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Beauty, Salon

ESHK Hair Clerkenwell, London

August 12, 2015 by cheriecity

Last week, I escaped the madness of the tube strike in the relaxing surroundings of ESHK Clerkenwell.

ESHK Hair was established in 2005 with salons in Shoreditch and Barbican and the new Clerkenwell salon has been open for just three months.

I usually like to be organised with my hair appointments, but realised I’d been paying too much attention to my colour (more precisely, camouflaging those pesky grey hairs) and had neglected the ends. Perhaps it’s psychological, but I felt compelled to give my hair and spirit a lift – in fact, it was playing on my mind for days.

So, I hit Wahanda to browse London hair salons and decided on ESHK Clerkenwell for a Cut and Blow-Dry (£31.50) as it’s reasonably close to me and I’d read good things about the salon – ESHK won Time Out’s ‘Best Hairdressers in London’ award three times in a row.

You can’t miss ESHK with its sleek black exterior and bold sign on the corner of Grays Inn Road. It’s a beautifully-designed boutique salon with an urban retro feel and nice touches such as Cire Trvdon candles and vintage furniture.

I was around 20 minutes early after allowing extra time for tube strike traffic and was immediately seated in the cool, bright ground floor cutting room. I refueled with a cup of tea served with Italian biscuits and was soon greeted by my lovely stylist Gianluca.

After a quick consultation, I was taken downstairs to the wash basins and Gianluca prescribed a combination of two different Kevin Murphy shampoos for fine and colour-treated hair and a conditioner thick, curly hair that also works well on fine hair like mine.

Vanessa washed my hair and gave me a delightful scalp massage, which is always my favourite part of the salon experience.

Gianluca refreshed the lengths and cut long layers back into my hair. We chatted about Italy and had a laugh about how out of shape my hair had become, in the safe knowledge that I’d be leaving with a much better ‘do.

My hair was then blow-dried straight and dry cut to complete the shape. To finish, the lengths were straightened to combat frizz, curled on the ends and combed through for a soft, wavy look.

I was thrilled with my new bouncy, lighter style and the blow-dry that looked fresh and glam (I can’t be bouffant styles that make me look older than my years). Before leaving, I asked Gianluca’s advice on how to improve my current hair colour and I’ll definitely be going back for colour soon.

I was really impressed with ESHK and loved its friendly, neighbourhood boutique salon vibe. It’s also very affordable for central London (there’s the option for a free rough dry with colour services), so you can easily make it your regular ‘go to’ salon.

For more information and booking, visit: www.eshk-hair.com

All photos by ESHK

Beauty, London, Salon

A Great Hair Cut at Jones & Payne, London

April 7, 2015 by cheriecity

Jones & Payne is an award-winning independent hair salon with a Shoreditch flagship and boutique salon in Covent Garden.

The two salons were founded by Ricky Lee Jones and Stuart Payne, who met when working at Taylor Taylor London in Spitalfields, east London. When creating their own salon, their vision was to combine West End service with a fun, creative east London vibe.

I visited the St. Martins Lane salon for a much needed hair cut last week. It’s in the same building as the Philippe Starck-designed St. Martin’s Lane Hotel but has a very different atmosphere.

Jones & Payne St. Martins Lane is petite and cosy with vintage-style furnishings, gold-trimmed mirrors, traditional rugs and a curtained-off washing station.

It has a calm, unpretentious feel and is quite unlike the sleek, feminine salons that I’ve visited in London. Neither is there any pounding house music (thankfully), just the quiet buzz of hairdryers, so I could chat to my stylist freely. It’s almost like having your hair styled in the comfort of a cool east London apartment.

On arrival, I was immediately offered a complimentary drink and my tea came served in a stunning blue and white china tea set with a shortbread cookie. It was later refreshed with the addition of a chocolate rice crispy bite – a small touch that makes the salon experience feel like even more of a treat.

My appointment was with lovely Senior Stylist Claire Bennett, who recently joined Jones & Payne from another high end Covent Garden salon. Not only does she have years of experience but also the most fabulous, perfectly-groomed curly hair, so I knew I was in good hands.

