Hair with HOB Salons
A week before Christmas Day I turned another year older. I swear this day comes round at least twice a year. Working on my birthday was and always will be a ludicrous idea so with a day off from the shackles of my desk, I booked a much needed appointment with HOB Salons at their flagship branch and training academy in Camden.
HOB Salons is a highly recognised and established chain of salons, and chances are you may live very close to one. It’s also a multiple award winning salon so their reputation shines as brightly as the awards that are lined up like Emmys in the Camden branch alone.
HOB Salons in Camden should get an award for its location alone. It’s tucked away by Camden Lock, quiet enough to be away from the bustling crowds but also an easy and short walk from the tube station. It is a huge salon on two levels, spacious and minimalist with its interior decor.
From the moment I approached the reception desk, I was not short of attention. I had someone take my coat while I waited to meet the stylists who would be looking after me. The first was Issie Churcher, Senior Technical Educator who had the task of dealing with my faded balayage tresses, while Darren Bain, Senior Educator (and winner of London Hairdresser of the Year in 2009) was the chap in charge of the chop although in my case it was a trim and a tidy. I couldn’t be in more creative hands.
Issie decided to give my hair an all over colour to blend in with my roots, which I have to say was like my subconscious had been tapped into. I’ve had my hair coloured (mostly highlights) for about 10 years and sometimes the thought has crossed my mind to return to my natural look. For the winter months it was definitely a good idea to go dark so Issie got to work with mixing up the colour that made me temporarily look like an artificial ginge.
Chatting with Issie, I was fascinated to learn of the path she followed to get to the career that’s earned her recognition and heaps of praise. In the most unlikely scenario, Issie was more interested in art and took this journey, intending to complete a degree yet taking a side step into being creative with hair colour proved to be a fruitful decision and she hasn’t looked back since. Her efforts has led her to travel around the world for shoots, shows, events, TV and other media work, and she plays a core role in the teaching academy, developing courses and educating students from all over the country as well as globally.
The salon’s walls are adorned with huge photographic works of art, which are the results of Issie and Darren’s creations.
Then it was Darren’s turn to take over. We had a good natter about how unprepared and disorganised he was for Christmas. (Darren, if you are reading this then I hope your wife is happy with your present!) Darren has such a calming disposition about him yet underneath the relaxed and quietly spoken persona, his illustrious career and portfolio speaks volumes. It’s no wonder Darren has stepped up to the game at London Fashion Week several times with his work appearing in trade and consumer magazines.
I was keen to keep my length so Darren tidied up the ends and snipped away the parched parts to inject some life into my hair. We both decided not to go for a sharp nor a blunt fringe – I fancied a change and instead opted for a sweeping fringe that would gradually grow out. After Darren blow-dried my hair with some volume and soft curls.
And here is the final look (albeit at the end of the day as I had my birthday to celebrate after):
It was a week after the cut that I went near the straighteners and even then, I only ran it through my fringe. I’m making it my mission to avoid using them so frequently to let my hair regain some strength especially at the sides but also to help with its growth. I have made this promise to myself countless times but as the length of my hair is longer than before, it definitely doesn’t require as much maintenance as shorter hair did for me.
I’m also liking the new look, a different direction from the poker straight sleek hair. Darren having a quiet word may have had something to do with the decision.
Hair is always exciting and expressive for me. It defines my appearance and gives me confidence. It’s also an essential part of my grooming maintenance as is having my brows shaped. Finding a stylist and salon you can put your trust in makes a world of a difference and HOB Salons is the ideal place to start. To explore more about HOB Salons and where your nearest one is, visit www.hobsalons.com. You’ll also find a price list online.
*I was a guest of HOB Salons in Camden.
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