Meet the team

Shirley Popham

Managing Director & Mental Health First Aider

Jo

Foundational Team Member, General Manager, Mental First Aider, Assessor, Training Manager

Lewis

Assistant General Manager, Team Leader and Senior Colourist, Mental Health First Aider, Assessor

Summertown

Lucy

Team Leader, Wella Colour Expert, Senior Stylist and Colourist

Headington

Ella

Team Leader, Senior stylist and Colourist, Assessor, Bridal Specialist, Mental Health First Aider

Jericho

Meg

Senior Stylist and Colourist, Assistant Team Leader

Headington

Reagan

Foundational Team member, Senior Stylist and Colourist

Summertown

Sarah

Established Team Member, Assessor, Senior Stylist and Colourist

Summertown

Nicola

Wella Colour Expert, Senior Stylist and Colourist

Jericho

Barbora

Senior Stylist and Colourist

Currently on Maternity Leave

Summertown

Molly

Established Team member, Senior Stylist and Colourist, Assessor

Summertown

Jeanie

Established Team Member, Senior Stylist

Jericho

Sarah

Senior Stylist and Colourist, Assessor

Jericho

Scarlet

Senior Stylist and Colourist

Summertown

Karissa

Senior Stylist and Colourist, Wedding Specialist

Headington

Annabel

Senior Stylist and Colourist

Jericho

Mia

Senior Stylist and Colourist

Headington

Keira

Graduate Stylist and Colourist

Headington

Jess

Graduate Stylist and Colourist

Summertown

Eleanor

Graduate Stylist and Colourist

Jericho

Faye

Apprentice

Aline

Front of House and Head of Stock and Sustainability

Hannah

Front of House

Currently on Maternity Leave

Shirley, having had a bad experience with hair growing up and feeling intimidated to walk into a salon, works tirelessly with her team to ensure clients who come to Popham feel comfortable and confident and learn to love the hair they have!
A Cordon Bleu cook and teacher by trade and not a hairdresser, Shirley has spent over 30 years working in the industry.
In 2010, when her youngest son started A levels, she felt it was time to expand Popham and open the Summertown salon , and again in 2017 when Jericho presented as a redundancy sale, she felt the need to grow again. When the opportunity to expand into Headington arose this spring , she felt it too good to miss and so is delighted to be opening Popham number 4 on 22nd October 2024.

Driven by her passion for making sure people reach their potential, she spent a lot of time training to be a coach, which she now puts to good use, alongside her Mental Health First Aiding with the team.
Striving to make sure her team is well paid, motivated, and able to have a mortgage should they want one is paramount in her strategy.

As David has retired, and as a confessed workaholic, she is now in the driving seat and looking to grow and expand Popham further.

Jo started her journey as our first ever apprentice in the North Parade salon in 2003, a true example of how apprenticeships can lead to further career progression. It was evident from her first day that she was determined, enthusiastic and wanted to take on more than just her role as a hairdresser.

She progressed to General Manager in 2016, and now works closely with Shirley on all aspects of the business.

Jo’s passion is human resources, and since qualifying as a Mental Health First Aider, she spends a lot of her time supporting the teams across the salon. After a year away from actually cutting hair, she missed it too much and so now sees clients in all three salons again.

Alongside both those roles, she is also now an Assessor, continuing to contribute to our award winning training programme, assessing, teaching and organising the ever growing numbers of apprentices Popham employ.

Jo juggles a hectic family life with her husband, three children, cats, dogs, and a passion for fitness and is an invaluable member of the Popham Foundation Team.

” It is always a joy to have my hair cut by Jo, who is so precise and enthusiastic in her work. I do also enjoy visiting the salons in their own right: the offer of drinks, the bouquets on the tables, and the relaxing atmosphere do not go unnoticed!“

May 2026

Lewis is another example of the career progression at Popham, available for those who want it!

Having joined Popham as a 16 year old apprentice, after a tough time at school, he has grown in his confidence as well as his skills. His natural ability with people, meant we promoted him to Team Leader in the Summertown salon, managing our busiest team, before his 21st birthday. Following on from that first at Popham, we have recently promoted him yet again as our first Assistant General Manager.

