As 2026 gets well underway, many businesses are looking ahead, but for Marlene Lamont, owner of Urban Hair & Beauty in Auchinleck, planning for the future has always been part of her day-to-day role.
With over 40 years in the hairdressing industry and more than two decades running Urban Hair & Beauty, Marlene has built a reputation not only for creative, high-quality hair services but also for nurturing talent and developing confident, skilled professionals. Now, as she looks towards 2026, her focus is firmly on education and building the next generation of industry leaders.
“Hairdressing is about so much more than what happens in the chair”, Marlene explains. “It’s about confidence, consistency and giving people the skills and support that they need to grow. If we want the industry to thrive, we have to invest in our people”.
At the heart of Urban Hair & Beauty is a strong commitment to training and development. Through the salon’s education program and partnerships with accredited training bodies, Marlene and her team offer apprenticeships and advanced learning opportunities designed to suit individual goals and abilities. From mastering core techniques to assisting on photoshoots, competitions and creative projects, team members are encouraged to experience every side of the industry.
“Everyone’s journey is different”, says Marlene. “Some team members want to specialise; others want to progress into leadership or education. My role is to recognise that and get them there.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Marlene plans to extend the salon’s offering even further, creating more opportunities for structured learning, mentoring and hands-on experience. The aim is not only to raise standards within the salon but to contribute to the wider future of hairdressing in the region.
Alongside education, Marlene remains passionate about delivering exceptional client experiences. Every service at Urban Hair & Beauty begins with a detailed consultation, ensuring that hair is tailored to lifestyle, personality and long-term hair health. This balance of creativity, professionalism and people-first approach is what has helped the salon to build a loyal client base over the years.
“For me, success comes from doing the basics brilliantly”, Marlene says. “Strong training, great customer service, and a supportive environment. When you get these things right, then the rest follows.
As Urban Hair & Beauty navigate 2026 with ambitious plans ahead, one thing remains clear: by putting talent, education and leadership at the centre of her business, Marlene Lamont is not just running a successful salon, she is helping to shape the future of the industry itself.