It’s been a long winter, but now that it’s finally over and London has opened its doors again I’ve got a real spring in my step. And the first places I’ll be heading? My favourite hair and beauty salons. From red carpet-worthy blowdries to effortlessly chic nails, expertly groomed brows and rejuvenating treatments, these are the places I have on speed dial.Â
@hershesons
More than just a hair salon, over recent years Hershesons has become a full-on beauty emporium. Their flagship Berners Street location boasts outposts by the Light Salon, DryBy and a brow bar, and is also home to hairstylist David Gogoi, whose personal style is as on point as his cuts. You want a bob? See David. You want the perfect curtain fringe? See David. You want to add movement without losing any length? Impossible? Nope – see David. I promise you will always walk out happy with your hair – he is a magician. I’m also a frequent visitor to the Harvey Nichols salon, where I see Melina for the most amazing, long‑lasting blow dries.
29 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3LR; 0207 434 1747
@blinkbrowbar
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For me, this is simply the best place for brows. Ever since I first discovered it, I’ve refused to go anywhere else. They have locations all over London, including Chelsea, Notting Hill and Bond Street, and I have been loyal to Parul for years – I follow her around from store to store (she currently works in the John Lewis Oxford Street location). I get my brows threaded every two months – I like a very natural look, so we mainly just focus on tidying up strays. In between I keep them groomed with BBB products at home – I especially love the Nourishing Brow Oil, which promotes growth and strengthens brows overnight. Â
341 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5ES; 020 3903 9673Â and locations across the city
@nikkimakeup
This is hands down the chicest nail bar in London (and beyond). It’s all about attention to detail here: from the interiors, with their pastel pink walls and gold chairs, to the cool playlists and highly qualified nail technicians, everything hits just the right note. Their approach to nail art is one of refined elegance with a playful modern twist and their creations are the epitome of understated chic – take a look at their Instagram to see what I mean. They also offer luxe hair services on the upper floor, with resident and guest session stylists for an utterly non‑hair salon feel – I love sitting by the Fior di Pesco marble table enjoying a speedy blowout.
29 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3LR; 0207 637 9477
@larrykinghaircare
Tucked away in a quiet mews just off Notting Hill hotspot Westbourne Grove, I love the intimate yet bustling vibe of this salon. No one touches my hair colour except for Bryony ‑ in fact, she is in charge of all my latest looks, from rich deep brunette to sun‑kissed baby‑lights. I swear by her skill, plus she is so fun to be around. For blowdries, I always ask for Fabz ‑ he’s a whizz at that sexy French‑girl look. Just book in for a ‘Fabz-Effect’ (if you know, you know). For an effortlessly cool, rock’n roll wave, get an appointment with Elle – she actually has the dream, perfectly textured style I’m always after, so I just ask for an ‘Elle’ when I go.
2-4 Lambton Place, Westbourne Grove, W11 2SH; 0207 584 6162
I am a massive proponent of LED (Light Emitting Diode) therapy. A rejuvenating treatment that exposes skin to varying wavelengths of visible light to address different skin conditions, it improves blood circulation, calms redness and de‑puffs in a flash. More long term, it supports collagen and elastin production, both of which are crucial for healthy, youthful-looking skin. During lockdown I religiously used the Light Salon LED Boost Masks at home and I can’t wait to book in for my favourite salon treatment: The Top to Toe Light, a 60-minute full face and body session that strengthens the skin barrier whilst leaving you with an overall sense of calm. Heavenly.
4th Floor at Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
I have missed my cryo/heat sessions so much during lockdown and I can’t wait to book back in. Cryotherapy is a low temperature treatment where the whole body gets exposed to cold, dry air for about three minutes. The aim is to relieve muscle soreness, accelerate post‑exercise recovery and reduce inflammation. Personally, I find it incredibly invigorating and mood lifting, especially if I follow up the ‘freezing’ chamber with 30 minutes in the Thermotherapy Heat Pod. The warmth and vibrational massage release tension in the body, and it’s also said to help dispel toxins and boost your metabolism. Afterwards, I literally float out, energised and full of positivity.
4th Floor at Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ; 0207 201 8489
The Wellness Clinic, 4th Floor Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL; 0207 225 0225
Taking up residence at the Flemings Hotel in the heart of Mayfair, the Pietro Simone Method is the ultimate in tailor‑made luxury skincare. Think of him as your personal beauty coach, creating bespoke treatments to suit your needs, lifestyle and budget. His global approach begins with in‑salon facials featuring radio frequency, lasers, micro‑needling and cryotherapy, as well as his renowned cotton‑thread exfoliation and, of course, the hands‑on facial massage – trust me, it’s the best one you’ll ever have. To maintain the glowing results, he is meticulous about recommending an at‑home regimen using his results‑driven skincare range. All in all it’s an experience that feels both efficient and indulgent.
Flemings Mayfair Hotel, 7-12 Half Moon St, Mayfair, W1J 7BH; 07534 132 446
