A new Miami Vice-style neon hair salon opened on Hutt Street earlier this year, but if you’re walking past, you might think you’re looking into a giant pinball machine. And that’s exactly what they’re going for.
Abracadabra is the creation of cousins James and Simon Charrison, who have returned to their hometown after owning salons in two of the style capitals of the western world: London and New York City.
The place is pretty amazing to look at from the street and to be in. It seems to completely ignore the usual conventions of the bright, white minimalist salons we’ve gotten used to.
Simon said, “We’ve always tried to stand out with the interior, and it was so much fun creating the neon look in Abracadabra.”
“People definitely questioned mirrors on every wall and the busyness of it all, but it turned out amazingly,” he continued. “We get a lot of people walking past and double-taking, or even taking videos from outside.”
As you step inside the tall glass doors, you’re transported to 1980s Miami, with a striking diagonal floor decal guiding you to the salon’s metallic, space-age counter, where James and his welcoming smile are waiting.
The salon’s interior draws inspiration from 1980s Miami. It features neon lighting, custom Japanese chairs, and a mix of local fittings. At night, the space takes on a soft pink glow.
Mouth agape and eyes darting around the space, you’ll take a seat on a puffy red couch next to a selection of magazines, while James fetches you a complimentary beverage: coffee, tea, wine, beer, whatever you fancy.
You’ll then be guided over to one of the many Takara Belmont hairdressing chairs sourced from Japan, while Simon takes your hair order. After a relaxing shampoo, you’ll find yourself easing into a lively conversation and a superb haircut.
Caprice, alongside Simon, works at the salon as a hairstylist. Known for her exceptional colour work, she recently showcased a bleached buzz cut featuring a bold black spider web design on the side.
James and Simon have spent two decades in the hair industry. Their first salon, Pimps and Pinups, opened in London’s Spitalfields Market in 2005. The interior was also pretty ground-breaking for its time—painted floor to ceiling in black, mirrors like you’d see backstage at a Broadway show, and shelves of their own brand of hair products.
The pair later expanded to New York’s Lower East Side in 2008 with a salon of the same name. Both spots developed cult followings, drawing customers from all walks of life—from the fashion and film industries to everyday locals.
Returning to their hometown, James said, “We’ve had a phenomenal response, and it’s been great to come back to Adelaide.”
“After refining our approach in two of the toughest business environments – London and New York – we’ve developed a concept and brand that’s completely fresh for Adelaide,” James said. “We’ve created something this city hasn’t seen before.”
The pricing is an aspect the pair wanted to get just right. James asked, “Why do people have to pay the earth for something for it to be considered boutique?”
“Every customer is as important as the next,” James said. “We deliver exceptional work in a fun environment with pricing that offers top-tier expertise without the top-tier price tag.”
So just like that, you’ve got a haircut inside a neon pinball machine. In the heart of Hutt Street, James and Simon have brought their decades of international experience back home, creating a salon that’s as much about the vibe as it is about the cuts. It’s a little bit of Miami, a touch of New York, and every bit as vibrant as the photos make it look.
Abracadabra Hair
Where: 3/4 121 Hutt Street Adelaide 5000
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
For more information, click here.
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