My hair was in desperate need of a cut after being a bit neglected. It was feeling dry and a little frazzled on the ends (the last traces of ombre highlights), so I was keen to have a good cut of around two inches.

Claire agreed it was time for a substantial cut and showed me exactly what two inches from the lengths would look like. She also suggested refreshing the layers to frame my face and add some long layers at the back to give the curls some bounce and avoid that dreaded triangle look.

After the consultation, my hair was washed with Pureology shampoo that has a delicious sherbet scent, followed by a deep conditioning mask, which is included complimentary with the cut. I also had the most delightful, relaxing shiatsu hair massage (my favourite part of a salon visit) – in fact it was so soothing that I almost fell asleep.

Back in the salon chair, my hair was cut precisely and swiftly, which suited me just fine as I was heading straight out for cocktails in Hackney afterwards. The new length felt much healthier and less wispy on the ends, like my hair was breathing a sigh of relief.

To get the most volume and movement out of my new hair, Claire gave me a pin blow-dry. She added a touch of UNITE mousse and blow-dried sections of my hair straight, then lightly wound the hair in a curl and fixed it with a pin. As the hair around the pins cools down, it sets in shape, ready to be released and combed out a little.

I was thrilled with the finished look and will definitely have a go at trying a pin blow-dry at home. With a spritz of UNITE hair spray, I was ready to go with fuller, bouncier hair. As always when I visit a salon the heavens opened on my way back east, but luckily my pin blow-dry battled the drizzle rather well.

Jones & Payne St. Martins Lane is a fantastic salon where you can be sure of getting exactly what your hair needs. I love my new cut and am glad to know where I can find a great pin blow-dry in central London.

Hair cuts at Jones & Payne with Senior Stylist Claire Bennett are priced at £67.

Chérie City was a guest of Jones & Payne

Photos by Jones & Payne and Chérie City

Beauty, London, Salon

Ombre Detox at Errol Douglas Salon London

January 9, 2015 by cheriecity

For the past few seasons, I’ve had ombre highlights in my hair and love the sunkissed look that they give. My best ombre look was courtesy of Errol Douglas Salon in Belgravia, when I asked for an SJP look before heading off to New York.

Since then, I added more highlights to the lengths of my hair and after the summer, I was in desperate need of a change. So, who better to revive my hair colour than the dream team at Errol Douglas?

A few days before my appointment, I went for a patch test and consultation with the lovely Jasmin Allen, Senior Colour Master at Errol Douglas. We discussed toning down my highlights, which were by that time looking a little brassy, and neutralising hints of red in my hair.

Jasmin explained that while ombre hair can look shimmering and natural in the summer, the reduced sunlight in winter can change its appearance and make the colour look harsher. We both agreed on a softer, tidier look to reflect the changing season.

On the day of my appointment, I got settled on a salon chair with plenty of natural daylight and enjoyed a freshly-brewed Earl Grey served in the signature ED monogrammed tea service with a stack of glossy magazines.

Jasmin expertly applied a light brown semi-permanent Matrix dye to my roots and later took it through to the lengths to balance the colour. Semi-permanent dye rules the roost at Errol Douglas, as it gives hair a multi-tonal, shiny appearance and helps avoid visible root regrowth.

I was pleasantly surprised at how speedily the dye was applied and developed – there can sometimes be a lot of waiting around at other salons. After one read through Vogue, I was ready to hit the washing station, where I could put my feet up and relax.

The dye was washed out of my hair and then followed with an illuminating gloss treatment. My hair was cleansed with luxurious shampoo and conditioner by Moroccanoil (of which Errol Douglas is a brand ambassador) and I was treated to a relaxing shiatsu head massage.

With newly-coloured hair, it was time for my cut with Senior Stylist Anna Bloomer. Anna has cut my hair twice before and remembered exactly how I like my hair – she just knows what works. We decided on a generous chop of around 1.5 inches from the lengths, tidying up the long layers and shortening the front layers.

As always, Anna gave me some excellent hair advice, including how to style my curls and get the best out of my styling products by applying them directly to wet (not towel-dried) hair. She also drew my attention to new hair coming through, signalling a recent improvement in health. I’d never really considered how your hair can be a mirror of your general well-being.

