Kell Skott salon, Lambton Place

Hidden behind the stylish shops on Westbourne Grove is one of the loveliest salons I have visited, and if you read my blog regularly you’ll know I have been to a lot! This family run business has a lovely atmosphere; the family are genuine and kind. Kell Skott first opened in Golborne Road in 2002 and, following the small team’s success, opened a second salon on Lambton Place. They are now firmly established as one of West London’s favourite and most highly regarded hairdressers, and if you visit you will see why.

I went along for a treatment and blow dry, replenishing my over dyed tresses. I was welcomed into the bright and airy salon and seated with a drink. A lovely girl talked me through the Phyto Express Smoothing Mask treatment I would be trying that day. This brand new luxurious treatment controls frizz for up to 72 hours.

The treatment is applied to wet hair so I was taken over to have my hair washed. It is a fact that this salon has the best chairs, comfortable and soft – for once having my hair washed at the hairdresser was a relaxing and extremely sleep inducing process, rather than having a cold sink jabbing into my neck! After the mask was thoroughly applied to my hair, I was put under a fan to ensure the treatment soaked into the hair follicles as deeply and fully as possible.

Kell himself came over to wash out the sticky cream and blow dry my hair to absolute perfection adding a lovely curl. I could feel the added silkiness and shine from the treatment immediately. Chatting to Kell about the salon and the natural Phyto products he uses so frequently, I was impressed with his passionate and relaxed attitude towards hairdressing.

I left the Lambton Place salon with gorgeous hair after a lovely treatment and hair makeover. The Kell Skott Salon is an absolutely top place to spend the afternoon, I can’t wait to return soon.

Visit the salon website here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 94

When it comes to hair products Kerastase‘s are second to none. This professional brand provide the best solution to any hair problem… when my hair was brittle and damaged after bleaching, I found the only solution to return my tresses back to health was the supreme shampoo and conditioner from Kerastase that added moisture and shine back to hair and scalp almost instantly.

Most major salons use the Kerastase range which is where I first experienced the wondrous effects. They are kept behind those smart wash basins and lathered into your hair without a chance for you to study the bottle or brand first. I always thought the products smelt delicious, so I asked about what they were. I haven’t looked back since, Kerastase has revolutionised my hair routine.

Women nowadays spend so much time and money on beauty and body products, I feel we should be paying a little more attention to our hair. Damage can be avoided if you use the appropriate products for you which is why Kerastase’s different types are so brilliant.

The different coloured tubes represent the specialised ranges with a few of my favourite products highlighted:

Green is Resistance: to strengthen weakened, damaged or fine hair.

Bain de force: a creamy rich shampoo for weakened damaged hair… I used this straight after bleaching and my hair became softer after one wash. Note: best to always shampoo twice, but only a tiny amount of shampoo is needed each time.

Ciment thermique: this leave-in conditioner is perfect for brittle damaged hair. You will only need a tiny amount through lengths and ends of hair.

Masque force architecte: a luxurious hair mask for split ends, leave on five minutes after shampoo and rinse out to reveal extra silky hair.

Fibre architecte: a non-oily leave-in conditioner specially for dry hair with split ends, a renovating dual serum that works wonders.

Orange and White is Nutritive: Personalised nourishing care for dyed hair.

Sublimateur Jour: for dry sensitised hair, this leave in conditioner adds moisture. It is a light, replenishing formula that encourages softness. Best when massaged gently into lengths of hair.

Pink is Reflection: to protect and maintain longlasting colour radiance.

Bain miroir: shampoo that is ideal for colour treated hair. This shampoo added moisture and shine instantly to my hair without feeling too heavy.

Chroma reflect: radiance enhancing milk to use after shampooing, rinse out after leaving on for 3-5 minutes. Shows your hair at its best.

Chroma reflect: this deep radiance enhancing masque is for very sensitised colour treated hair. It is a luxurious treatment to use occasionally. Rinse out after leaving on for several minutes. I found the longer I left this mask on the better the results.

Silver is Specifique: for specific or serious scalp and hair concerns.

Pale blue for Biotic: to rebalance the scalp and reactivate its natural defences to produce beautiful healthy hair.

Purple for Noctogenist: overnight treatment for dull tired looking hair.

Pale purple for Age Premium: rejuvenating programme for mature hair.

Yellow for Soleil: made to measure sun protection for hair exposed to the sun, sea and chlorine… sure to be a best seller in summertime.

Gold for Elixir Ultime: enriched with four precious oils to beautify hair… a product I would love to try!

Kerastase is a professional product but is sold online and in selected salons… I promise these products will transform your hair like you never imagined possible. And though my addiction to Kerastase is an expensive habit, I don’t regret for a minute being introduced to this revolutionary hair brand.

Visit the website here for more information.

Michael John Salon, Mayfair

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.