Haircuts with Heart: PEG Salon’s community spirit

By the time I walked into PEG Hair Salon in Brighton, co-owners Dan and Lora were already mid-snip, scissors flashing, laughter bouncing off the walls, and the unmistakable hum of a space that feels more like a community living room than a business. I caught them between cuts - though “between” at PEG seems to mean offering a client tea, giving someone a hug, and making space for whoever just walked through the door.

Dan and Lora first met working in London salons, where they quickly bonded over a shared vision: that hairdressing should never feel intimidating. They wanted to create something different - something bold, safe, and unapologetically inclusive. So when Brighton called, they answered, and PEG was born.

What makes this salon stand out isn’t just the perfectly sharp fades or the luscious curls - it’s the philosophy. “We didn’t want to go for ‘gender neutral”, Dan told me. “Neutral feels like sitting on the fence. We wanted a space where everyone feels genuinely welcome.” And they meant it. PEG isn’t just about hair; it’s a hub, a safe haven, a place where identity and self-expression are celebrated strand by strand.

Lora put it beautifully: “Every single day, we’re part of someone’s journey. Even the smallest haircut can be a huge moment of confidence. People tell us they feel safe here - that’s the best compliment we could ever receive.”

And if you think stepping into a salon can be nerve-wracking, especially for LGBTQ+ folks who might have had less-than-welcoming experiences elsewhere, PEG has a remedy: warmth, patience, listening, and - yes - biscuits. “The hardest part is walking through the door”, Dan admitted with a grin. “So we make sure the first thing we do is offer a smile, a drink, and a seat. From there, the rest just flows.”

In a world where costs are climbing, rights are threatened, and community feels more important than ever, PEG isn’t just giving Brighton sharper hairlines and brighter colour. They’re giving it connection, safety, and joy. And really, isn’t that the best kind of style statement?

If you haven’t already, pop by PEG for more than just a haircut - you’ll find a space that feels like home, where self-expression is celebrated in every snip and colour. And if you can’t make it to Brighton just yet, you can still join the journey: follow Dan and Lora on Instagram at @peghairsalon for a daily dose of style, colour, and community vibes.