To maintain hair thickness, Anna recommends Viviscal Professional supplements for an ‘inside out’ approach, weekly Moroccanoil masks and regular salon trims.

Anna then swiftly blow-dried my hair straight with light movement on the ends and wrapped my locks in giant rollers to add volume and bounce.

I was absolutely delighted with my new hair, which looked neater, more balanced and ready for autumn/winter. The dye covered my highlights and white hairs subtly and the good cut gave my hair a healthy appearance.

Errol Douglas transformed my hair yet again and I’m thrilled with the results.

Here are some of Jasmin’s top tips for an ombre detox:

– Making the hair warmer and richer will give the hair and instant lift. Warmer tones add warmth to the skin and reflect the light differently – it’s quite an instant fix!

– Going darker is another great idea. It can be more dramatic, adding richness and glamour for the colder months.

– Give hair a seasonal break – let it rest and detox by going darker not lighter. The darker colour disguises damage and the tones are more forgiving.

– Giving your hair a rest over the winter months by having less contrast between your natural hair colour of course means more time between salon visits, allowing natural oils to improve hair condition too.

The Errol Douglas Private State Room is now open and perfect for a VIP experience away from the salon hustle and bustle. For more information and booking, visit: www.erroldouglas.com

Chérie City was a guest of Errol Douglas Salon

Photos by Errol Douglas and Chérie City

Beauty, Salon

Errol Douglas Talks Red Carpet Looks

August 26, 2014 by cheriecity

Loved the red carpet looks at this year’s MTV VMAs and The Emmys? Mane master Errol Douglas MBE shares his favourite looks from the award ceremonies and shares the secrets behind the ‘dos.

Cascading ombre curls seems to have been replaced with sleek, shoulder-skimming tresses for the awards (a sign for autumn perhaps). Ready to have a go at home?

KENDALL JENNER

“Fresh from walking for many designers over the season, Miss Jenner finishes off a rock n roll black outfit with a sharp centre parting dramatic high shine straight look right off the catwalk. In addition to a precision cut, this look relies on a good styling product that hydrates before a directional blow dry, so work a little into the hair and follow with a firm tension barrel brush blow dry. Point the hairdyer nozzle downwards throughout root to end so as not to disturb the cuticle. The quicker and gentler the blow dry, the smoother the finish on this look, so a dryer like my infrared PRO dryer that dries from the inside out will keep the polish and shine by locking in moisture whilst drying speedily. Once dry, finish with a quick root to end smooth through with a straightener before spraying hairspray onto the hands and gently smoothing from crown to ends to tame any stray hairs”.

SOLANGE KNOWLES

“Solange’s Diana Ross inspired locks really grabbed the limelight this year in the absence of her usual pop of colour in outfit choice. Just the right length, not too short and boxy and not so long that her face is overwhelmed, these medium and even curls gently pulled out to sit below the shoulder give drama in the volume and are playful in the bounce! Early preparation is key – hydrate and hydrate some more. Intensive masks in the week prior to the big night, a little oil before blow drying and finish by taking random sections ear to end to wrap around a curling tong. Rake out gently with fingers lightly sprayed with hairspray just to avoid a ringlets finish”.

KERRY WASHINGTON

“Another hair hit from Miss Washington. This time she’s taken her flattering shoulder skimming length, and given it some texture rather than the vintage curled ends she usually opts for on the red carpet, which matches an edgier dress choice from her. Using hairspray on wet hair before the blow dry and rough drying, using fingers to rake in a downwards motion (just to avoid losing all the shape or polish) will build in this more textured finish – casual but occasion enough for the Emmys in my opinion and a great way to for her to mix it up. I also like the switch to a centre parting from a soft just off centre parting, subtle changes for a big difference”.

Which red carpet look is your favourite? What would be your top hair question for Errol Douglas?

All photos via Instagram

Beauty, Salon

Ena Salon, Covent Garden

March 11, 2014 by cheriecity

Ena Salon is a chic hair and beauty salon housed in an elegant three-storey townhouse in Covent Garden.

