H A I R ad v er t i s i n g feat u re
Meet the Stylist In need of a striking new ’do? Check out these cutting edge Cardiff salons...
DAI PRITCHARD VADAtelier, Cowbridge 01446 771089 www.vadatelier.com
As a salon, what makes you special? The VADAtelier salon is a very calming environment. We only use Aveda products and offer complimentary rituals such as shoulder, neck and scalp massages before every cut. I think what makes us unique is our flat price structure. We don’t have senior stylists, art directors or any kind of hierarchy. You’re either good enough to work here, or you’re not – and you have to be very good to work here! As a result, our clients will often flit between stylists because they have complete confidence that they’ll be happy with their cut, regardless of who is looking after them. I think that’s pretty unusual. The best bit of your job? When a customer becomes a client. When somebody returns to the salon because they are happy and love what you do, that’s great. Also seeing apprentices develop as they move through their training and grow in confidence – that’s really rewarding. Tell us a little-known secret about yourself... Before I became a hairdresser, I did a Masters degree at Cardiff University and worked as an environmental geologist.
Greg James Goji 02921 321211 www.gojihair.com
What’s your role at the salon? My official title is Creative Director which sounds very grand but, basically, I look after everything hair-related. When we moved into our new salon in Kings Road, Pontcanna in June, we doubled the creative team and so, as well as being the most senior stylist, I now oversee the creative development of the business, which is very exciting. As a salon, what is it that makes you special? We are an organic salon using biodynamically grown ingredients, which makes us very unusual. This, combined with our very client-centric approach and our barbering, beauty and aesthetic services all under one roof, makes us unique in Cardiff. We’re also fully licenced, so can offer a complimentary glass of wine or beer, too! The best bit of your job? That’s easy – the clients! We’re very fortunate to have a steady stream of new clients who mostly find us through wordof-mouth, but I really value my regular clients as it gives me the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships. What is the best procedure/ treatment you offer? We offer in-salon organic scalp
90 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
treatments, including one for very dry, flaky scalps and one for very oily scalps – both absolutely brilliant. I also fit a lot of Great Lengths hair extensions and always enjoy seeing the transformations! Why did you decide to use organic products in the salon? I used organic products when I worked at Kamigata, so it was a natural step for us to use organic products at Goji. The hair colours and products we use are so much better than anything I’ve used before and so much kinder for clients – and the environment – that I would never go back now. We’ve also extended it to the beauty and barbering departments with local ‘heroes’ Lulu & Boo for our prescription facials, and Swansea-based Manmane for our beard and shave oils. All our products are animal-friendly and the majority are suitable for vegans, too. Have you got anything special happening for Christmas? We will be opening on Mondays in December to cope with demand, along with our usual Wednesday and Thursday late nights. We’ll also be doing some great gift sets for men and women, and we’re sure that our ‘Goji gift card’ will prove very popular as pressies. Personally, I absolutely love the run-up to Christmas, but will also really enjoy a few days off after the madness!
Joel McCauley
Slunks Hair Club 02920 233350 www.slunks.com
Why did you choose this profession? I was always drawn to imagery – I approach every single person’s hair as if I’m styling it for a photograph or a magazine fashion shoot. I’m also very drawn to people and personalities, and I’ve always felt I can reflect this in their hair. As a salon, what is it that makes you special? As you can tell by the name, we are no ordinary salon. We’re open and accepting, and we take a more artistic approach to our everyday clients and the service we provide. We always aim to give clients a tailored and unique experience with us. And we play incredible music! Tell us a little-known secret about yourself... I am crazy about gardening! I used to play in a rock and roll band, I was out and about in the city all the time and life was hectic, but these days, I just love chilling in my garden. I’m constantly changing it and creating new spaces.