The blurb
Founded by Paul Windle, who introduced Bumble & Bumble to the UK in 2002, and later joined by session stylist Neil Moodie, Windle & Moodie has been based in Covent Garden for three decades. It’s not hard to see why the salon boasts such a long-standing success—the duo have styled for the likes of Vogue (30 covers), Elle and Hugo Boss to name a few, and their loyal celebrity regulars include Cara Delevingne.
The process
In the large industrial-chic-style waiting room with colourful products on show I’m greeted by Clara, my stylist for the afternoon, and am soon gowned up and taken down to my seat, where I discuss with Clara what I’m looking for: a similar colour to my current blonde but with maybe some lighter tones (London seems to dull my hair). A latte and magazines are delivered to me while I’m prepped for colour.
As my colour was applied, I watched the other stylists also take the time to sit and discuss haircuts and colours with their clients. ‘If you want that, you can go down the street and get them to do it for you’—brutally honest advice from an expert; exactly what a person needs to hear before a haircut.
An empty cup and low battery later, it was time to take the colour off. I was taken into a darkened, spa-like room and led to one of the reclining chairs. Foils were removed and a toner was put on, lights were turned off and I was left to relax. Windle & Moodie use all their own in-house products inspired by tea or volcanic ash, after being introduced to the world of French pharmacy hair care. The products smelt rich and effective, from the shampoo and conditioner to the protective foundation spray put on before my blow dry.
The results
The colour was perfect. I could not have been more pleased: a happy medium of what my hair looked like before but with a brighter lift and healthier look. It’s not often I come away from a hair salon with exactly what I’ve asked for. I’m the least adventurous person when it comes to hair; straight and sleek does every occasion for me. I also spend a great amount of time straightening my hair so it was great to receive a blow dry that meant no straighteners were necessary.
Afterwards, Clara took me through all the products that would be good for my hair. I love their invisible day and night cream that adds moisture into my usually dry hair. I had a dinner to get to and left feeling ready for the evening ahead of me; compliments all round when I arrived.
The details
Half head highlights start at £165.
Windle & Moodie, 41-45 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AP; www.windleandmoodie.com; 020 7497 2393