The Great Queen Street salon has a refreshing approach to haircare, combining style with a commitment to the environment. It’s the London flagship salon for Italian luxury eco haircare brand Davines, which offers zero impact products and promotes sustainability.

I’ve peered through the window of Ena Salon many times, so I was delighted to finally step inside the salon for a colour treatment and style.

I was a little early for my appointment, so I had a good chance to check out the full collection of Davines hair products and order a drink. My English breakfast tea was served in a fabulous glass pot with a rustic wooden spoon on a wooden board – so stylish.

I was greeted warmly by Colour Director Madeleine Murphy, who was going to do my colour. She took me upstairs to the colour studio, which is beautifully designed with cool reclaimed furniture, original fireplaces and plenty of natural light streaming in from the large windows (good lighting is always reassuring when having hair coloured).

Ena Salon houses a Davines training academy on the top floor where staff and students undergo training. There is also a beauty salon offering [comfort zone] facials, massage, nail treatments, threading and waxing – perfect for an indulgent afternoon of pampering.

After putting on my gown, I had a colour consultation with Madeleine, who has the most fabulous pink wavy hair herself. I said that I didn’t think semi-permanent was giving enough coverage anymore – I personally can’t deal with seeing those pesky white hairs. She agreed and suggested trying the new Davines ammonia-free permanent hair colour on my roots and getting a little extra mileage out of my dip dyed lengths.

Madeleine applied the colour and I quizzed her on haircare advice. I read some magazines while waiting for the colour to develop and was then led over to the backwash in the next room. This was a delightfully calm space with a beautifully illustrated ceiling to marvel at while enjoying a hair wash using Davines products and an invigorating scalp massage.

An apprentice was in charge with drying and styling my hair. She seemed a little surprised that I requested a blow-dry for my curly hair (perhaps they like to keep it natural) and had to locate a hairdryer. I usually ask for a salon blow-dry rather than using a diffuser, as I like having a more polished look and it’s not something I find easy to do at home.

I was pleased with my natural wavy blow-dry with just the right amount of volume and movement. Unfortunately, the rain and humidity took its toll that day, but a quick fix at home was all it took.

My colour seemed a little dark at first, but after a few washes it toned down and has been impressively long-lasting. The ammonia-free Davines dye also helped to keep me hair in good condition.

Ena Salon is a great spot for a colour update in a calm, stylish environment. I liked that my colour wasn’t rushed and the space was quiet and intimate, rather than the kind of salons that blast out house music to ‘get you ready for a night out’ (whether you’re planning on one or not). It was an enjoyable salon experience and I look forward to returning.

For more information and booking, visit: www.enasalon.com

Chérie City was a guest of Ena Salon

Photos by Ena Salon & Chérie City

Beauty, London, Salon

Nails at Cheeky Parlour in Shoreditch

October 30, 2013 by cheriecity

Cheeky Parlour is the coolest new salon in Shoreditch, offering quick beauty fixes at super-affordable prices in a fun environment.

The naughtier younger sister of Cowshed, Cheeky Parlour is located on hip Redchurch Street, in the same building as Jack Wills and the Aubin Cinema. The expansive loft space has been described as resembling Monica Geller’s apartment in Friends, which is absolutely spot on (what could be better than that).

Cheeky keeps it simple with two main beauty services – a Cheeky Blow (£15) and Cheeky Paint Job (£10). A Cheeky Blow comes in four different styles, creating either volume, smoothness, care-free beachy tresses, or a bespoke look.

Cheeky can also tease your hair into a pony, knot or plait with a Cheeky Updo. A file and paint includes a choice of Cheeky’s 21 shades and a complimentary 10ml Chat Me Up Nail Paint in any colour to take home – major bargain!

Cheeky Parlour is purely for walk-ins, so simply take a ticket for a Cheeky Blow or Cheeky Paint Job and relax on the sofas before your treatment.

If you’re feeling peckish, the Cheeky cafe offers a tempting selection of home-made food and drinks. When I visited, the table was laden with muffins, pastries, freshly-baked bread and the most delicious granola with yogurt, honey and berries (it’s worth visiting for the food alone). Wash them down with proper tea and coffee, soft drinks in glass bottles or a cheeky Babycham.

