In the buzzing hub of Liosban, Aztec Hair Co is the kind of place you visit for a trim and leave embodying your best self. Not only because you’ll leave with great hair (you absolutely will), but because it feels good to be there. Discover all about it below..
As soon as you step inside, you can tell Aztec Hair Co is different. There’s no stiff, silent salon energy here. Instead, there’s laughter, chatter flowing across the room, and that warm buzz you’d expect from an old-school salon where no one is a stranger. “The busier it is, the better the atmosphere,” co-owner Shane says. “There’s lots of banter going back and over.” Clients chat to stylists, stylists chat to each other, everyone becomes part of it.
above: Tom Walsh (left) & Shane Kelly (right), owners of Aztec Hair
Owners Shane Kelly and Tom Walsh, Business Director and Creative Director respectively, opened their doors in September 2020 after deciding the year before to create something of their own. The timing wasn’t straightforward, but the vision was clear: build a salon rooted in creativity, honesty and community, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. When asked what the best part of the job is, Shane and Tom don’t hesitate: the people.
Their team has grown steadily into a close-knit group who genuinely enjoy working together. There’s creativity, honesty, and plenty of fun. “If you enjoy your job, you bring that joy into the work,” Tom explains. “We’re all really easy-going and we’re honest as well. That’s a huge thing.” That honesty builds trust. It creates a space where clients feel comfortable enough to speak up and collaborate, and it is that open, trusting relationship between hairdresser and client which keeps people coming back.
They believe hair should never feel boring and neither should the salon around it. Tom, in particular, loves switching things up and keeping the layout subtly refreshed. “Don’t be surprised when you come in, if nothing’s ever in the same place,” Shane laughs. It keeps the atmosphere energised and ensures both team and clients experience something dynamic rather than static.
From day one, sustainability has been a priority. The majority of their products are vegan, with environmentally conscious packaging wherever possible. Hair clippings, foils and colour tubes are carefully sorted for recycling and composting through their partners, Green Salon Collective, a specialist salon waste disposal service that ensures even traditionally hard-to-recycle salon waste is diverted from landfill. Every small decision at Aztec Hair Co is made with long-term impact in mind. Operating this way costs more, but for Shane and Tom it’s simply part of running a business responsibly. Shane shares, “we see it as just an expense, like electricity. It’s worth it.”
That same sense of care led to one of their newest initiatives: Pay-What-You-Can-Thursdays. “We know that getting your hair done isn't always accessible for everyone, and we believe feeling good about your hair should be something more people can enjoy.” So once a month, they’re setting aside a limited number of appointments on a pay-what-you-can basis. This is for anyone who may be finding regular salon pricing out of reach right now. You simply pay what feels manageable for you, no explanations needed, no judgement. Held once a month, it’s all about making sure you can still feel like yourself, even when money feels tight. To book, call 091 330 011 or email info@aztechairco.ie.
Aztec is also home to Brows by Paula, who specialises in brow lamination, hybrid and signature brows, LVL lash lifts and facial threading. Book @brows_bypaula to complete your full glow-up.
And then there’s Otis. The salon’s beloved Frenchie and unofficial head of customer relations, Otis is as much a part of the Aztec Hair Co identity. “He makes it feel like home,” Tom says. Otis greets clients, soaks up attention, and adds that extra layer of warmth that makes the space feel so welcoming. “He doesn’t get left alone, he’s always here,” Shane laughs, - and quite frankly, no one would have it any other way.
Five years in, Aztec Hair Co feels settled, proud of how far it has come, yet always evolving. There was no single ‘magic moment’ of arrival, just steady growth, belief in what they were building and a willingness to keep adapting. “It feels really good to be here for five years,” Tom reflects. The plan? “Another fifteen,” he smiles.
If you’re looking for somewhere to get incredible hair by people who are genuinely lovely with maybe a Frenchie cuddle thrown in for good measure, Aztec Hair Co will be your new favourite place.
Book your appointment today @aztechairco and visit them at Unit 6B, Liosban Retail Centre, Tuam Rd.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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