Situated in a smart corner property with dual-aspect glazing on Charlotte Street, W1, is Andrew Jose’s thirty-five-year-old salon. Well ensconced in one of Fitzrovia’s loveliest neighbourhoods, on a bright summers’ day, you could easily mistake this quiet corner of central London for a square in Le Marais.
Dappled light from the tree above pours in through the leafy bowers across the salon floor- it’s a busy weekday afternoon and the place is abuzz with locals and tourists alike. The clientele are a mix of ages, millennials chat football (we’ve just qualified for the semis) well-to-do boomers and stylish gentlemen are whisked in and out for a quick neaten up – stylish American ladies pop in for blow dries as part of an alliance that the salon has with the hotel over the road.
Andrew, who opened the business in 1988 has a wealth of experience and accolades under his belt. He has been nominated for ‘hairdresser of the year’ a formidable six times. The Salon itself has won Wella Vogue Salon of the year. And Andrew, with a reputation for ‘making hair look expensive’ was also crowned Brit Pop Hairdresser in the 90s for his celebrated work across supermodels, celebrities and bands of the era.
The Style
Even on a dull day, the salon is bathed in sunshine and tastefully decorated in calming neutral tones. It’s an urban oasis of foliage and light. Below the main floor is a vast area with further cutting stations that are used for exclusive clients and teaching.
The Process
I’m greeted at the desk by Evelina – the resident ‘Scandi blonde expert’ who has an enviable blonde head of locks herself. She shows me to my seat and orders me a glass of icy sparkling water.
Originally from Sweden, Evelina has lived and worked in London – at this salon- for ten years. ‘I love it here’, she says – ‘they’ve taught me so much’. As well as her day-to-day duties with her lengthy list of regulars, she can also be found jetting off to work with brides at some of Europe’s most exclusive weddings.
We begin with a consultation and it quickly becomes apparent, that Evelina, as well as being utterly charming, is extremely knowledgable. For the colour, she suggests a smattering of ‘baby-lights’ across the parting to disperse my slightly harsh root line. ‘It might take a couple of visits to get the perfect natural-looking blend – but the results will be worth it in the end.’ I’m happy with that… as any artificial blonde knows, there’s no overnight fix.
For the cut, we discuss taking a fair bit off the length and reinstating the now grown out side swept fringe. A sprinkling of layers through the back will take some of the weight out of the cut, a welcome decision in summer temperatures.
As she works, Evelina and I talk plants, ponies and pretty West London neighbourhoods. Andrew pops by to offer me a glass of fizz and to show me a book of 35 black and white portraits that the salon recently commissioned of their loyal clientele to celebrate their 35 year anniversary – one for every year. It’s a touching tribute and testament to the tight-knit community that Andrew and his team have fostered here over the years.
The Results
I’m absolutely thrilled with my hair. The cut feels lighter without loosing too much of the length and whilst the highlights have brought an undeniable creaminess to my once-dull hair, they are subtle and natural looking – a bit like Evelina’s – and to be honest, that’s what I was going for.
The Details
A half head of highlights starts from £130 and a Ladies Cut and Finish starts from £75.
1 Charlotte street, London W1
020 7323 4679
