The Blurb
Slap bang in the middle of Soho on buzzy Wardour Street is award-winning salon Santiago Figueroa.
Known for their green, vegan and cruelty-free credentials, Santiago Figueroa is part of the Green Salon Collective, which is committed to recycling. This initiative sees not only the proper processing of foils and colour tubes, but the repurposing of hair waste, which is collected in a special vacuum cleaner designed specifically for hair. The hair can then be used in compost (due to its nitrogenous properties) and is even used in coastal regions to mop up oil spills thanks to its absorbency.
I visit the salon on a sunny Monday in July. The salon floor is busy, and the owner, Santi, is busy setting up the new branch on Angel’s Upper Street – opening soon.
The Consultation
My before situation is something to be reckoned with. Sorry if this sounds like showing off, but I’ve been away in the sun for a few months, and whilst personally I’ve had some R&R, the same cannot be said for my hair. My locks are dry and icy white in places where they should be honey blonde.
A big fan of specifics, I show Ray, my colourist, a picture of a mousy brown Hailey Bieber. Whilst her jawline is somewhat unachievable without major surgery, Instagram tells me that her hair was blonde before the change, so I’m hopeful that it might be a logical step on my journey to embracing my natural colour.
Having decided to go a little darker, Ray warns me against going too far too soon. She brings out a colour chart so that we can pinpoint the shade. We ‘err’ on the side of caution.
Ray suggests adding a few face-framing highlights along with some low lights to break up the heavily bleached section. This should add depth, texture and should nudge me towards what is now widely referred to as ‘the expensive look’.
The Process
Ray works quickly with the foils and is great at conversation. We bond over our mutual fascination with Beyoncé, conspiracy theorists and moving to the country. She’s the sort of person who quickly gets your life story out of you, even if technically speaking, I’m supposed to be interviewing her.
After about twenty minutes, the colour has lifted and the foils come off to reveal a creamy blonde. Next, she applies a toning gloss, a shade darker than my lowlights, to give it a bit more staying power.
The Products
When searching for a line of products to use in the salon, Santi knew that his vegan cruelty cruelty-free credentials had to be reflected in his choice.
Keune is eco-friendly, vegan, and they don’t test on animals. Their packaging is beautiful and is, for the most part, refillable/recyclable. I’m given some products to try at home, and I’m really pleased with the way they nurture my coloured hair. The formulas are unctuous and lightly scented. There’s even a bond repairing treatment that works in a similar way to an Olaplex in treating highlighted hair. My favourite, however, is the ‘smooth operator’, an oil that’s light enough to apply to dry hair when you just need that extra bit of polish.
The Results
It’s a big change, but I’m really pleased with the colour. I instantly feel more ‘me’. The lowlights have added necessary patina and form, and I hate to say it because it doesn’t always denote quality these days, but it does look ‘expensive’. The best part? It comes at minimal cost to the planet.
The Details
A cut and blow dry starts at £82, and a half head of highlights starts from £130
Santiago Figueroa Salon, 193 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZF
