Journal · Culture

vibe cuts

How a summer of outdoor haircuts on Brick Lane changed the London hair scene.

Stylists cutting hair outdoors at Vibe Cuts

Something extraordinary happened in the spring, summer and autumn of 2011, on what has since become the most fashionable, creative and happening street in London.

A group of hairdressers from a mix of salons and nationalities came together and created an exceptional, unexpectedly exciting atmosphere. Week after week they gave passers-by creative, innovative haircuts.

People walking past were surprised to see us at work, and came in with creative requests for a spontaneous cut. What made it unique was the setting: we were working outside, in the courtyard of the famous Vibe Bar, the original bar that kick-started the East End scene.

The Vibe Cuts tent in the Vibe Bar courtyard
Vibe Cuts in the courtyard of the Vibe Bar, Brick Lane, 2011.