Tag Archives: salon

Clipso Salon, Tottenham Court Road

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I was in and out of Clipso Hair Salon within an hour, a quick visit to try out their luxurious Kerastase treatment and a blow dry. The salon is located conveniently close to Tottenham Court Road tube station tucked away in a picturesque side street.

Clipso is discreet but smart, a very relaxing place to spend an hour. I was introduced to Carly, a very friendly and chatty stylist who looked after me for the afternoon. Carly explained the special Kerastase treatment products to me, a selection of tiny magic vials each a different colour, inside a couple of teaspoons of cloudy iridescent liquid to transform a whole head of hair. Each colour represents a different function: to add shine, strength, moisture, or to brighten coloured or grey hair. On top a tiny amount of serum is added, corresponding to the same categories. The liquid and serums can be combined for dual effects. Together we chose the pink for shine and the green for richness and moisture. I was not surprised to feel the boost to my hair instantly after washing, I have always trusted Kerastase products.

As Carly blow dried my hair, she sweetly explained a useful technique for me to use for home drying to avoid puffy hair and frizz tendencies which I admitted happen frequently at home. Apparently a little product in the hair is important to prep it for drying and help the waves to remain in place. She worked hard to give me a beautiful textured blow dry, spritzing it with flexible hair spray to hold the shape.

I only wish I could have stayed for longer at Clipso, the whole experience was calm and relaxing, just as it should be when you visit a hair salon.

Visit the website to book here.

Gielly Green, Hair Salon, Marylebone

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Gielly Green is already firmly established in my little book of ‘favourites for London’ – the salon is luxurious, calming and welcoming. I have visited once before for an amazing facial (see my write up here), this time I was reviewing the hair services. The salon spans two floors kitted out in the newest equipment and decorated with comforting mocha brown furniture.

I was seated in a comfy chair, supplied with magazines and offered a hot drink which arrived promptly in a pretty glass. First I was due a half head of highlights with Tanya, a lovely quiet girl who seemed confident of what she was doing. My dark roots were becoming unruly, so we decided to tidy them up with some natural creamy blonde highlights just to lighten the look. Tanya was efficient and careful making sure she achieved the best outcome for my hair.

Gielly Green has recently created their own range of Organic hair products using fine natural ingredients and these were used to repair and enhance my hair. I was also treated to the Spa Mist II Treatment, a special new hair treatment that GG has collaborated with Takara Belmont to create. A deep conditioner was applied and massaged into my hair and scalp before a strange white cap was put on my head. This stayed on for fifteen minutes, it kept the moisture in while heating up; an ultra fine mist is released penetrating deep into the cuticles with an exceptional, long-lasting final result. Gielly Green has the most relaxing washbasin chairs I have ever experienced, I very nearly fell asleep while a stylist massaged my head.

Simone, who then blow dried my hair, is a true artist, and a mean exponent of the common gadget, the hairdryer… with a determined look on his face he used it like a power tool, changing the setting like gears on a motorbike. I have never had someone take so long blowdrying my hair – moulding and shaping, he is a master of technique and styling. The results were amazing, I looked like I’d walked straight out of Hairspray the Musical with my big wavy blonde hairdo!

As always, I left Gielly Green a very satisfied customer, this salon is ultra smart yet the staff ensure it is still very friendly and comfortable. Most importantly they make sure it is a lovely place to spend the morning.

Visit the website to book here.

Michael John Salon, Mayfair

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The Michael John Salon is grand and impressive; it is located on the corner of Albemarle Street. Even when I visited on a Tuesday afternoon the place was buzzing with activity – stylists and clients all milling around, a lovely friendly atmosphere. My stylist for the day was Rosa, the Junior Artistic Director at MJ. She was absolutely adorable, very jolly and smiley, and made my time at the salon a pleasure.

I was given an invigorating hair-wash before a miraculous treatment was applied, to be precise the Elasticizer treatment by Philip Kingsley. This restores elasticity and bounce to hair, and can be used on all hair types. The product provides UV protection even after washing and helps to prolong the life of colour treatments. Rosa mentioned that although results will be visible after only one application, it will be improved with continued use.

After the lotion was fully applied to my hair right through to the roots, I was put under heat for twenty-five minutes and left with a pile of glossy magazines. I was a little bit disappointed not to be offered a drink – the fresh juices on the menu sounded so delicious. Rosa returned regularly to check up on the progress, and when she was happy took me over to the sink to wash it out and condition my hair. The results were wonderful, the Elasticizer is the deepest, gentlest form of conditioner, it strengthens to prevent snapping and revives dull lifeless hair, leaving it extra glossy and shiny.

Before blowdrying Rosa gave my hair a quick trim, just snipping the scruffy ends off the strands to make it neater and healthier. As I always opt for curly or wavy blow-dries I decided this time to go straight as Rosa encouraged. This look was much slicker and cooler, a smart blonde bob. Running my hands through my hair it felt like my hair had never been coloured before, it was so soft and shiny.

Before leaving Rosa offered to show me round the huge salon, the full tour included a peek in at the calming treatment rooms, the area for colouring and even a room for hair extensions. Downstairs a lovely bar is available for guests to use… there is nothing this salon doesn’t have!

Hopefully I will be returning to Michael John soon to review Emma Hardie’s luxurious facials, so look out for that review in the near future!

Visit the Michael John website for my information and to book here.