My new hair: THE CHAPEL Islington salon review!

I was offered the chance to visit THE CHAPEL Hair salon in Islington, London for a hair makeover which I jumped at as the salon website looked very impressive. The salon exterior is just as spectacular as you can see below and was an excellent first impression. I also quickly learnt customers are referred to as ‘guests’ and receive the standard of hospitality you would receive from a first class hotel so I knew I would be in good hands!

  

The atmosphere at THE CHAPEL is described on their website perfectly – “luxurious, tranquil and exclusive whilst being inclusive to all who visit.” Mobile phones and children are not allowed which is amazing as you feel totally relaxed and not rushed like when visiting other salons. Pricing wise the salon isn't cheap and probably not something I’d be able to afford too often (boo!) but what I do like is the ‘per hour’ fee rather than a set price. THE CHAPEL has a revolutionary pricing system and charge for the time needed for your hair rather than for set services and products. This means the stylists are free to be creative and can achieve the best possible, individual result. The team members are not influenced by a restricted list of options they are simply intent on originating hair styles and colour which are distinctive and personal. The pricing range is £49 - £80 per hour and is based on the stylist's experience and the length of time they have been at the salon.

 Every 'guest' gets a complimentary 15 minute consultation so the stylists can really find out what you want and get to know you better. This is where I first met THE CHAPEL Directors Billie Crago and Georgia Denton who introduced themselves and asked about myself and my lifestyle. This was a nice start to my experience at THE CHAPEL and ensures you feel totally relaxed when discussing your hair. In some salons I feel like the stylist just starts cutting and doing what they think you should have, rather than what you ask for. You don't get that at this salon at all and it's very refreshing. I asked for a natural cut and colour, with a blunt cut and a new fringe!

  

Once I had my colour applied by the lovely Billie I got to relax in front of the fire and wait for my colour to process. I enjoyed chilling out here with a cup of tea and yummy chocolate, plus the latest edition of Elle magazine, so much so I nearly fell asleep! Billie also gave my hair a pampering deep treatment and head massage whilst washing out my colour which was amazing and relaxed me even further. I definitely recommend trying this if you visit the salon!

The Chapel also offers make-up services using BECCA make-up - you can out more about it here. 

The  lovely, open cutting area where Georgia cut my hair

 I love the gorgeous colour Billie created for me using her 'Floating Lights' technique. The Floating Lights technique is where highlights are graduated through the hair, starting very softly at the roots then building up concentration down the length of the hair shaft. You can be as subtle or as dramatic as you like but without being committed to maintain it. Billie also works with Redken and is extremely passionate about colour so I enjoyed her company and learning about the colours and techniques being used on my hair. The Redken  Chromatics colours used on my hair look really natural and shiny which is what I requested so I am very happy. Maybe next time I might go a bit darker if I am braver! 

My new fringe!

Here is the final result after my new fringe and blunt cut by Chapel Director Georgia Denton. What do you think? Look how shiny my hair is! I've had lots of positive comments from online and offline friends who like me with a fringe. I am still getting used to it but I love it! Thank you to THE CHAPEL for such a fantastic experience and particularly to Georgia and Billie for making my hair look so beautiful. If you live in London or are visiting and fancy an amazing, luxury experience then make sure you visit THE CHAPEL. I will definitely be back next time I need a pampering experience for my hair.

Big shine with Bumble and Bumble

Arggh I have been feeling really ill the past few days with a horrid cold (not swine flu thank god!) and so has my hair which is in desperate need of highlighting to boost its radiance.

However I have been using this really fab product from Bumble and Bumble called Big Shine (£27.50) to make my hair super shiny! It comes in the most amazing packaging that looks so classy - I love it! The spray makes your hair glimmer with a silky, soft, smooth, sexy texture but doesn’t overload it and make it greasy like a lot of shine products do which is important if your roots are a bit visible (shiny greasy roots = not a good look!) I definitely recommend this product if you straighten your hair a lot and if it’s looking a bit dull – although its pricey it will last forever as you only need a tiny bit to add loads of shine!

Body Shop Olive Glossing Conditioner

I have read quite a few reviews online about the Body Shop's Olive Glossing Conditioner, so was keen to try it out for myself! I'm a big fan of Tigi haircare products, so it will take an amazing product to convince me to swap brands! I straighten my wavy hair a lot, so I need a deep mositurising conditioner that will control my hair and relax it at the same time.

The Olive Glossing conditioner is a moisturising and gloss-enhancing conditioner that helps to smooth the hair, which I agree with, although you need to use the conditioner several times to really benefit. I noticed my hair was much smoother after using the conditioner for two weeks. It also helps to combat flyaway hair and recapture lost shine, leaving the hair looking glossy, healthy and full of body, without weighing it down too much. Lots of conditioners actually end up completly flattening your hair making it look limp and unhealthy, where as this conditioner makes your hair look healthy and sleek at the same time. Finally, it also protects from environmental damage and heat styling which is extremely important for me as I spend a lot of time out in the sun and straighten my hair regularly! There are two downsides to this product - the price and the smell! I don't really like olives, so the smell doesn't inspire me like Tigi and Herbal Essences products do. Secondly it's £5.35 for a fairly small bottle that I don't see lasting that long! However, these two aspects aside I do recommend this conditioner and will be buying it again as I have noticed an improvement in the softness and condition of my hair thanks to it's protecting qualities.

Clynol Look at Me range review for shiny hair!

I'm a big fan of shine sprays to finish off your look and add some shimmer to your hair! I normally use TIGI Headrush shine spray, which can be used before straightening to protect against heat damage. I was sent some Clynol Look Lustrous Shine Spray (£6.50) to try out, which has similar packaging to Headrush and smells lovely too. I've previously used Clynol products before through my auntie who is a hairdresser and used to get me discounts at Sally's!

Having used this product a few times, along with the Look at Me Centre Stage which smoothes your hair, my hair definately felt softer and shinier and smelt nice too after straightening! Plus the Clynol Shine spray is half the price of Headrush and leaves your hair just as shiny, so definately worth checking out!

Remington Shine Therapy hairdryer review

The past few weeks I have been using my new Shine Therapy Vitamin Conditioning Dryer from Remington that was kindly sent to me to try out to help my unruly hair! It's the first-ever hair dryer that conditions as it dries, leaving your hair looking great with the most incredible shine every time. I have blonde highlighted hair, so it is difficult to achieve a shiny look after blowing, but it was so much smoother and shinier after using this dryer. It features a heat activated delivery system that emits a sheer mist which is evenly ‘blow-dried' onto your hair. The Shine Therapy Cartridges release a light blend of shine-enhancing moisturisers and avocado oil, rich in vitamins A, D, and E that ensures your hair doesn't dry out. I really recommend this dryer if you suffer from dry, dull hair like me, for under £40 it is money well spent.

Remington are also launching a new mini straightener called 'Straightini' in July that will be perfect for holidays and festivals, so I can't wait to try that out!

Lee Stafford Shine Head Range

As you all know I am a great fan of Lee Stafford products and am loving the Bling Range. Well, I have also been trying out the fabulous Shine Head range, which is cheaper option than Sebastian if you are watching the pennies. The science bit includes some revolutionary ingredients to restore condition and improve the gloss of your hair. The products have adiamond cluster ingredient to make sure you sparkle, so use with the Bling Range to sparkle the night away! Prices start from £4.99 at Boots.