I visited for a Cheeky Paint Job and was seated immediately at the long nail bar. My brilliant nail technician Heidi was speedy yet took the time to make sure the nail colour was perfectly applied. She asked what shape I wanted my nails and then filed, added two coats of the highly-pigmented Purpl-exed (a glossy, vibrant magenta colour) and a top coat.

The Cheeky Paint Job is all about express treatments, so it doesn’t include cuticle work, but you could easily do this before visiting.

There’s no excuse for smudged nails, as you can camp out on the sofas while reading glossy magazines until they’ve dried. Or, you can show off your new look at the Selfie Studio, with the help of professional lighting. Also, music is done the authentic way with a record player and vinyl, so you can listen to decent tunes while being pampered.

Cheeky Parlour is set to lead the way in beauty treatments and I much prefer the idea of hanging out there than sitting in the harsh glare of a department store or spending too much time in a salon.

It’s ideal for a spot of affordable pampering with friends or family and the amazing food makes it even more of a destination. If there’s any chance that eyebrow threading might be added, I might never leave!

Chérie City was a guest of Cheeky

All photos by Chérie City

Beauty, Salon

Paul Edmonds Salon Knightsbridge, London

August 13, 2013 by cheriecity

Paul Edmonds is one of London’s most stylish salons, boasting luxurious design and a chic Knightsbridge address.

World renowned hairdresser Paul Edmonds opened his first hair and beauty emporium in 1984 and has been leading the way in hair styling ever since. Throughout his career, Paul has created runway looks for Galliano, Gaultier and Rocha and notably mentored Errol Douglas MBE and Richard Ward.

Not only is he a fashion industry favourite, but he has a dedicated following among celebrities and beauty editors, due to his charming nature and fuss-free attitude to hair. Christina Hendricks, Dame Helen Miren, Hilary Alexander, Louise Roe, Mary Charteris and Bip Ling are all fans.

I recently visited the salon for a cut and colour and was thrilled to meet Paul as he was styling his regular clients. Even on a Tuesday afternoon, the salon was busy yet still had a calm, pleasant atmosphere.

The stunning Georgian townhouse style salon is set across two floors with expansive colouring and cutting areas, plush treatment rooms, a product boutique and high-tech nail bar. The boutique stocks high end hair and beauty products and a covetable collection of Paul Edmonds scented candles.

Particularly impressive is the fabulous nail bar with LCD TVs at each station, comfortable velvet armchairs and a wall of nail colours. There is also free wifi throughout the salon, so you can stay connected and work (if you must).

I started with an in-depth hair consultation with Senior Stylist Polly Miteva and Creative Colour Director Vernon Deysel. My naturally curly hair had become too long to manage and a little dry on the ends, so it was in need of a good cut. For colour, I was after a natural look that would make my roots slightly darker than my natural light brown hair colour and refresh my ombre highlights.

Vernon steered me away from adding more highlights as the lengths were already quite light and suggested that I continue with semi-permanent dye to avoid harsh regrowth. L’Oreal colour was applied swiftly to my roots, followed later by a lighter colour worked through the lengths of my hair. The reddish tones towards the ends of my hair were neutralised with the cool ash colour, which was one of my main priorities.

Shortly after getting started, Beauty Therapist Saynab Omar came over to give me a surprise file and polish while my colour was being applied. She filed my nails, trimmed my cuticles and added the glossy, matte nude colour that I chose. It felt very indulgent being so thoroughly pampered, with a pot of Earl Grey on a silver tray and fashion magazines close at hand. Even though Vernon and Saynab were both so speedy, time really flew by as we chatted.

Megan washed my hair using gorgeous Shu Uemura products and gave me a shiatsu head massage, while I almost drifted off on the reclining massage chair. I then took a seat in the downstairs cutting room and talked through my cut with Polly. She cut around one and a half inches from the lengths and lightly reshaped my layers, keeping them long and choppy. My hair had become wispy on the ends, so a slightly blunter cut worked well on my fine hair.

Polly then applied the new Kérastase Forme Fatale blow-dry gel to my hair and smoothed out my hair with a long-lasting blow-dry. I liked that it was dried sleek and straight with a bouncy curl on the ends, giving a natural yet polished look.

I left the salon delighted with my new hair and feeling relaxed after a fun afternoon of ‘me time’. Vernon and Polly understood my hair well and their expert advice made it easy to achieve the look I wanted.

For more information and booking, visit: www.pauledmonds.com

Chérie City was a guest of Paul Edmonds

Photos by Paul Edmonds and Chérie City

Beauty, London, Salon

New York Style at Errol Douglas London

July 3, 2013 by cheriecity

Before my trip to New York this year, I wanted a look that was just right for the city, and who could be more New York than Sarah-Jessica Parker!

Hair legend Errol Douglas MBE and his team regularly hop between London and New York to tend to the tresses of stateside clients, so it is the ‘go to’ salon for a slick, polished urban look.

Errol Douglas salon is located on the ultra chic, villagey Motcomb Street, in good company with Carolina Bucci, Annick Goutal, Rococo Chocolate and Christian Louboutin. It’s just a short walk from Harrods and Harvey Nichols, so you can add a spot of shopping to your pampering day.

I visited Errol Douglas last year for a cut and colour and was excited to be reunited with the dream team – Head of Colour Jessica Speechly and Senior Stylist Anna Bloomer.

Jessica is a real SJP expert and knows exactly how to make her styles work for everyday life (for those of us without a travelling stylist in tow). I brought some examples of great SJP ‘hair moments’ on my Samsung Galaxy tablet and as we flicked through the photos, Jessica advised which colour styles would suit me and which I should avoid. To the untrained eye, it’s hard to be objective, so it was great to have some guidance when choosing colour.

Jessica once again steered me away from trying to cover white hairs with permanent colour, in favour of a softer semi-permanent, avoiding a visible root line. She applied a Matrix hair colour that was slightly darker and bolder than my natural colour to complement my eye colour. Dark blonde highlights were scattered naturally through my hair to achieve an ombre effect.

While waiting for the colour treatments to develop, I was well taken care of with copious pots of tea and posh toasted crumpets with peanut butter. After washing off the colour, toner was added to the highlights to get the right colour. Finally, a gloss was applied, to make my hair super shiny. The effects of the gloss lasted for weeks and made my hair much softer and frizz-free.

My hair had grown a little too long to manage, so Anna took around an inch and a half from the length and a little less from my layers. She cut internal layers to create some bounce and refreshed the front layers. This cut works well for my face shape and whether I wear my hair naturally curly or more styled.

Anna applied some gorgeous Moroccanoil styling products and gave me a wonderful wavy blow-dry. I was delighted with my new SJP-inspired hair and couldn’t wait to show it off on the Upper East Side.

Now, you can recreate signature Errol Douglas looks at home with an exciting new collection of results-driven electrical hair tools, in partnership with Corioliss. The Errol Douglas Infrared Dryer uses infrared light, anti-static and ionic technology to dry hair quickly while maintaining hydration and attacking frizz.

The revolutionary Errol Douglas Treat & Style is the very first hair iron to include a built-in keratin capsule system, treating the hair to a luxury steam treatment while smoothing it out. Not only are they really useful, innovative products but the price point is affordable, particularly for superior devices.

The Errol Douglas Infrared Dryer and Treat & Style are available at Boots stores nationwide from 29th July, priced at £59.99 and £109.99 RRP (includes 12 Keratin capsules). Additional Treat & Style keratin capsules are priced at £19.99 for 12.

For more information, visit: www.erroldouglas.com

Chérie City was a guest of Errol Douglas

Beauty, London, Salon

Leticia Haute Coiffure in Marylebone

June 20, 2012 by cheriecity

Finding a really great mani-pedi in London can be difficult, but Leticia Haute Coiffure offers the Rolls Royce of nail treatments. Located on Marylebone’s quaint and fashionable Chiltern Street, the salon is run by the fabulous Laetitia Tomasso and husband Pierre Doumit. Pierre has over 20 years experience in hair styling and has worked internationally in the fashion industry.

