I’m at Hair on Broadway. Slap bang in the middle of Camden Lock. A huge state-of-the-art salon complete with teaching academy tucked away behind it. The last time I was in a HOB salon was in their first salon and I hate to say it but it probably wasn’t long after it first opened over thirty years ago!

I’m back today with my same blonde locks to get the once over from Colour Director, Issie and Salon Director, Ryan for a cut.

Issie has won numerous accolades including colourist of the year so I know I’m in good hands. I’ve asked for a Pink Streak (shock! horror!) and pointed to a lady with short, almost-white hair as an indication of my preference for today’s colour. Needless to say, as expected I’ve been talked around to something do-able and lower maintenance with my pink streak for good measure (semi-permanent only – Wella Instamatic toners mean that colour will actually wash out after  12 washes).

From Glasgow to London, Issie knows her stuff. Sassoon trained, then on to HOB to head up colour – she looks after all the technical education for the group. She still has a few clients – not many – so I’m lucky. She expertly applies the highlights, having talked me through the benefits of brightening up but not washing myself out. What’s refreshing to hear is how much she likes the environment here. HOB nurtures their staff and provides them with opportunities to grow both socially and technically through regular activities including photography competitions and youth schemes. It’s easy to see how one salon became 27!

Ryan has already been to see me pre-foils, to discuss options. I’m always very boring with haircuts, I tell him, despite never really liking my cut. He suggests layers (of course) as I’ve asked to keep the length so that I can still wear my hair up. I feel hopeful and know I’m in great hands.

We find that to my surprise I have curly hair! I’ve always had a wave but I think that this pregnancy has changed me for good. Talking me through each step of the layering, cutting away some of the weight to give me some real shape, Ryan is a pro. We decided on a curl and he tutored me through the process so that for once I think that I’ve learned to do my hair at home in a way that I will actually try to recreate. He used Alterna products – they smell divine and are super-effective. I find that drying Curly Hair is quicker too – perfect for the likes of ye of little patience!

The overall result is fantastic; I love, love, love Issie’s colour including the pink streaks (although I’ll go bolder next time) and I’ve really turned a corner style-wise with Ryan’s encouragement and charm! Top marks for HOB. West End results at reasonable prices.

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