Set on a leafy street in the heart of London’s chic and fashionable Marylebone, sits Michael Van Clarke – the epitome of a luxury hair salon. Being a sunny spring day, the frontage of the salon was draped in stunning blooms, making it look more like an art gallery than hairdressers.
As I walked up the marble steps excited about my appointment, an attentive doorman welcomed me warmly and I was immediately met with the most elegant salon I had ever seen. Boasting a team of 60 staff (including in-house caterers, can you get any more A-List), this year marks the thirtieth year since Michael opened the salon back in 1988.
Being a little early, I sat on the salons stylish loungers, helping myself to their naturally infused water and the latest glossies. However, I was too busy taking in the infectious buzz of the salon to read a word.
Soon enough, Lamphane my stylists for the day introduced himself. His warmth and professionalism made me feel at ease straight away. After moaning to him about how my hair was in dire need of a good cut as it was utterly shapeless, Lamphane talked me through the salon’s infamous diamond cut. This revolutionary method of cutting hair whilst it’s dry, allows the stylist to work with your hairs natural movement and texture. I have incredibly thick hair and an awful lot of it, so for me this seemed like the perfect answer to ensuring I can maintain a salon look weeks after my hair had been cut.
It was really interesting to see Lamphane get to work, allowing me to see how the shape would look on future days, as I had semi-styled my hair myself that morning.
Once Lamphane had finished the cut, he washed my hair in Michael’s hair care range 3”’ More Inches. Not only does it smell divine, but its packed with nourishing elements of naturally derived cashmere proteins and gentle cleansing agents to keep your hair supple, shiny and soft. The range also helps to rebuild your hair’s broken bonds so that it grows faster, stronger and longer, making it easier to manage, more vibrant looking and hold its colour for longer. I am sure like me, you’re totally sold!
After, enjoying my hair being washed and the salons massage chair, Lamphane expertly dried my fresh and new healthy locks, and I unwillingly had to leave the salon, (I could have stayed all day if I could). I left feeling pampered, taken care of, and really happy with my hair. At not one point did I feel rushed or conscious that I was eating into the next client’s appointment (if I was or not, I don’t actually no) – Michael Van Clarke has really set the standards high for any future hairdressers I might go to…I just wish I could casually visit once a week, even if it’s to have a chat wit Lamphane!
Address: 1 Beaumont St, Marylebone, London W1G 6DF / (+44) 020 7224 3123
