I visited the original Radio in Shoreditch many years ago, and loved the balance of professionalism and creativity they had in the salon. So I was delighted to return to the newest Radio branch in King’s Cross last week. The salon is found on York Way, nearby to the thriving new Coal Drops Yard and office developments… an area the spacious and buzzy Radio salon fits in with perfectly.
The space has a zen vibe, even when full of chatting customers. This is thanks to the chic but minimalist design, with potted plants and striking monochrome photography.
The King’s Cross branch boasts a stylish beauty area, offering manicures and pedicures, waxing and treatments with Margate brand Haeckels. I was well taken care of by the lovely Vanessa, who is the main therapist at Radio King’s Cross.
If you care about beauty brands Haeckels should be on your radar, this natural skincare and wild fragrance company was founded by the sea in Margate in 2012. They use products washed up from sea to make honest and sustainable products that truly work. Though I’d already fallen in love with the brand (on a trip years ago to Margate) I had never had a treatment using the range. In fact, Radio King’s Cross is the main beauty outlet in London using the brand.
My facial took place in one of the cosy treatment rooms at the salon, one hour of totally relaxation. Vanessa used various Haeckels products to cleanse, exfoliate and soothe my skin, removing dead skin, and cleaning my city-clogged pores. I looked and felt so much fresher after an hour of this Haeckels treatment, and vowed to be more mindful with the skincare products I buy in future.
Whether you want a glass of fizzy or a strong caffeinated drink, the Radio team have got it under control. I was impressed to see a high-tech coffee bar using Allpress Coffee, and I relished the opportunity to have a strong flat white while having my nails done.
All I had to do was choose between varnish or shellac and then Vanessa took care of everything else. My nails were trimmed, filed and moisturised before being immaculately painted in a shade of optimistically summery coral.
Finally, it was time for my hair appointment. Colouring with the coincidentally named Blue and styling by the super down to earth Birte. Blue chatted to me frankly about my options, and together we decided on a dark brown colour melt, using a toner to soften the red tones of my existing hair colour. Radio use award-winning Redken to colour hair. Blue used a ammonia free semi-permanent colour to change my hair shade whilst also adding healthy vibrancy and shine.
Then it was time for Birte to dry and style my hair. She used tongs to add a waves and bounce to my hair. Once brushed out it looked glamorous but carefree. I wish I had her styling my hair every morning, having my hair curled properly gave me a real confidence boost.
Radio Kings Cross is a one stop wonder for all your hair, beauty and nail needs. I only wish every weekend started with a trip to see the lovely Radio team!
More information and book an appointment at Radio Salon here.