Essensuals

I’d still come for color, but probably not a cut. Unless, there was a stylist there who knew how to cut hair various hair types. I have a lot of hair, but it’s slightly fine and naturally wavy. My stylist usually gives me long layers, with slightly shorter layers in the back as well, to give my hair a little lightness. She also adds texture to the hair using scissors to bring out the natural wave, rather than razors or dragging a pair of scissors through the hair to give it that thinned out, ratty look. The look’s a low maintenance one, where it’s wavy and voluminous.
I went to Essensuals hoping for the same. The stylist suggested a fringe, which I initially was hesitant about, since I was growing out a fringe I cut myself. She reassured me that it’d be a long fringe that framed my face. We agreed on long layers, with some slightly shorter layers in the back. I told her I like it low maintenance, where I don’t have to style it much. Her enthusiasm initially put me at ease. What I got was what looks like a bob, with a foot of long, thin hair underneath. Like those cheap cringe-​worthy clip-​on hair extensions you see in late night infomercials. Like a redneck mullet gone wrong. It didn’t look as bad from the front when she initially styled it, but the whole styling and drying took at least half an hour. And the back looked ridiculous. The layers didn’t blend in, the difference in hair length looks strange, it doesn’t compliment my face shape, and it’s a very high maintenance haircut, requiring constant blow drying. Even then, there’s no volume in the middle part of my hair, I’m unable to coax a curl out of it (can’t even use a curling iron as it’s too short), and I’ve just resorted to tying it back. Low maintenance alright. But NOT what I was wanting at all.

Having to choose a new hairdressers after 2 years finding another good one, Essensuals is a place I would recommend. Never would I bothered go to a chain hairdressers epically Toni and Guy but the staff there are so nice and its very relaxing inside. I would highly recommend, a bit pricey but they listen to what you want and understand hair types and face shapes which I find very important.

Had my hair cut in this salon a few years ago when it first opened. Felt it was slightly over priced, although better quality than most.
Staff were all very young and to be honest I felt a bit exluded as they were talking amongst themselves a lot — especially about a former colleague who had recently appeared on a reality show. Didn’t think this was the sort of thing that should have been discussed in front of a client.
Must admit though that the head massage when washing my hair was very relaxing and the best part of my experience. Have never been back since.

I had one of my best haircuts in this salon.
I had my haircut by the creative director, who wasn’t afraid to do something a little different.
He gave me a good consultation to start and then found some styles he thought would suit me and my hairtype.
They always give you a head massage during shampoo, which is great.
The prices are what you would expect from a good salon.

Quality salon on the high street. Part of the Tony & Guy chain. More pricey than most, but really good hair cuts and quick efficient waxing. Discount card is good value — after a few visits you get money off your next cut.