudio for a full sampling of the stylist’s work.

Ask has placed in the top three of The Richmond News’ Best of Richmond award for the last thirteen years.

To accommodate people’s busy lives, Ask is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Lisa is an advocate of giving back to the community. Some current causes Ask supports include Mamas for Mamas (a specialized poverty relief agency and an all-inclusive community for mothers and caregivers), Wigs for Kids and the Pink Shirt Day Mental Health Foundation. They also support local schools and other fundraising events.

“Steveston is such a special and unique area. It has been a pleasure getting to know all our locals and business owners throughout the years and watching our community grow. I love this town so much. I feel fortunate to work, travel, and learn from such a talented team. Some of my closest relationships have come from this space. This chapter of my life has held so many rewards I hold dear to my heart,” says Lisa.

Ask Hair Studio

3900 Bayview St #150 Richmond, BC V7E 4R7

Phone 604-241-8600

www.askhairstudio.com

Story by Sarah Gordon. April 2023.