Myla & Davis, Brixton

Until now I have trekked up to East London for hip haircuts, but this week I discovered Myla & Davis, a trio of independent hairdressing salons in South London. Founder Katya Davies started the brand in Herne Hill, as a boutique neighbourhood salon offering cut and colour services by pro stylists at reasonable prices. I recently visited the newest venue in Brixton… a perfectly compact but well organised space with fresh, clean design and an informal and friendly atmosphere.

The Myla & Davis salons have become known for their mix of professionalism and good chatting skills! I’d picked up a few magazines to absorb whilst my stylist Jess transformed my unruly mop of hair, but soon we were chatting away and the reading material was discarded! After 6 months of world travel, with questionable hair products and no haircuts, my hair was in great need of a revamp. The roots were unfashionably outgrown and my split ends were creeping further up. We decided on a trim and highlights to brighten and lighten the tips whilst making the roots look more natural.

Jess worked wonders, magically and effortlessly blending the dye to soften my colour, giving a natural, sun-kissed look. Endless cups of earl grey tea, sparkling elderflower and water were bought to me whilst I sat lazily in my seat. After a quick toner and hair wash I was back in front of the mirror ready for my trim.

Myla and Davis work religiously with US cult brand Bumble and Bumble and the product ranges are lined up neatly on the wall. I love their products but often struggle to understand which suits my hair best. Jess offered me frank and realistic recommendations of which products I should use, dependent on hair type, what look you wish to achieve and how often you wash your hair. It was decided that the surf range would offer a beachy texture whilst not adding too much weight to my hair.

Often I feel rushed by hairdressers but Jess seemed genuinely happy to spend time demonstrating how to use each product and offering insider tips. I walked out of Myla & Davis with a beautiful, bouncy new hairstyle and feeling confident that I could maintain the style in my own home using the salon’s helpful advice.

More information and book an appointment at Myla & Davis here.

Radio Salon, Broadway Market

There is a real sense of community on Broadway Market. This buzzy street runs from London Fields to Regent’s Canal and has a host of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants to explore. Last week I went to check out the new Radio Salon, tucked in between the shopfronts glowing in the twilight with a mist of hairspray hovering in the air inside.

Radio Redchurch Street is an institution, I visited a few years ago and loved the personality of the salon and staff. Following on from this flagship salon’s success, the team has opened this smaller, quainter branch which has been redecorated and refreshed in the last few months. The trendy interior features distressed wooden floorboards, smart black leather barber seats and exposed lightbulbs – it is the look of East London.

Radio proudly use the whole Bumble & Bumble range in their innovative hairdressing. The flexible and light qualities of this brand suits their chic, catwalk-ready styles. The products are fun but reliable and I guarantee you’ll want to take a selection of coloured bottles home after your haircut – luckily Radio stocks it all so you can buy yourself a little treat on the way out.

Sipping a glass of chilled Prosecco, I sat back and let the staff liven up my hairstyle and mood. After an invigorating wash and massage, my stylist for the evening Vlad came over to suss out what to do with my tangled mop. We decided on a neat trim to remove tired split ends and a wavy blow-dry to add movement and volume. I didn’t even notice the haircut as we were so deep in conversation about the various Bumble products that would suit my hair. After various, deliciously scented serums, sprays and lotions, my hair was dried and twisted to create loose beachy kinks. Despite the summery look, my hair had infinitely more volume and the strands felt nourished and glossy.

I left with a swing in my step, even the rain, the bus strike and long journey home didn’t bother me with my new locks.

Here’s some tips from my stylist Vlad about his favourite Bumble and bumble products for my hair:

Bumble and bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

These products are designed specifically to give life to fine and limp hair making it feel fuller and thicker while smoothing flyaways.

Bb Thickening Hairspray

This is one of my favourite products from Bumble and bumble because you can play with it in so many ways. From applying it to the roots to spreading throughout the lengths it gives incredible hold, lift and body to even fine and limp hair. Once applied to the hair the hold gives you control so you can play with your hair throughout the day making it bigger or sleeker depending on your mood.

Bb Mending Complex is another favourite product of mine because it brings chemically treated (highlighted, bleached, over-processed) and damaged hair back to life. This product strengthens the hair from the medulla to the exterior and can be used as a repairing treatment every single time you blow dry your hair or dried into partially damp hair to give a moisture boost.

Bb Surf Spray – This product makes me feel like a magician as it literally recreates the texture created by nature and the ocean in your hair. I like to spritz this product into the hair from a distance after blow drying loose waves to give that natural texture and movement. You can also spray evenly on damp or dry hair and let it dry naturally for a more undone look.

And I always hear this question… Why does product make your hair greasy? Well the answer is it doesn’t, it’s our hands and the habit of touching our hair that cause grease so long as you are using the right products recommended to you by your hair stylist. Keep in mind that we are all different and have different hair types so what works for your friends will not necessarily work for you. Find what works for you and stick to it!

More information and book an appointment here: www.radiohairsalon.com/broadwaymarket-salon

Hot on the Highstreet Week 177 – Beauty Competition

After a luxuriously long summer, autumn has definitely arrived, and this week my iPhone tells me it will be raining on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no more need for shimmering after-sun body moisturisers and fun summery make-up; instead we look for nourishing face creams and comforting products to help us get through the cold months ahead.

FACE

Dr Perricone seems to understand women’s skin better than anyone. His Deep Moisture Therapy is my favourite winter moisturiser to use day and night. Rich but light it hydrates and softens skin, noticeably improving complexion tone. The new No Foundation is another great product, providing a lovely natural glow to paling winter skin. The cream includes SPF 30 perfect for days out in the sunshine, though this product is best in winter, providing a light coverage whilst also moisturising your face.

In my opinion the Sanctuary Spa Secret Facial Oil is best used before bed, after cleansing. This 99% organic plumping treatment revitalises skin overnight, so you wake looking bright and rejuvenated. Long term the oil will soften and restore your skin’s natural youth, a kind of superfood for the skin.

The 111 Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask uses advanced technology to nourish the skin and stimulate collagen production. The gel mask cools and refreshes the face, instantly brightening the skin. Perfect pre-holiday, or for a weekend pampering session to calm your stressed skin!

Jurlique is a natural brand that I cannot fault. Every product I’ve tried I dread finishing, the effects are genius. The Rosewater Balancing Mist is a refreshing spray to hydrate and soften the skin and leave skin looking dewy. The spray is perfect to use in the morning and at night keeping your skin balanced and beautiful at all times. Hydration without the greasy residue.

In winter your face needs a little more care and attention. Thalgo’s Masque Desalterant is perfect for this, a moisture quenching mask that gives your skin a moisture boost. I found this product to be ideal for sensitive skin, soothing and protecting skin against the damaging winter weather.

Lipstick pencils are easier to use and often the colour looks more intense. This is certainly true of the Lord & Berry 20100 Shining Lipstick. These thick pencils come in 12 shades, something for every occasion. The colour is bright and the texture creamy. My favourite hue is Mandarin, an orange-red that will really make your lips pop.

BODY

Most know Sanctuary for their gorgeous spa in the heart of Covent Garden. I tried a few of the products this week and was thrilled with the effects. As the colder weather ensues skin tightens and cracks quickly and the Tight & Tone Body Serum is ideal for combating those symptoms adding smoothness to the skin whilst also toning up bums and tums! For extra softness use the 4-day Moisture Oil Scrub which gently exfoliates and leaves skin silky.

I always like to have a hand cream at my desk and this season I am using the lovely Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum. With extracts of rosehip oil and pomegranate, it smells as good as it feels.

HAIR

It was pretty cool to have Daniel Hersheson himself commenting on my hair colour and style, advising me on what would work best with my eye colour and skin tone. Since then I’ve been a massive fan of his work and products and the Essentials kit is a must-have for girls who enjoy experimenting with hair styling, and is the perfect gift. It includes the Hersheson limited edition Batiste Dry Shampoo, pins, grips and hair bands in small and large.

Kerastase’s Volumifique shampoo and conditioner is the perfect duo for fine hair. The shampoo is silky and naturally thickens hair; the conditioner controls fizz and adds strength without the unnecessary grease. Professional products to revolutionise your hair.

I’ve always thought Fudge haircare was for boys only. The sweet smelling Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hair Spray, packaged in a brilliantly psychedelic pink container, says otherwise. With extra strong hold, a few sprays will last you all night. The Salt Spray is a great texture tool to ensure your hair looks breezy and beachy all year round.

Fun and effective Bumble and Bumble are a fashionista’s dream. For luscious locks follow the Color-Minded routine which keeps coloured hair bright and beautiful. The shampoo and conditioner are gentle and soft on all hair types. Complete your routine with the Dryspun Finish, a thickening spray to create a full and airy texture without letting hair feel heavy.

To win a selection of these products:

1. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on Facebook here.

2. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on twitter here.

3. Tweet me telling me your favourite Autumn beauty product and why.

The winner will be decided on November 1st and the prize will be posted out as soon as the winner gives delivery details.