Tag Archives: hairdresser

Root Hair and Beauty, Exmouth Market

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I’m always looking for a boutique hairdresser that provides a great service in a friendly space. Root Hair and Beauty is the perfect neighbourhood salon. In March 2016, after a total rebrand, Root was reopened by Stefano Pierantozzi. He has tons of experience and a welcoming nature, making the venue relaxed and approachable but professional. The team of stylists and beauticians provide a range of hair and beauty services to meet all your pampering needs.

Root salon

On a quiet Tuesday morning I had the salon to myself… (at weekends they get manic). Root is conveniently located on the charming Exmouth Market, a street which has a plethora of small independent businesses, from pizza restaurants to gift shops. The interiors are simply and stylishly decorated with plenty of light.

Root salon

Stefano swears by the Italian brand Davines, which is healthy and nourishing for hair with no nasty sulfates. He washed my hair with the clarifying shampoo and an illuminating shampoo from the range, before using a silver mask to dull the copper tones in my blonde highlights. I felt completely relaxed as he massaged the moisturising mask into my hair and soothed my scalp.

Root salon

We chatted through the change in hairstyle, deciding to keep the length but trim the split ends and remove the layers to create a more striking overall look. Stefano worked quickly but carefully through my hair as we chatted about haircare and the salon’s successes.

Before blow-drying my hair, the Davines Oi All in One Milk was combed through to add smoothness through the lengths. My hair felt light and silky, with a cooler colour and sharper finish. To add a big of glamour Stefano added some loose beachy curls to my hair before spraying with a texturising hairspray.

I envy the locals who live close to Root, I can imagine I’d spend a fortune on regular blow-dries and hair transformations if I was lucky enough to be an Exmouth Market resident.

More information and book an appointment at Root Hair & Beauty here.

Myla & Davis, Brixton

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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.

Duck & Dry, Chelsea

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‘Blow outs’ have been a major beauty trend in NYC for a while, but it is only recently that London’s most glamorous ladies consider it an essential part of their pre-party prep… and that’s where Duck and Dry come in. This super stylish salon is conveniently located in Chelsea in a spacious venue which allows a gaggle of girls to enjoy treatments simultaneously (perfect for hen dos and birthday bashes).

The pretty turquoise salon opened last September and has quickly become a favourite with local trendsetters and celebrities. The project is the result of Yulia Rorstrom’s ambition and passion for beauty. This business-savvy lady has created an environment which is both sociable and stylish; I can imagine friends hanging out at the drinks bar, and regular clients laughing in their seats as they choose a dazzling new hairstyle.

A few weeks ago, before attending a sophisticated spring wedding, I visited Duck and Dry for a speedy hair makeover. I’d been feeling a bit low about my drastically short hair so I was hoping a bit of professional styling would freshen my look.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the chic salon was their motto which is written in big pastel pink letters on the wall: ‘Fine feathers make fine birds’. In one corner the sinks and reclining chairs are found amongst the beautiful exotic tiles. There is also a little display of the carefully selected products which are available to buy, I spotted my favourite Davines haircare brand sitting amongst the collection.

My hair was done by the lovely Kirsty O’Brien, who washed my locks before chatting to me about what I wanted. At Duck and Dry they specialise in Blow-drys and Up-dos, and their glossy brochure illustrates the variety of styles available. I chose a mix of beach locks and low tide waves, loose movement which would add volume and character to my limp hairstyle. Using the hairdryer, thin tongs and a few rollers, Kirsty created an entirely new look for me that made me feel confident and proud of my hair! She backcombed a little at the back knowing that over the course of the day my waves were likely to loosen and drop a little. She’d thought of everything.

I highly recommend Duck and Dry, a heavenly place to get your hair in tip top shape and style ready for any big occasion. If I could afford it I’d be there everyday!

More information and book an appointment at Duck and Dry here.