I LOVE the feeling when I leave the hairdresser, my hair swishing as I walk down the street, as if I’ve got up out of the chair and straight into a shampoo advert.
The bit before? Not so much.
There’s nothing fun about being trapped in front of a mirror, limp wet hair framing your face – and, worst of all, the small talk.
It’s not that I even hate small talk. I can chat to pretty much anyone – which is the problem, as it often means I end up oversharing and then have major regrets.
And I’m not alone. New research suggests 53% of Brits would prefer “silent” hair salon services, with 56% of hairstylists also in agreement.
As a beauty editor, I get my hair done more often than most, but I last had my colour topped up 11 months ago, so, in the name of research, I booked in at Samantha Cusick London which has recently added a silent option to all of its salon services.
When I told my mum – who has had the same hairdresser for 20+ years – about my appointment, she was dumbfounded. “But how will they know what you want?” she exclaimed.
Thankfully, I received a really handy PDF via email a couple of days before my appointment to let me know exactly what to expect: “Upon arrival, your stylist will conduct a thorough consultation to understand your hair needs and preferences.
Then, your stylist will focus on providing you with an exceptional cut or colour, allowing you to enjoy a moment of tranquillity.
Should any essential communication be required during your service (eg, haircare tips or adjustments), it will be kept concise and relevant.”
I must admit, I felt awkward walking into the salon, as if I had a red flag above my head (silently) screaming: “Don’t talk to her!” – like when dogs wear a jacket emblazoned: “Anxious, please give me space” – but as soon as I sat in my chair, I began to relax.
The consultation was the most thorough I’ve ever had – we went through things I wanted and, just as importantly, things I didn’t – with my colourist David (@haircolouristinlodon) and stylist Dylan (@dylanquirkhair) asking if I had any photos for reference, explaining what they thought would work best and how long it would take.
Knowing I probably wasn’t going to talk again, I was brutally honest.
I took my laptop with me, and without constant conversation, I was just as productive as I would have been in the office (although, the normal salon sounds continue around you, so if you’re moonlighting while WFH, it’ll need to be a Zoom-free day).
I soon realised it was probably a much-needed break for the hairdresser too – whether they’re retelling the same story for the third time that day or acting as therapist to an over-sharing client, it must be hard concentrating and listening at the same time.
Although 'silent' is in the name, you will still have to talk to your stylist, but any conversation will be minimal and focused on your hair, rather than small talk
Before the appointment, the salon sent me a one-page PDF which detailed exactly what to expect:
Although the chat is minimal, the salon around you continues as normal, which most likely means music, the sound of hair dryers and other people chatting, so that’s something to be aware of.
I’m not sure if it was the thorough consultation, or the lack of distractions, but it’s the best cut and colour I’ve ever had.
Having said that, I don’t imagine I’ll be returning any faster than normal – even without the small talk, I like my hair low-maintenance, which means few-and-far-between salon appointments.
BEST PRODUCTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
If you too want to go longer between visits, here’s the products I rely on to keep my hair healthy and avoid the need for a trim.
Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies, £29 for 6
I am wedded to Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies which reduce the tension on hair.
I also try to avoid drying styling products like hairspray and texture spray unless absolutely necessary, and sleep with a silk pillowcase like Beauty Pie Sleepeasy Luxury Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, to minimise friction and frizziness overnight.
Arkive All Day Everyday Shampoo, £12
I wash my hair two or three times a week, alternating between a shampoo and conditioner that hydrate my lengths and balance my scalp, like Arkive All Day Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner or L’Oréal Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Purifying Shampoo and Rehydrating Conditioner, and Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoo, which removes any product build up.
Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer, £23,
After showering, I use Act+Acre Intelligent Hair Towel, as it’s far more gentle than traditional towels, and without fail the first thing I do after towel drying is spray a detangler, such as Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer which also provides heat protection, followed by an oil.
Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer, £399.99
Then, I always brush my hair with WetBrush Speed Dry Brush, and finish with my Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer – it’s mega pricey, I know, but I used my original Supersonic for eight years with no problems, and the new version has a built in scalpcare sensor.
On top of that, I use nourishing hair masks regularly, and try to wear my hair in different styles throughout the week so no area is under extreme tension, but I don’t feel the need to employ any lengthy massage routines or take any supplements.
Sometimes, less is more, and getting the basics right can make the world of difference.
