You remember that highly addictive programme on channel 4 a few years back called ‘The Salon’. An ingenious concept where we could nosy in on members of the public and celebrities conversing about everything from their love lives to what they are doing on the weekend, and also the suprisingly private information that we are willing to share with hairdressers (and in this case the thousands watching). But it was the eclectic mix of staff members who were to become stars- from the flamboyant hair-flicking Ricardo who went on to do various tv adverts, Adee - the soft hearted tattooed wide boy, Paul-the cocky but sexy boss to all round charming, down the earth nice guy Leo Bancroft.
When I got the invite to come and experience his flagship salon, which is located just five minutes from where I live in Weybridge I jumped at the chance. A few of my friends have treated themselves to a trip to Leo’s salon, and have come away with high praise for the service, and more than a bit of a crush.
Situated in the quaint Oatlands village amongst one-off boutiques, antique shops and local stores you’ll find the tardis that is Leo Bancrofts Salon. Stepping in from the maroon painted fascade you will find yourself in the welcoming reception. First thing you notice is the glaring blue Chelsea shirt on the wall, penned with a message from client John Terry who hails Leo the best hairdresser in the world. There is further evidence of the celebrity clientele with pictures of locals Eamann Holmes and Ruth Langford behind the counter.
After a quick parous of the magazines and a refreshment I was taken upstairs to have my hair washed. I usually find this part of the process quite uncomfortable, the sink edges digging into my head, ending up with a crooked neck from the awkward angle and unforgiving porcelain. On this occasion it was nothing short of bliss. This was not your average chair not only could I put my feet up, lazy boy style, the chair was of the massage variety. If this wasn’t enough in terms of relaxation the young lady did the best head massage/hair wash I’ve ever experienced. When she asked if pressure and temperature was alright all I could muster was a faint grunt in my zombified state of euphoria.
Stirred from my almost uncinscious state I was lead past a similarly relaxed person passed out having their eyebrows done, to settle in front of a mirror in yet another room where I was to have my She Emura Art of Hair treatment. I ventured in not really knowing what this would involve, but left knowing I definitely wanted it again !
I only have one or two hair cuts a year so despite the fact I don’t dye it or style it too religiously it still has a certain amount of damage and dryness but after this treatment it felt close to silk…. a revelation!!
The man himself was not present in the salon during my appointment as he was away filming an exciting new programme for Channel 4, which is due to air in the Autumn. Initially I was a tad disappointed to find out I wouldn’t have Leo working his wonders on my tired tresses, not just because he’s won various awards for his talents but because I wanted to have a good natter about the likes of the golden maned Abbie Clancy and the Terrys! I needn’t have felt hard done by as my stylist was the lovelist guy, who was able to offer advice, but willing to listen to what I wanted from my haircut. I wanted to look just stepped out of a salon , a la Cat Deeley, big glossy main, so we went for the oh so sexy rollers to acheive the power hair aesthetic .
For me going to the hairdressers was a rare event I would dread, almost like going to the dentist , but with less spitting. Going to this salon taught me that it can not only be pleasureable but be a pampering experience in itself, I was actually sad when the process was complete. Big Thumbs up!!
Sometimes going to more exclusive salons can be a stuffy experience, trying to hard to please or being almost too polished in the way they run things. This salon has found the perfect balance, delivering a service and cut of a high standard whilst feeling relaxed and unpretenscious.
