H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY
Before (left) and after (right)
CUTTING IT FINE EMMA DANCE goes to the dark side at Bouvardia hair salon
W
hen the seasons change, we change our wardrobe, so why should it be any different for our hair? Since the last time my barnet had had any attention (of the professional variety) the city was bracing itself for snowmaggeddon, it was more than due for a bit of TLC, and given that the seasons have very much changed ‘twixt then and now, it was probably time for a fresh new look as well. The thing is, though, that it’s all a bit easier when it comes to clothes, isn’t it? You can try them, and if the look’s not right, you just taken them off and move on, nothing lost. Not quite so simple with hair though since any mistake in that department is something you’re destined to live with for weeks, if not months.
IT FELT MORE LIKE SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS
Which is why you need a stylist who knows their stuff, and during my visit to Bouvardia I had two of them – salon creative director Jessica who would be wealding the scissors, and colour director Georgia, who was in charge of administering just the right hue. The appointment began with a consultation, during which we talked about whether I was keen to keep all the length (I wasn’t fussed), if I had any ideas about the sort of colour I wanted (maybe a bit darker? I wasn’t too sure) and how much time I spend styling my hair on an average day (almost none. A blast with a hairdryer and I’m out the door). Based on my answers we decided that we’d lose a few inches of length, put in some layers to take out some of the heaviness (I have vast amounts of hair!) and make it all more manageable, add some extra shaping around the face, and lose the faded gold tones and replace them with something far warmer and richer. Throughout my appointment Georgia and Jess were superfriendly and really chatty, and they let me know what was going on all the time so there were none of those freak-out moments when you see a bizarre-coloured dye being slathered on, or what looks like half your head of hair falling to the floor after a seemingly frenzied attack with a pair of scissors. I was completely relaxed throughout the whole appointment, and it actually felt
more like spending time with friends. Much of the Bouvardia team came from the former Sassoon salon in the city, and they still use the Sassoon products. It’s not a range I’m especially familiar with, but I adored how soft and silky my hair felt afterwards (and it still feels that way a few weeks down the line BTW) and the shine was just insane! The colour is really rich and deep and showing no signs of fading, and Georgia gauged the shade just right to suit my colouring. I am genuinely absolutely thrilled with the result and even in my inexpert hands and with minimal styling I’m still getting compliments. Bring on the summer! CL Emma’s cut cost £80, colour £68 and treatment £12. For more: Bouvardia, 20-24 Castle Arcade; www.bouvardia.salon
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