Words by Kerene Barefield
Following a visit to STIL hair salon last week, I haven’t stopped getting compliments on my hair colour. Which makes a huge change considering normally no-one, including my husband, even notices that I’ve spent over two hours in the salon chair.
STIL was opened by Swedish native Christel Lundqvist, an award-winning colourist who has scooped the gong for British Hairdressers’ Colour Technician of the Year no fewer than three times.
On arrival at the salon, in swanky Notting Hill I was greeted by little Bertie, the house dog before being shown to the sleek wooden table where I was offered refreshments. Straight away I felt very looked after and even my handbag was given the 5 star services and placed in another bag for protection! Christel took inspiration for STIL from her native Swiss background. Stylishly simple, the decor of the place has a Scandinavian feel with its minimalistic white walls and effortlessly cool interior. The natural wooden elements, were very much my style.
After munching my way through all the pistachio nuts I had been given, I sat down with Christel, who was set to do my cut and colour. STIL focuses on handpicking the right colour and style for the individual; it also prides itself on taking the time to create hair without the rush and hectic feel that some salons tend to have. The first thing that Christel asked me was what I thought of my hair colour and I was kind of taken aback. For the first time it actually made me really consider my hair colour, against my skin tone and my eyes. Christel explained in detail what she thought would work well for me and knowing I was in safe hands I didn’t argue.
Due to my skin having golden undertones and my dark eyes, she recommended a warming brown to my current one. Christel also suggested that some lighter tones through the ends would help give the effect of more volume, movement and body. Demonstrating her expertise, Christel worked the colour through my fine hair with precision and skill, to ensure a natural finish. Once the dye had been applied, I was left to relax with a selection of mags and cup of Earl Grey tea (and a sneaky chocolate). After around 25 minutes, Christel took me through to rinse off the dye and apply a conditioning treatment, which helped to revitalise and replenish its dull state. With the treatment on I was offered a head massage with essential oils, probably my most favourite moment so far.
Christel then cut and styled my hair, with a beach wave before I was able to admire my new colour and fabulous shine. I absolutely loved the new warmth that it had and my glossy shine was back! From its intimate, personal service, to the level of expertise – I can not recommend STIL enough.
