by rachel | Mar 21, 2016 | Hair, Uncategorized
Well, this is a blog post I’ve been meaning to write for a while. Mainly so I can remind myself what to look for in a salon when my roots and split ends need a helping hand and, also, so I can help some of you find a hairdresser who’s worth hanging onto.
Since I left my magazine job five years ago I’ve unfortunately had to forgo the lovely complimentary hair appointments which I used to get invited to regulalry by friendly PRs. And when you’ve had your hair cut by some of the best hairdressers in the industry, who’ve also won more awards than I’ve had hot dinners, it can be really disappointing to pay for a cut and colour which is quite frankly disastrous. Actually it can feel like daylight robbery.
Fortunately in the last year – and through the power of social media – I’ve found a brilliant colourist who doesn’t cost the earth and gives me highlights I can once again be proud of. I’ve had to endure quite a few bad salon experiences to get here, but finally it seems like my hair has got its mojo back (thanks Blue Tit).
If this sounds like a similar scenario, here are a few tips and tricks to help you find a hairdresser who can transform your hair and give you your confidence back…
Rule 1: Start with a blow-dry
If you’ve been debating trying a new salon why not start by booking in for a blow-dry? It may seem slightly extravagant, but it will give you a brilliant opportunity to see the salon in action and help you decide if you want to go back. You can discreetly watch how the salon works, get one-to-one advice from your stylist and see how their transform other clients’ hair before you take the plunge and book in for a cut or colour overhaul.
Rule 2: Speak to people
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, colleagues or even strangers where they get their hair done. If you spot someone on the street who has a great haircut or colour, ask them about their hairdresser. The chances are they will be very flattered by the compliment and you may find a better hairdresser quicker than you think.
Rule 3: Avoid salons offering big discounts
One of my biggest mistakes was being lured into a salon because they were offering a 50% sale. The result? I left with a wonky haircut that took a painful six months to grow out. The truth is a good salon won’t need to entice people through the door because their customers will want to rebook. Unless a salon has recently opened and is offering a discount to build up their initial client base try and avoid any flash sales and save your money up instead.
Rule 4: Look at your stylist’s hair
It seems pretty obvious but if your hairdresser has a fantastic haircut it gives you confidence in their creative abilities – it’s almost a visual example of their work. A glossy colour, quirky up-do and an inspiring cut are what you want to see when you’re choosing a new stylist. If you’re not impressed with the messy ponytail that greets you then, well, it might be worth shopping around for another stylist.
Rule 5: Use social media
I managed to get my colour back on track after asking for recommendations on a local Facebook group – I was told about a new salon and after checking out their social media presence I could see straight away they were very different to other salons in my area. Before you book an appointment check out their website, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Look for any customer reviews or posts where they refer to competitions and awards the salon is entering; this will reflect the standard of their work and you’ll know you’ve stumbled across a good salon before you’ve even walked through the door.
How did you find a good hairdresser? I’d love to know! Please leave your Comments in the box below.
by rachel | Jan 16, 2014 | Craft, Interiors
A few months ago I had the pleasure of helping my sister Lydia plan her special day to her fiancé, Jamie. Now I should point out here that my sister is never happier than when she’s sat behind her sewing machine, and in that respect, we couldn’t be more different. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, sewing or painting she loves to create her own pieces of bespoke art – and rather annoyingly she’s really good at it!
So, when it came to thinking of a theme for her wedding it came as no surprise that Lydia wanted to hand make everything from her wedding bunting and table settings, to the accessories the bridal party wore, even down to the delicate handmade buttons she pinned into the wedding flowers. The attention to detail was quite amazing and I’m sure every bride-to-be left Lydia and Jamie’s wedding thinking…how are we going to top that?!
However, one of the handmade touches that really stayed in my mind afterwards was the wedding painting which Lydia and Jamie’s guests helped to create. Lydia had decided she didn’t want a traditional guest book and instead wanted to create a painting which she could share with her friends and family and proudly hang on her walls at home.