The award-winning team at Leticia Haute Coiffure offer an extensive range of hair and beauty treatments, including Brazilian blow dry, GHD courses, Kéraskin and Galvanic facials and body treatments, waxing and Essie nail art. In fact, Leticia Haute Coiffure is the only salon in Marylebone to offer Kéraskin skincare treatments.

The adjoining nail bar was launched earlier this year and it is the perfect place to spend a few hours, or enjoy an express lunch hour treatment. There is also the VIP room for extra privacy, which attracts a number of celebrities and member of the Royal Family, but of course Laetitia won’t reveal just who.

To start my New York trip in style, I indulged in a luxurious manicure and pedicure. My delightful therapist sat me on the leather pedicure station and brought tea, biscuits, chocolates and a stack of glossy magazines as I soaked my feet in the custom-built sink.

She then removed my feet from the soaking bowl one by one and filed, trimmed my cuticles, removed the dead skin from my feet and gave me a relaxing massage. She then applied a base coat and then two layers of Essie’s Canyon Coral, a deep, summery coral with red undertones. She was ever so precise and I was in the chair for over an hour. Never before have my feet been given this much care and attention!

Then it was time for more tea and hot stepping over to the nail bar in the disposable flip flops provided. There were many Essie reds to choose from and after trying dozens, my final pick was Aperitif, a glossy, creamy red.

After asking which shape I prefer, my nails were soaked, filed and buffed and my cuticles were trimmed. I was given another relaxing hand massage and then my nails were painted. In between coats, Laetitia took a quick break to have her Shellac colour revived and Pierre brought their puppy Jack to say hello. It was lovely to chat to everyone, rather than literally watching paint dry with just a magazine for company. It really felt like a friendly, family salon where you could have a bit of a gossip with your treatment.

Leticia Haute Coiffure is a stunning urban retreat and you can trust the team to make you look and feel fabulous. It’s easy to access and well priced, especially considering the attention to detail and long-lasting results. With Laetitia and Pierre’s French flair and perfectionist approach, this is the salon to make your local.

Chérie City was a guest of Leticia Haute Coiffure

All photos by Leticia Haute Coiffure

Beauty, London, Salon

A New Change At Taylor Taylor London

June 24, 2011 by cheriecity

London is the centre of creativity and cutting-edge styling, yet it has take over three years to find a hair salon to call my own. The worst experience was having my hair colour double teamed, ensuring much yanking on either side between the stylist and his assistant, followed by a diffuser dropped repeatedly on my head (ouch!!) and walking out like Shirley Temple’s socially awkward older sister… not a good look, as you can imagine!

However, all memories of painful salon experiences drifted away as I entered the heavenly sanctum of Taylor Taylor at Spitalfields. The Commercial Street salon is beautifully designed, like Marie-Antoinette’s east London boudoir.

I was shown to a chair in the airy bijou cutting room and met Anna, a Senior Techician, with reassuringly great hair, from New Zealand.

After my consultation, I was swiftly brought a delicious Rose Bellini, a glass of chilled mineral water and a bowl of peanuts.

The original plan was to refresh my colour with a semi-permanent gloss and add some warmth, allowing more golden tones and to stop it from looking too flat. We chatted about east London, little dogs and hair trends – Anna was my kinda gal, for sure!

I’ve always wanted to try dip dying, but never got round to it, so when Anna asked if I’d like some highlights put through to lighten the ends, I jumped at the chance. She applied some cream to my hairline to stop the dreaded dyed forehead and worked the gloss through my roots. She then added the bleach foils and ran through the rest of the colour. I was left with some glossy mags and my cocktail for a short while and then it was time to quickly inspect and wash it all off.

I was particularly looking forward to having my hair washed in the opulent gold room. As the wash room was in the basement, it felt like being in a secret Egyptian tomb – so decadent! I was also given a hair treatment, which felt thick and nourishing and a long, relaxing head massage from a lovely, chatty assistant.

I was then brought through to the cutting room and had a consultation with Jason, a Top Stylist at Taylor Taylor, while sipping on fresh pineapple juice. Jason suggesting keeping the length, reshaping the fringe, freshening up the front layers, which were more damaged than at the back due to over-styling, and adding shorter layers on top to give volume at the crown.

