jilla ad final

A tactical colour revamp at Salon64

The Blurb

Salon64 describes itself as ‘‘London’s first SUPER SALON. Designed for the 21st Century trendsetters. A space having to be seen to truly be believed.

Just off the famous Dean Street Soho, surrounded by the capital’s main hub of restaurants, cafes and theatres, is Salon64. Walking into the building, you might be forgiven for thinking its not actually a salon but an extra funky cafe bar: on entering the space, the smell of coffee hits you. The dark blue and gold decor, including graffiti of ‘The art of conversationpainted across the wall, all adds to the illusion.

I then see someone walk in and order a coffee to go. If it wasnt for the fact that Id seen the Salon64 sign on the way in, been greeted and had my coat checked, I might have accepted that I was in the wrong place and ordered a cocktail instead.

The Process

I go downstairs to meet with Luke, who will be taking on the arduous task of colouring my hair today. Luke takes a look at my hair and mentions that it’s curly underneath. He asks me if its always been that way, and I say it has. He tells me that he has a few clients with hair similar to mine, where the curls underneath have developed later in life, and he wonders if its linked to hormones. We then get into a fascinating conversation about female health, the science of hair growth and male-patented balding, the details of which Ill spare you, as neither Luke nor I work in trichology.

Its a fascinating conversation though, and what I gauge from it is that Luke is a lifer, passionate about hair, and constantly developing his craft. He tells me he got into the business because he loves talking to people, and when he found himself working in salons aged 18, he realised he was also a problem solver: doing longer consultations to provide the ideal service, all the while asking questions and developing an in-depth understanding of how hair works.

I have blonde hair that naturally goes a some-might-say enviable colour in the summer but fades in the winter, becoming a bit meh. Luke asks what Im after. I tell him Id like something a bit more vibrant to see me through the darker months but also something I can grow out without obvious roots – not an easy thing to balance. We decide to go with a bright beach blonde Ombré (which is a more subtle technique than Balayage, blending the highlights closer to the root), plus some lighter chunks of colour framing the face.

After the highlights have been applied and washed out, Opalex is used to protect the hair, and then a touch of toner – for a minute or so – to seal in colour but not detract; Luke tells me that Too much toner is like painting over wallpaper.

Whilst Luke works, we talk about the difference between clean and chemical-filled hair products. In the beauty industry, theres a lot of chatter about natural or clean’ skin and haircare. The consensus seems to be that theres no such thing as clean and that the best you can do is to find something effective but without unnecessary chemicals that do no good to the health of your hair. I get some personal recommendations from Luke: firstly, I should buy a shower filter (ordered and on the way) and secondly, I should buy a shampoo and conditioner that has a nice balance of natural and hair-boosting chemicals, like Kiehls.

I then meet with Salon64s owner, Ricky, who effortlessly dries and styles my new hair into a light glam look to take me into the evening. Ricky has an infectious energy, which makes the process seem like a catch-up with a good pal. I ask him about the chap ordering a takeaway coffee at the bar…

The Extras

When Salon64 became popular, a lot of clever design choices were made to accommodate the second purpose of the building, Club64. Ricky tells me that initially, it was because clients started sticking around with friends after getting their hair done, having a glass of champagne at the bar and generally being social. It makes sense, as its often so hard to get a seat anywhere in Soho after 5 pm! Eventually, someone brought in the ingredients to make cocktails. From then, Ricky hasnt looked back.

At night, the salon transforms into a bar and members club. They are somewhat a little secretive with Club64 – if you know, you know. The club, which provides an intimate location for high-class cocktails and coffees, also has DJ decks for larger events. Ricky tells me that just this weekend, one of the Salon64 clients hired the entire space for a crisp-themed party.

For the day, Salon64 even has its own coffee brew. Now, it’s 4pm and I would normally not go for a coffee this late in the day, but after hearing so many good things, I give it a try. Its really good.

The Results

The results of Lukes colour are brilliant, with so many natural shades of blonde infused into my hair. Its bright and punchy, yet, somehow, the roots blend seamlessly with my natural colour. I love it. It’s exactly what I asked for, and it should last me a while.

The Details

14 Bateman Street, London, W1D3AG

02038 484 130

bookings@salon64.co.uk

For the salon visit www.salon64.co.uk

For the club visit www.club64.co.uk

Tried & Tested |