Often mistaken for the youngest of the Popham sons, due to his resemblance to Shirley & David children, he takes on challenges and responsibilities within the business as if he were a Popham.

His passion for colour, makes him a superb colourist, and he has quickly developed a strong following. Now booked weeks in advance due to he is personable nature and flair for colour.

He is now also an assessor, contributing to the training programme as well as the management team, whilst managing many of our foundational stylists, and encouraging and supporting the younger team members when they first qualify. On his own continuous programme of professional development, Lewis is currently studying Customer Service NVQ Level 3.

A true prankster, with a tremendous sense of humour, when he isn’t in the salon, Lewis’s passion is travelling. You will find him off and away most weekends whether camping in the New Forest or in a European city, with an extraordinary knowledge of aeroplanes.

” Thank you Lewis !!! Your help at such a last minute request was incredible & will recommend you to anyone who would like to add that glamorous touch to their hair for that special occasion. Your care & attention was outstanding! Thank you again! “

May 2026

Lucy joined Popham in 2019, bringing her quiet and exemplary knowledge to the salon and a very loyal following from her previous salon.

She has continued to grow her clientele through her gentle and caring nature and her passion for educating her clients during their appointment process as well as home care and maintenance.

Lucy’s main love is colouring hair, particularly focusing on enhancing natural beauty and providing soft and low-maintenance results. She completed the comprehensive Wella Colour Expert programme in 2023, developing her knowledge further to understand colouring hair at the highest level in the hairdressing world.

Despite having 12 years of experience, Lucy never shies away from continual education and expanding her knowledge; therefore in September 2024 Lucy began a new challenge, to train to become a Trichologist. She now works part time in Headington, whilst studying for her diploma in Trichology, as well as being a calm and caring Team Leader for the Headington Team.

“Lucy is always professional and lovely styling, very receptive to individual style and preferences and able to adapt to clients wishes creatively.”

May 2026

Ella joined Popham as a determined, focused, and enthusiastic apprentice straight from school and qualified in record time in 2018. After spreading her wings, spending two years at other Oxfordshire salons she rejoined the Popham group in 2020.

What a joy to have her back in the salon, bringing her soft manner and excellent hairdressing skills to the shop floor.

Ella’s passion is Wedding Hair and Makeup, and you will find her all over the county, looking after brides on their special day. She now heads up our Wedding Team as well as team leading the Jericho salon, which is truly inspirational at her young age.

Never one to tire of learning , Ella is currently working on expanding her knowledge to become a Wella Colour Expert, she is loving the new in-depth knowledge she is learning about colour.

” As always, I am extremely happy with my refreshed colour. Ella took my inspiration images and translated the exact tone and feel beautifully! It almost looks identical and I am so so
pleased. Thank you!” 

May 2026

When Meg joined Popham in May 2021 she was a receptionist. We offered her a fast-track apprenticeship ~ which she completed in a year and a day, the minimum requirement for completion.Now a senior stylist and colourist Meg has completely flourished as a hairdresser and found her calling!

With a new promotion, Meg is now the assistant Team Leader in the Headington salon and its a joy to have her on the management team. She is a fundamental part of the Headington salon and coaches and supports those younger team members coming into salon life.

Voted by her colleagues as The Popham Company Person of the Year 2023, she encompasses everything that is Popham in her way of being, with her clients and colleagues alike and is a very valuable asset to Popham.

She has a wicked sense of humour, laughs a lot and brings so much fun to the salon, and even organised the Sweepstake for the 2026 Football World Cup.

“I was very impressed with the Salon overall. The word that comes to mind is professional! And most importantly Meg was fantastic. Took lots of time to find out how I wanted my hair styled and continued to check in during the appointment. I’m over the moon with my hair and I will definitely return. It was a pleasurable experience.”

May 2026

Hairdressing has been Reagan’s passion for the past 23 years. She loves to create bespoke shapes and colours that suit her client’s facial shapes, styles, and lifestyles. – giving them something that looks and feels great until the next appointment.

A member of our founding team, Reagan is a home grown Popham Stylist and our longest- standing employee, celebrating 20 years with Popham in 2026. Returning after all three maternity breaks, she now juggles her three gorgeous children and her work commitments, effortlessly, and always looks the part. A consummate professional, Reagan mentors the younger team members and brings her elegance to our Summertown salon.

She says,” Popham is the perfect setting for me to produce my best work because of the generous appointment times, flawless consultation process, continuous training, and superior products we use.”

“This was my first visit to your salon. I was made to feel very welcome and Reagan took a lot of trouble discussing how I would like my hair cut. She did an excellent job – and we enjoyed a good chat too! Many thanks to the Popham’s team!“

May 2026

Sarah is celebrating her 12th Anniversary with Popham this September, which in our view makes her a established team member, as well as making history as the only employee who has been at Popham for 12 years without taking a sabbatical of any kind.

Her longevity showcases her commitment to the Popham ethos, and it’s that expertise as he brings to her clients and the team, alongside her caring personality and fantastic sense of humour.

Now needing more time with her family , she has stepped away from her training Manager role, however we cannot thank her enough, as under her diligent direction as Training Manager (2015-2022), Popham won the 2018 Apprenticeship Provider of the Year award at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.

Dynamic, vibrant and fun, Sarah is an asset to Popham.

“Great colour, lovely service; enjoyed it as always and very happy with my hair , thank you Sarah.“

May 2026

Recently returned from Maternity Leave, it’s great to have Nic back in the salon. A consummate professional, Nic was already in high demand when she was full time, she is now more than ever, as she is part-time, creating a work life balance for herself and her family.

Nicola joined Popham in 2018, having previously worked in the City of London before retraining as a hairdresser. She brought experience and an excellent foundation to deliver a client focussed experience. Extremely knowledgeable and professional in her approach to her craft, Nic has built a very strong following in Oxford.

The first of our Wella Colour Experts, Nic graduated in 2022, having completed it in 6 months, rather than the year it usually takes. The equivalent of a degree in colour, Nicola is our Head of Colour at Popham, working with all our team on their colour work and training our apprentices. She has inspired the others to follow in her footsteps.

” Great to have colour again by fabulous Nicola! She understands what I was aiming for, and had solutions at the ready. The result is exactly what I had hoped for. As always, very happy with Popham Hairdressing. Thank you so much.”

May 2025

The moment we met Barbora at her interview to retrain as a hairdresser, we snapped her up, as we knew her energy, enthusiasm, and lovely way of being were a perfect match for Popham. We have not been wrong, now in her 8th year at Popham, she is fundamental part of the team.

Originally from the Czech Republic, a university graduate in psychology, Barbs brings her understanding of people to her role in the salon.

She was David Popham’s last protege before he retired, and she stepped up to the plate, qualifying in record time in January 2020. Returning after the first Covid lockdown, she had no time to be scared- she was plunged into a packed schedule and never looked back.

She fell in love with the creative process, learning new techniques, and finding the individual styles that allow her clients to express themselves. However, the part of the job she enjoys the most is how much a hairstyle can change how people feel about themselves.

We are missing her so much while she enjoys her time with her gorgeous new son, and are looking forward to having her back in October, when she rejoins the Summertown team. Book quickly though as she will be part time!

“Barbora just knows what looks good on the actual person, not what they might think they might look like. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t use a hair dryer and won’t spend time fixing my hair, so it needs to wash-and-go and to work with whatever natural strengths are there. Barbora is so lovely. I always come back to her!”

September 2025

Now in her 11th year at Popham, having started from scratch after school, she is one of our established team members. Molly is always a breath of fresh air, chatty and upbeat, she brings her joy to the salon and her clients. Molly’s passion for hair is evident and from the moment she joined she has been unstoppable. Always one to jump in and help in and around the salon.

Molly is an assessor and is excellent in supporting our younger team members fulfilling their potential, She is a perfect example of how an apprenticeship can develop into an excellent and stable career, moving from full time to part time when starting a family.

“Molly listened carefully, added her own expertise, and managed to deliver exactly what I’d hoped for. Can’t be faulted!”

May 2026

The company’s resident pseudo-American, Jeanie brings curiosity and dry humour to her work as a cutting specialist.

She’s perfectly content to work in silence. However, find her in the right mood and with a second coffee, and you could talk about politics, podcasts, skincare, or gardening.

