A friend of mine recommended me this salon and her stylist Chloe. Her hair looked really nice, especially the colour and highlights. I called in promptly to book an appointment myself. The receptionist was like lukewarm water; really disinterested. But they were available for the very next day! Great! When I walked in, I noticed that it is actually Toni and Guy, just named differently. I asked the stylist what's the distinction between Toni and Guy and Essensuals - she replied that none. Truly it looked and felt like one of those Toni and Guy salons, even targeting the same audience. So for those who love the brand, you would love the place.
When I entered the door, I expected warm welcoming returning my big smile reflecting good mood, but 'OUCH!!'.. I received the same lukewarm welcoming. I had to say what I need, I had to make the effort to say 'Hello' first, ask for what I need. No significance they would be take care of me, spoil me, so I can enjoy the experience... I even was not offered a drink, or even a sip of water. Only thing I was given (except of a bill) was price list with beauty services...
The interior didn't pumped me either. It wasn't anything special - nothing stylish, inspiring or even 2013. It felt like a reminder of 2001.
Sadly my stylist Chloe didn't improve the experience. Possibly it was caused by the uninspiring working environment, but she was not in the most communicative mood, also very disinterested and didnt make effort to make much conversation. Most people are familiar with the polite questions about how my day has been so far, whether this particular day is a day off, also questions about holiday. As I was happily answering the questions, her answer was always (again) very disinterested. "Hmm, that's nice.." "That's a nice area to live."
The service she provided in terms of the hair care. Well, no head massage, using Toni and Guy products (as Aveda addict, they smell really chemical to me), shampooing twice convinced me how serious about 2001 they must be. There is the cut. Well, I get my hair trimmed twice a year. It's long and slightly wavy, so there is not much art to do = difficult to judge the stylist's skills. However, I admit Chloe seemed to know what she is doing and trimmed my hair skilfully. Explained me technique how to coordinate my waves in prosperous way, which I have forgotten already as usual.
In short, I will not come back. For me personally, hair trimming is fairly rare activity, so I expect AN EXPERIENCE. This place is a quick pop in for a trim matter. I even felt like a mass product. Because nothing made me feel extraordinary about this salon, my favourite salons still remain The Chapel in Islington and Taylor Taylor in Shoreditch by far. In both cases, I always feel the escape from reality for a little bit. Beautiful interior, fantastic friendly service (who have never forgot to ask me whether I want a drink and at Taylor Taylor's they serve even alcohol), taylor-made hair, including already mentioned head massage. And the price is about the same. So why would anyone bother? I do not know... read more