Tag Archives: makeover

The Lounge, Soho

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You can do just about anything in Soho. A few weeks ago I went for a hair makeover at The Lounge, a cool contemporary salon hidden away just behind the district’s seediest sex shops. The salon was opened by celebrated hairdresser Joe Mills, who boldly opened his business in one of the less fashionable streets and made it into a destination. More recently he opened up a barber shop called Joe and Co. which has also garnered rave reviews. The Lounge is popular with creatives, celebrities and locals alike and there is always a buzz about the place.

After a long week at work I was delighted to turn up at the door on a Friday afternoon. I slumped into one of the comfortable leather seats and let the capable staff take charge of my pampering. The pared down decor seemed to help me clear my mind and really relax into the experience. Within moments a stack of gossip magazines were placed at my disposal and a chilled glass of fizz was handed to me. It was the perfect start to the weekend. Colour expert, Tiffany, was in charge of my new hair shade. She talked me through a few ideas and we settled on natural darker roots, with blonde singed ends and got to work immediately. Very importantly she checked the time I had available before starting on the elaborate process. She was wonderfully thoughtful and thorough. The products used by The Lounge are natural and organic wherever possible and this comes through in the final result which they ensure is always subtle and real-looking.

Then came my favourite part. A massage chair, my feet up and my hair washed with the most delicious products. The Lounge Soho uses the luxury Italian range of hair products, Davines. The collection has recently been rebranded with attractive minimalist packaging, and now it seems to be in every top salon in town. My hair was treated to an intensive moisturising mask then a fabulously indulgent scalp massage, which almost sent me to sleep. The hair routine was completed with a revitalising wash and condition.

After the colour was checked and approved, Georgie, set about my tresses with a hairdryer and tongs. She effectively created an insouciant, just-out-the-sea look – the type of hairstyle you can never re-create at home. She finished the style with the aptly-named ‘sea salt spray’ by luxury hair care brand by Kevin Murphy. I left the salon feeling totally glamorous having had a luxurious pampering afternoon but looking effortlessly chic, at least I thought so!

More information and book an appointment here.

Charles Worthington Salon, Covent Garden

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Charles Worthington is a brand I have noticed on the shelves of Boots for years, though I have never been fortunate enough to experience the company’s expertise in the salon, until now. Of the salons in London and New York, the most unique is found in Covent Garden, located inside a characterful Georgian townhouse, and spread across five floors. This is the home of Charles Worthington and is designed to make customers feel at ease while they have their tresses transformed.

Guests are invited to relax in the elegant Drawing Room before taking their seat in the ‘cut and colour zone’. Once settled hot or chilled drinks are delivered along with little bites of the softest sweetest lemon drizzle cake.

I was lucky to be in the capable hands of Katie Allan, a colour expert at Charles Worthington. I met her prior to my appointment and we discussed shades of blonde, techniques of highlighting and the use of warm and cool tones to colour hair. It was a technical education for me, and helped us discover together what would look best. She also patch tested the dye on my skin to check there was no reaction.

We decided on natural warm highlights, fading gently to create that sun-worn look. Katie and I chatted away as she worked systematically through my layers. Katie sent me off to have the dye washed out, and noticing my sensitive scalp instructed her colleague to include a moisture-boosting Kerastase treatment during the cleanse. It was divine, soothing and nourishing my head.

Next up was a much needed trim with the lovely Yanna Hogan. I was having so much fun hearing all about life at the salon that I barely noticed my hair change in length. Sharper and straighter, the cut was just what I needed. It felt and looked much better. Yanna carefully illustrated how to give my hair movement and shape using the straighteners that I have at home.

Since visiting the Charles Worthington salon, I have had numerous comments on my hair style and colour. The cut is fresher and sassier and the colour complements my skin tone, a shade brighter for the summer months. I couldn’t be happier with my makeover and highly recommend this boutique salon for all your hair needs!

More information and book an appointment 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.