The Blurb
STIL (which means ‘Style’ in Swedish) was set up back in 2016 by award-winning colourist Christel Barron-Hough, aiming to team Scandi-chic with industry-topping expertise and an acutely personalised service.
Christel says:
“For us at STIL, it is very important to understand the client in the chair and what makes them tick, so we can suggest hair colour and styles that not only suit the client’s complexion and eye colour, but also enhance their personality and make them feel super confident.
Inspiration is always a two-way street, and it’s where the magic happens when we come together with our clients, collaborating on fashion references and hues. I believe there really is no age limit when it comes to fashion, nor are there any boundaries when it comes to colour. You just have to choose the ideal shade to enhance your complexion and image, and it’s our role to help you find it.”
The Video Consultation
For the initial consultation, I’m to meet with Creative Director, Issie Churcher, who has a wealth of experience and an innate passion for all things colour. Issie talks to me about working together to find a look that not only suits my complexion but my personality and style as well, which is exactly what you want to hear when your hair is in someone else’s hands.
My hair was looking rather dull, having been left unattended for about 8 months. Naturally, it’s a medium golden blonde, but I’d had it treated with beachy blonde highlights that had grown out all the way to my ear! This time, I wanted to opt for something as light as possible.
As a caveat, Issie tells me that we want to work with the colour that is already there, and because my hair hasn’t been dyed in a while, and I was opting for highlights – which I much prefer due to the natural looking finish – it may take two or three visits to get it looking fully ashy.
Issie then asks me to bring some images of the hair I want to the salon, just so we can make sure we’re on the same page. It makes so much sense, but it also fills me with a child-like excitement. Bringing in an image to a salon reminds me of being 12 years old and presenting the stylist with a photo of Sarah Michelle Gellar, convinced that I’d leave the place two hours later looking exactly like Buffy Summers, complete with leather trousers and a wooden stake.
As an adult with slightly more realistic expectations, I still love it when I’m asked to bring an image, because it feels collaborative, like a transformation is about to take place.
The Process
I arrive at the salon after a gorgeous walk through Chelsea on one of our hotter recent days. You really can’t get more West London than this—STIL salon is nestled in on Chelsea’s Fulham Road. From the moment I walk in, it’s clear that every detail has been considered. There’s even a sleek little bag for my bag to keep it safely off the floor and away from rogue hairs, and I’m greeted with sparkling water, a curated tea list, and a bowl of pistachios. A spread of mags, with multiple Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue available, completes the welcome.
The space itself is open-plan and beautifully done—Scandi-chic meets relaxed luxury. There’s a light addition of marble accents, gold fixtures, and leafy trees, with a setup that feels more like a modern café than a traditional salon.
Everyone here seems genuinely happy to be working, which speaks volumes about the vibe owner Christel has created. She’s working next to me with a regular client and still finds time for a warm chat.
Then for the main event, Issie gets started on the highlights and moves with calm precision, placing the foils so closely together it’s almost surgical—her mission is to give me a lighter, blonder look, and it’s no mean feat (I have a lot of hair). After colour and toner, she finishes with a Lipid Booster leave-in spray that makes my freshly dyed hair feel soft, healthy, and—crucially—like my own again.
Next up is Gen for the cut. He expertly snips away the dry ends, without losing too much length, and suggests soft framing at the front to complement my face. Knowing my hair’s thick and curly, he adds in some long, subtle layers to boost bounce while keeping the frizz at bay.
The Results
STIL have surpassed my expectations on every level. Though warned that it might take a few sessions, my hair is now completely transformed to a light, ashy blonde, and the shape of the cut is perfect.
For the next few days, I get compliments on my new hair from everyone I see, though the leather trousers and stake are still nowhere to be seen…
The Details
A 3/4 head of highlights is £395
A cut and blowdry is £160
STIL Salon, 99-103 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW3 6RH
020 7243 1521
chelsea@stil-salon.com