Although she now specialises in haircuts, she was also one of our senior colourists in a time gone by, which lends awareness and expertise to blending shapes with the colour work of her colleagues.

“I really enjoyed meeting Jeanie my new stylist: she listened to my thoughts and I left feeling really chuffed with my new hairstyle! I’m putting a selfie on my social media!”

May 2026

When we took on the salon in Headington, Sarah came as part of that package, lucky us!

What a joy she is. Slightly deprived of training and investment, 18 months later, having completed some time at the Sassoon Academy and the Wella Studio in London, Sarah is feeling revived.

This year she is attending an advanced stylist course in London with Kevin Murphy and has moved to our Jericho salon. She was ready for a change and Sarah is loving Jericho and the new team are loving her.

Along the way she has completed her Assessors award, yet another string to her bow, and is a superb addition to the training that is delivered at Popham.

She continues to inspire her clients who adore her, making them feel wonderful from the from the moment they cross the threshold, with her skill and flair and incredibly warm nature. She is a fabulous addition to the Popham team and we are looking forward to watching her continue to grow and develop.

Getting an appointment with Sarah is like gold dust, when she isn’t at work, she loves weight training and running, although will definitely opt for fizz and high heels when offered.

“My hair looks fantastic Thanks Sarah And the Jericho Salon is lovely. Had a great afternoon very relaxed Looking forward to my next appointment“

May 2026

Scarlet always knew she wanted to be a hairdresser and it shows. She is a natural, talented and enthusiastic, its totally clear how much she loves what she does when you see her in the salon immersed in her job. She has moved very quickly from qualifying to becoming a senior stylist, with a strong and loyal clientele.

Scarlet was a finalist in The Oxfordshire Apprentice Awards 2025, in two categories, a huge credit to her and her dedication to mastering her craft. Never one to stop learning, she has attended the Wella Academy for a colour course this year.

From a large and bustling family, Scarlet shows a maturity well beyond her years.The youngest of 6 children, she spends as much time as possible with her nieces and nephews when she isn’t working or travelling, which is her other passion.

Its a joy to see how far Scarlet has come during her time at Popham, and she is testament to fulfilling on her own dream through hard work.

“Scarlet is so talented. First time I had my hair coloured and she broke it all down to reassure me and I am so happy with result; she knew what I wanted. Thank you very
much.”

May 2026

Karissa joined Popham in August 2024 when she came as part of the “package” in Headington, and she has been a fantastic addition to our team. Popham has been such a change for Karissa, and she continues to bring energy and brightness to the day.

She has attended courses at Sassoon Academy and Wella in London, adding to her already extensive knowledge of hairdressing, since joining Popham, and is really enjoying the Kevin Murphy brand of products. Karissa also does wedding hair.

Karissa loves the chat with her clients, whilst being the professional and skilled hairdresser she is, she has a very loyal following so book in advance!

When she is not seeing clients, you will find her surrounded by her family or walking her lovely dog Lola.

“Visited this salon for the second time and I absolutely love my hair colour! Karissa was amazing from start to finish — so caring, professional, and attentive. She really took the time to make sure I was comfortable and happy with everything. I left feeling so confident and looked after. Highly recommend Karissa and the whole team, I’ll definitely be coming back!”

May 2026

Annabel joined Popham in the autumn of 2023, as a qualified hairdresser, whose training had been impacted by Covid. She was keen to get her skills to an acceptable level and be in a salon where she was valued and stretched, and she has done just that.

Annabel moved to the Jericho salon a year ago and has flourished, gaining confidence in her excellent delivery of both cuts and colours. Its a total joy to see her happy and progressing through the ranks as well she should. She has attended a Sassoon Academy course as well as a Wella Colour course over the past year and is putting her skills to great use.

“Annabel was excellent! I’m so happy with my haircut, I think it may be the best I’ve had. Thank you very much“

May 2026

Mia began her creative journey at school, studying art, which led her seamlessly into the artistic world of Hairdressing.

Mia studied hairdressing at college and then realised with no salon experience it was really hard to get a job. When she came to Popham, she went right back to the beginning and had to unlearn a lot of what she had been taught, and re – learn the Popham way.

