Meet the Team

Anthony Keast (to give him his full name), a creative hairdresser with roots in the North, has found his niche in the heart of London as Salon Director of Saco London.

After a 20-year career with Vidal Sassoon as senior salon director he recognised the right moment to spurn the corporate world to create the salon he’d always visualised: a warm, welcoming, creative and happy place with an open door for discerning clients and like-minded hairdressers to share.

“Ours is a friendly, expressive environment where we encourage everyone to be creative, work together and feel part of the Saco family. “It’s so important to make sure we look after each and every client, but to me it’ as equally important to look after our team too’! "You need to build trust and honesty because it’s only then that both client’s and team believe in you”.

He’s worked on TV commercials, magazine shoots including Vogue. He’s also the preferred stylist for some of the UK’s leading actresses. 

The demands of his loyal clientele mean that if you’d like to experience his strong hairdressing technique and personalised finishing – best you book in advance!

Richard first studied Art and Art History, before embarking upon a career in hair- dressing. Richard conceived and began Saco in 2006, a brand that upholds the values of quality, professionalism and modernity, the things closest to his heart. With salons and academies around the world, Saco continues to grow and consistently break new ground.

His career speaks volumes in illustrating his depth of skill and breadth of ability. He has shot for many Vogues’, I.D., Tatler…the list goes on. He has worked with some of the photographic greats from Norman Parkinson and David Bailey to Peter Lindbergh.

Richard is Internationally renowned for his directional, forward thinking ideas, his belief in simplicity and commitment to beauty - reflected in everything he does.

Patsy a skilled colourist, started her Sassoon training in 1993 and now has many years of practical and educational experience under her colour belt.

Working 3 days a week, her salon colleagues automatically pass their clients over to Patsy, knowing their haircuts will look all the better after being enhanced with her deft tinting techniques.

“I chose to work as a colourist rather than a cutter because I was interested in the science behind the art, as well as the immediate impact you can create with colour.” A particular brilliance is Foils and Highlights, the results are consistently flawless….

“Our salon is very strong on colour and I’d say about 80% of our clients have colour to some degree. I’m absolutely obsessed with working in a methodical, organised way and my favourite type of work is to simply create beautifully clean, shiny hair colour which totally works for the client.” 

Kiyo holds many years of hairdressing experience in his skilled hands. Coming to London from his native Copenhagen, he began learning his craft on the Sassoon’s Diploma Course.

A very fast learner, just seven months after joining the company, Kiyo was in the salon building a clientele. Progressing to reach the dizzying heights of Creative Director in Sassoon’s staff training department.

“I wanted the freedom to manage and express myself,” explains Kiyo, a practising Buddhist. “I didn’t want to be constrained by brand limitations,” says this man whose finger is rarely off the pulse of creativity. “I love to live in the now and react to what life puts in front of me.”

“I think we probably offer the best value for money in central London,” says Kiyo. “Everyone in the team has outstanding hairdressing skills and gives great service and hair treatments in a warm, friendly and caring environment. It’s a salon where you feel at home because we care absolutely for our clients’ look, wellbeing and peace of mind.” 

Kiyo works on the salon floor three days a week, creating superb, precision wash and wear haircuts.

Originally from Antrim in Northern Ireland, Simon moved to London in 2005 to follow his hairdressing dreams of becoming a stylist in the capital. Initially working at several locations in the west end, before being introduced to Richard, our co-founder.  

Simon brings to Saco a wealth of knowledge and hairdressing skills. He takes great pride in his work and enjoys nothing more than seeing clients leave the salon happy. “I find it greatly rewarding to create a haircut that suits, is individual and is easy for the wearer to recreate at home” he explains. 

Career high points to date: Karrang music magazine, cover shoots. Preferred hairstylist for the Kylie Minogue Aphrodite tour and music video. Preferred hairstylist for Burberry fashion week shows, to list a few.

Down time finds Simon often visiting the latest exhibitions, where he finds inspiration for his own abstract art work. He’s also a very keen cyclist and horticulturist.

Simon is in the salon 5 days per week, we advise booking early to sample his skills.

Lanza began his hairdressing career in Leicester, at his fathers salon in the late 80s. 

His innovational thinking has kept him at the top of his game, his inspiring journey continues to take him to all four corners of the globe.

 Lanza has collaborated on several international collections, seminars and shows with Saco and now we’re delighted to welcome him to our London Colour team.

As a devout paw parent, Lanza spends as much of his free time as possible with his four legged friend.  Just ask him !………

After attending a hairdressing college and working in a salon in her home city of Tokyo, Japan, Azu then relocated to London to perfect her cutting skills at the Sassoon Academy. “I just wanted to be the absolute best at cutting and styling,” says the Japanese hairdresser dedicated to her precision scissor work.

Azu makes sure she takes account of personality and lifestyle before designing someone’s look. “It’s so important to me that my clients can look after their haircut and manage it easily themselves at home” she explains.

“In London, people are more adventurous and there are so many different nationalities and hair types, it makes my work much more interesting,” says the nifty cutter, who races round a basketball court on her days off. Her skills are sure to make you feel relaxed and in good hands.

You’ll find Azu in Saco 5 days a week, her clients know they have to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Patrizia moved from Italy to London in 2003 to join Vidal Sassoon as a stylist. Eager to leave the corporate world of hairdressing behind she joined Saco in 2012 and is now a much valued part of the team.

"Suitability and individuality are so important to me" explains Patrizia. "I'm always working on new ideas to help my clients look and feel good about their hair". "I believe we should never stop learning and sharing new ideas”. With her warm friendly personality, she has an ability to put even the most nervous client at ease.

When Patrizia is not cutting hair, she’ll probably be topping up her Yoga practice. But you’ll find her in the salon 4 days a week poised, calm and ready to sprinkle a touch of her Italian haircutting passion on your hair.

Marco has been doing hair from the age of 16. He’s worked in salons around the world including Miami, Berlin and Rome, it’s fair to say he’s passionate about hair. London has been his home for the past several years, enjoying everything the city has to offer.

He prides himself on being a good listener, making his guests look and feel great about their hair, taking inspiration from his international travel, fashion, music, design  art.

When he’s got any free time he’s often working on his own art…. He’d love to share this with you, just ask!

We’re proud to have Marco on our London team, his days are limited so booking in advance is advised.

The first happy smiley, face you see when you step into Saco is that of Tieu Ly (pronounced Sue-lie.) As the salon’s super-efficient front of house, keeping everything running seamlessly smooth.

“It’s so important to make clients feel welcomed and cared for,” says Tieu Ly. “I’m very good at recognising people's voices on the phone, which always seems to impress” says the bubbly receptionist.

“I make sure all of our clients get well and truly looked after, I’m always aware if someone is waiting and do what I can to make their wait as comfortable as possible.