“I first stumbled across the idea on Pinterest (every bride’s obsession!) and thought it was a great concept which I wanted to customise to suit my wedding colours and theme for the day. I brought myself a large canvas and set about creating my wedding tree by mixing some coral and aqua emulsion paint with water to soften the effect,” says Lydia.
“Next, I drew the outline of the tree and added a little love swing which is where the bride and groom’s finger prints would go. On the night of the wedding I put the painting out alongside a few pots of aqua paint so our guests could dip their finger in and leave a fingerprint on the branches of our tree. Rather than a traditional guest book which would get forgotten about in a drawer at home, I love how this painting isn’t perfect and how there are lots of different shapes and sizes. Also, it’s been lots of fun inviting our friends over so they can point out their finger print!”
The finished ‘wedding tree’ complete with 110 guest finger prints
Would you try and recreate a finger painting for your wedding day? Please leave your Comments in the box below.
by rachel | Jan 9, 2014 | Interiors
Buying a new bathroom suite can be an expensive business – and that’s before you’ve budgeted in the cost of tiling, plastering and getting a good plumber in to fit your new sparkling chrome taps.
It can also be rather daunting choosing a colour scheme and then shopping for tiles which will enhance your chosen suite and make your bathroom dazzle. I’ve had years to practise putting an outfit together, but as soon as it came to thinking about a new bathroom I really didn’t know where to start!
When we were renovating our home a few years ago I was repeatedly told that large tiles would make my small bathroom look bigger, even though I’d set my heart on a 1920’s theme which would add colourful character to the period flat we’d just bought.
I’m pleased to say that I stuck to my original idea and two years later I still love the end result. But, whenever I flick through interior magazines I always get inspired by the different ways you can update a bathroom without having to call in the builders. Whether it’s a retro shower curtain, some bold photo frames or a statement mirror it’s really easy to accessorise your bathroom and add a stylish twist. All you need to do is go shopping!
Bathroom 1: Vintage Drama
Choose from a selection of white, chrome and silver accessories to revitalise a tired looking bathroom and bring it bang up-to-date. Adding a new set of flock towels, a twinkling chandelier, or a statement mirror can change the feel of your bathroom in an instant. If you want to go one step further, look at repainting your walls with a sage green paint and add the finishing touch with a bunch of soft, pretty flowers.
Credits: (1) Isme Rose Heart Shape Mirror, £69, (2) Zara Silver Glass Bathroom Set, £17.99 to £19.99, (3) Laura Ashley Hydrangea Camomile Printed Towels, £34, (4) www.berryred.co.uk Wire Soap Tray, £7.75.
Bathroom 2: Retro Colour
This bathroom proves you don’t need to be scared about experimenting with clashes of colour if you choose your accessories wisely. Keeping in mind a 1950’s vibe, hunt around for a bold shower curtain and make sure your instincts are geared towards bright punchy colour and retro inspired patterns which promise to make your bathroom a talking point for all the right reasons!
Credits: (1) Rigby & Mac Origami Fairy Lights, £36, (2) French Bedroom Company Flounce Flock Ruby Shade, £50, (3) www.cloth-ears.co.uk Transistor Radio Cables & Clobber Bag, £28.99, (4) Orla Kiley Towels, from £3.50 to £36.
Bathroom 3: Monochrome Magic
A black and white bathroom will never go out of fashion and this year the trend for checker board flooring doesn’t look like it’s going to go away. Because of its timeless elegance you can either decide to keep things simple with crisp white walls, or add a touch of warmth with a wash of mauve or dove grey emulsion which can be accessorised with some stylish black picture frames.
Credits: (1) Red Candy Umbra Montage Photo Art Display, £99, (2) Rigby & Mac Set of 3 House Box Shelves, £98, (3) H&M Candle, £3.99, (4)Love From Kent ‘Do Not Disturb Mummy Is Having A Bath’, £7.95, (5) Tesco Black & White Storage Boxes, from £4.95.
How do you accessorise your bathroom? Please leave your Comments in the box below.
