Appointment-only hair studio

Hair,
considered.

Pontcanna, Cardiff

Book an appointment
Auburn hair moving through warm golden studio light at Mara and Co.

Still from the studio floor, Pontcanna

01 — Philosophy

Great hair isn't loud. It just never looks wrong.

Mara & Co. is an appointment-only studio on Pontcanna Street. We cut for the way hair falls, colour for the way light moves, and finish for the life you actually live — hair that works as hard on a wet Tuesday in Cardiff as it does on the night that matters.

— Mara

02 — Services & Prices

The list.

Short, deliberate, and priced for the time it actually takes. Nothing on this list is rushed.

  • Cut & finish

    Consultation, precision cut, lesson in the blow-dry.

    £58

  • Restyle

    For the bigger change — extra time, extra nerve held.

    £74

  • Full balayage

    Hand-painted, lived-in colour. Gloss and treatment included.

    from £140

  • Gloss & tone

    Refresh, soften or deepen between colour appointments.

    £42

  • Occasion hair

    Weddings, events, photographs. Calm hands, early starts.

    £65

Every appointment begins with a conversation and ends with you knowing how to live with your hair.

Colour is quoted at consultation — no two heads take colour the same way.

03 — The Ritual

Consultation

We talk before we touch. Face shape, growth patterns, the grey question, and how much time you'll honestly give it on a weekday morning.

Wash & treatment

A proper double cleanse, a treatment matched to your hair rather than the season's fashion, and a head massage we refuse to rush.

The cut

Precision sectioning, cut to the way your hair actually falls — not the way it behaves for one supervised blow-dry.

The finish

Movement, not lacquer. You leave with hair that looks like you on your best day — and instructions for every day after.

04 — The Stylists

Three chairs, no juniors.

Blush-toned crop of flowing auburn hair — Mara's profile image

Founder — cutting & direction

Mara

Twenty years on the scissors, from Cardiff salons to London fashion weeks. Believes a fringe can change your life, and has the evidence.

Blush-toned crop of hair catching warm light — Efa's profile image

Colour — balayage & gloss

Efa

Lived-in colour that looks expensive in any light. Mixes by eye, never by recipe, and won't lift what shouldn't be lifted.

Blush-toned crop of hair mid-movement — Josh's profile image

Cutting — bobs & crops

Josh

Sharp bobs, soft layers, and crops that grow out gracefully. Quietly obsessive about necklines; loudly opinionated about nothing.

05 — Kind Words

"I've stopped giving instructions. I sit down, we have a coffee, and I leave looking like the best version of myself."

Carys — Llandaff

"The first salon where my colour photographed exactly the way it looked in the chair."

Elin — Canton

"Three months on, the cut still falls into place every single morning. That has never happened before."

Megan — Pontcanna

06 — The Studio

Coffee, vinyl, no rush.

Pontcanna Street, Cardiff. Flat whites from the place next door, records on the turntable, and never more than two clients in the room. Your appointment is yours — we don't double-book and we don't hover.

08 — FAQ

Common
Questions.

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially for colour services and weekends. You can book online or call us. We take walk-ins for cuts when we have availability — call ahead to check.

How long does a full colour service take?

A full colour with highlights typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on hair length and technique. Balayage can take 3 to 4 hours. We'll give you a time estimate when you book so you can plan your day.

What product brands do you use?

We use professional-grade brands including Wella, Olaplex, and Kerastase across colour, treatment, and styling. All products are available to purchase in-salon so you can maintain your look at home.

Do you offer bridal or special occasion styling?

Yes — we offer bridal hair styling and special occasion packages including trials. Bridal bookings are popular so we recommend getting in touch at least 3 months before the date. We can also travel to your venue.

How much is a cut and blow dry?

A cut and blow dry starts from £38 depending on hair length and complexity. We confirm the exact cost at your consultation — no hidden charges on the day.

Do you offer treatments for damaged or coloured hair?

Yes — we offer Olaplex bond repair, deep conditioning masks, and Kerastase therapiste treatments for damaged, bleached, or over-processed hair. These can be added to any appointment.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may incur a 50% charge. A card is required to secure colour appointments. We understand emergencies happen — please let us know as soon as you can.