Six years later after a move around all the salons, she has settled now in the Headington team and is now a senior stylist. With her passion being balayage, she is at her happiest with a colour brush in her hand and transforming someones hair into a glossy beautiful balayage.

When Mia isn’t in the salon, she loves to cook and does kick boxing as a side hobby.

“I walked in with super thick, long hair that was giving lion’s mane energy, and I walked out with hair that looked polished and “effortless.” Mia did a wonderful job taming my hair!
10/10 stars“

May 2026

The first time David Popham took Keira for a training session, when she started her apprenticeship at Popham, he declared she was “ the most natural hairdresser” he had ever taught, which is praise indeed, as so many of our team are like Keira, home~grown and have been taught by David over the past 23 years.

Now a qualified stylist and doing the Advanced Professional Hairdressing Level 3 qualification, she can be found in her happy place in the Headington salon, where she is crucial member of the team. This year she attended a Sassoon Academy course in London to add to her cutting knowledge.

It’s such a joy to have Keira as part of our company, and watching her gain her confidence in there chosen career has been a privilege. She is really good value right now, so book in!

“Keira gave me a completely new style – it took me a day or so to get used to the change but now I absolutely love it! I’ve had loads of compliments and it’s so easy to look after.
Keira listened well and made suggestions – very happy client!”

May 2026

Having always had a passion for hairdressing, Jess wanted to turn this passion into a career, and decided it was a clear choice to join the Popham team after researching local apprenticeship programmes. We had no doubt she would be a perfect fir for us when she came for her interview.

Now a fully fledged stylist in the Summertown branch, we were proven completely correct. She is flourishing and her calm and lovely nature is a perfect foil for the bustling busy Summertown salon.

Jess loved the Sassoon Academy course she attended in London this year, and can’t wait to go back and learn more. She is constantly looking to improve her hairdressing knowledge, and currently studying her Advanced Professional Hairdressing Level 3 qualification.

“This was my first visit to Popham Salon and I had a great experience, from booking the appointment, receiving helpful reminders and information before my appointment to the excellent service, warm welcome and expert treatment and cut received from Jess. I would definitely book again and recommend the salon.“

May 2026

When Eleanor was finally old enough to get a job, she worked in a hair salon as a Saturday girl and absolutely fell in love with hairdressing. The rest is history…

Eleanor came to Popham for our training programme and from the beginning wanted to be the best at what she does. She is always happy to take on coaching and keen to get everything right. Its lovely to see her confidence grow and for her to now have qualified into a full fledged stylist.Her enthusiasm for her job and the salon is infectious.

Eleanor loved the Sassoon Academy course she attended in London this year, and can’t wait to go back and learn more. She is constantly looking to improve her hairdressing knowledge, and currently studying her Advanced Professional Hairdressing Level 3 qualification.

“Fantastic cut and blow dry, Eleanor listened to my request and delivered a beautiful finished haircut. Super polite and lovely environment, will definitely be going back. Many
thanks”

May 2026

Aline started with Popham as a Saturday receptionist when her two boys were young. It certainly did not take long for us to realise what a fantastic asset to Popham, Aline would be, and she slowly increased her hours to 4 days a week.

Aline’s attention to detail and absolute rigour around stock, made her a natural to take over managing our inventory. She stepped into a new role for us in August 2022 as Head of Stock and Sustainability across the company and has completely transformed our stock control.

However when we suddenly found we needed a receptionist on a Monday, Aline jumped in to help us out. Now we won’t let her give up her post on Mondays as she is perfect to set up the busy week ahead …..

Alongside her role at Popham, she juggles her busy family life with two sporty and active boys, her beloved dogs, and her miniature shetland pony, Clarence, who provides her much-needed solace!

Hannah joined Popham as an apprentice and as much as she loved the training to become a hairdresser, something eluded her. We found that she came alive on the Front desk and supporting Lucy, her team leader with admin tasks and so it was a natural fit for us to redirect her career to becoming a receptionist.

Hannah has gone from strength to strength, and as her passion for customer service is as high as ever she is loving working in the new Headington salon and doing a fabulous job.

Recently engaged and now expecting their first baby , Hannah will be off on Maternity leave at Christmas.