About us

Hakkari is a modern, independent hair salon in Amsterdam, offering a refined, client-centered experience for those seeking more than just a haircut. Located in the Jordaan district, we specialize in creative cutting, expert colour work, and smoothing keratin treatments — all tailored to your lifestyle, personality, and hair type.

This is not a high-speed, high-turnover salon. At Hakkari, every appointment begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand what you’re looking for — whether it’s a bold transformation or a subtle refresh — and then design a look that truly fits.

Our signature services include:

Precision Haircuts for all hair types
Balayage & Dimensional Colouring using high-performance colour from Redken
Keratin Smoothing Treatments for frizz control and manageability
Grey Blending for Men and clean, stylish men’s cuts
Deep Conditioning Treatments with Kevin Murphy masques for shine, strength, and hydration

We believe hairdressing is equal parts craftsmanship and connection. The space is calm, the pace is unhurried, and every detail — from the consultation to the final finish — is intentional.

Whether you’re a regular client or visiting for the first time, you’ll find Hakkarî to be a place where your hair is understood, respected, and styled with purpose.

THE FOUNDER

Hairdresser. Founder. Storyteller in strands.

I’ve always believed that hair is more than appearance — it’s identity, confidence, and transformation. My name is Steven, and I’ve been shaping beauty professionally since 2008. But really, the story starts even earlier — with a deep fascination for form, texture, and the quiet power of self-expression.

My journey began in London, at Kalika Hair & Beauty, where I was given my very first chance by Hinna, my first real mentor. She wasn’t just my boss — she was my educator, my foundation. Her high standards and fierce belief in quality shaped the way I approach hair to this day. I owe her more than she knows.

From London, I took a leap to Canada, where I worked at Swizzle Sticks Salon in Calgary — one of the city’s busiest and most respected salons. Under the leadership of Brianna, I developed the ability to deliver excellence under pressure, manage a diverse clientele, and balance speed with detail. She trusted me with real responsibility, and that helped me grow.

In 2018, I followed my instincts and heart to Amsterdam, where I’ve lived and worked ever since. My first role here was at Haar in de Wind, under Petra, who welcomed me into the Dutch salon world. Petra also taught me the art of dry cutting and sculpting — a technique that has since become an essential part of how I shape hair. Her generosity left a lasting mark on my craft.

Later, I joined Het Haartheater. It wasn’t always easy, but it pushed me to raise my standards. Working under them sharpened not only my technique, but also my professionalism, precision, and resilience. That experience taught me how to navigate complexity without ever compromising on quality.

After years in top salons, I went independent, building a loyal clientele in Amsterdam who valued quality, honesty, and care. And then came the next chapter.

In 2025, I took over Studio Stroop, a beloved salon with over 20 years of history. I saw potential in its bones — not just a space, but a story ready to continue. And so, Hakkari was born.

what is hakkari?

A name with roots. A story that continues.

Hakkari is more than just the name of a salon — it’s a place that once held generations of life, culture, and quiet beauty. Today, it holds something new: meaning, memory, and a sense of continuity.

Located in the mountains of what is now southeastern Turkey, Hakkari was historically part of Assyria — home to Assyrian villages, traditions, and communities that were once deeply woven into the land. Among them was the Baz tribe ('Baz'naya), whose people lived with a strong sense of identity, faith, and connection. This region formed part of ancient Mesopotamia, a cradle of culture, resilience, and spirit.

In the early 20th century, much of that world was lost. During the Assyrian genocide of 1915, families were uprooted, communities destroyed, and many were forced to flee. For many Assyrians, Hakkari became a memory — a place of both origin and loss.

But memory is powerful. And naming this salon Hakkari is a way of honouring that — not just the pain, but the strength, the beauty, and the culture that continues to this day.

Here in Amsterdam, Hakkari is a space shaped by intention and care. Every haircut, colour, and treatment is a personal process — because we believe beauty is more than style. It’s expression. It’s story. And for some, it’s also a quiet act of remembering.

This is more than a salon.

It’s a space where identity is honoured, beauty is crafted, and something lost finds a place to live again.