While cutting, Jason gave me advice on natural hair products, how to care for my hair and how to cut back on heat styling. It was a friendly chat without the hard sell and it was great to get some tips from a professional.

Jason used Aveda Curl products on my hair to tame it before twisting my curls into sections and diffusing gently. He was careful not to upset the curls and cause frizz – us curly girls are notoriously sensitive about fluffy locks – and gave my side fringe a light blow dry to loosen the curl slightly.

When I went back up the colourful staircase to see my new cut and colour in daylight, I was taken aback at the lightness of my new highlights. Anna told me that if they were too light, I could come back for an extra toner application, but I actually loved it!

The colour is bold enough to see a real difference and it even made me rethink my wardrobe – so it’s true what they say about a new hair style changing your whole mindset.

Since then my hair has felt extra soft and shiny and I’ve styled it different ways to see the colour effect – a top knot bun shows the most contrast and you can see the dip dye effect more clearly when my hair is styled wavy-straight and mussed up.

This is my hair before, an all-over mid-brown tied with a Liberty x Hermès scarf and straight after the Taylor Taylor treatment, all curly and tousled, with my beloved summery Luella dress.

Taylor Taylor understands just how important a hair style change can be and they make the experience enjoyable and luxurious and really make you feel at home. The staff are warm and approachable for such a cutting-edge salon and they’re more than happy to share their expertise throughout.

I can think of nothing more enjoyable than sipping cocktails and being pampered in the the most exquisite surroundings, in the safe hands of stylists who go beyond your instructions and actually anticipate what you really want. With such an instinctive approach, there can only be good hair days at Taylor Taylor.

For more info and booking, visit: www.taylortaylorlondon.com

Chérie City was a guest of Taylor Taylor

London, Salon

BLEACH Arrives At TOPSHOP

February 17, 2011 by cheriecity

Come to Dalston, east London, and it’s more than likely that the sea of kaleidoscope hair colours and fierce patterned nails have come fresh from WAH Nails and BLEACH.

Now you won’t need to trek all the way to Dalston on the 149, just pop into TOPSHOP to get a brand new pastel-coloured, irreverent look during London Fashion Week.

BLEACH is a temple of grunge, with directional techniques including dip-dye, super bleaching and gradient colours.

BLEACH was founded by session stylist Alex Brownsell and Super Agent Sam Teasdale, who recreate editorial looks from their two-chair salon in Dalston.

Now, if you really wanted to do a proper Kurt Cobain, you’d dip your locks in strawberry Kool Aid, but unless you want to smell like a milkshake everyday, put yourself in the hands of the experts!

BLEACH opens in the basement of TOPSHOP Oxford Street from 18 February. For more info, visit: bleachlondon.tumblr.com

Beauty, London, Salon

Guest Post: Skin Poetry at John Tsagaris Clinic

February 8, 2011 by cheriecity

Kara Belleville discovers a natural Chinese way to radiant skin at the John Tsagaris Clinic, Knightsbridge…

The guru who introduced natural Botox through facial acupuncture had almost every beauty editor in a spin. The youthful, bright and plump skin led to panic blocking his one hour sessions with an all together different kind of needle.

At John’s uber fabulous new Knightsbridge Clinic the latest treatment involves again his masterful hands (two huge balls of energy), his experience and wisdom of facial Shiatsu and the modern science of Hyaluronic acid. No needles. I am relieved.

Skin Poetry starts with facial shiatsu which invigorates facial energy and blood circulation. The facial muscles are then stretched and relaxed releasing all tension around the eyes. This is great if in the midst of a thumping migraine.

The Hyaluronic acid helps to drain puffiness and fluid retention giving a brighter, less stressed complexion.

I love that this treatment is called Skin Poetry – after a month of new year dieting, my skin poem was ‘grey is how my face starts the day’.

John, being a doctor in Chinese medicine draws from ancient therapies of a time gone by but these therapies create treatments which deliver healthy beautiful skin – timeless skin bliss!

I am booking in for my next 30 minute Skin Poetry (£110), as a monthly treat to keep my skin looking fresh and plump, the start of a healthy skin poem.

For more information on the Skin Poetry treatment, visit: www.johntsagaris.co.uk

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