Review | Neville Hair & Beauty

If you've ever wondered where to get the ultimate hair salon experience, you need to visit Neville in Belgravia. This salon not only offers an insane number of innovative treatments but throws in some extra offerings to make the experience extra indulgent....

News: #BeAwesomeToSomebody

I heard some news this week that is so inspiring I would be crazy not to share it. It is all about the good deeds of Mr Mark Bustos.

Mark Bustos is a stylist in New York that spends his Sundays offering haircuts to the homeless. Bustos, who works at Three Squares Studio, started these awesome acts of kindness in May 2012. It all began during a family visit to the Philippines, when the 30-year-old rented a chair from a local barbershop to give hair cuts to impoverished children in need of a good trim. He told the Huffington Post, “The feeling was so rewarding, I decided to bring the positive energy back to New York City.”

Bustos provides free haircuts to as many as six homeless people every Sunday and does this in "open, well-travelled spaces like street corners and sidewalks", so that people can be inspired by his actions and (hopefully) do something similar for others in need.

You can check out Bustos's amazing and generous work by following him on Instagram! And, if you fancy doing something equally as fabulous, share your journey using the hair hero's hashtag, #BeAwesomeToSomebody

Review: Jamie Stevens Salon

The Place: Jamie Stevens (London & Somerset)

The Products Used: Matrix Professional Colour, Matrix Heat Protector and Matrix Thermo Glide Expres Blowout Creme.

The Treatment: Full head of highlights, including cut and blowdry

The Price: From £185

The Review: I had high expectations when I entered a Jamie Stevens salon; after all, Jamie is the Head Stylist on the X-Factor, he's won numerous hairdressing awards and his London salon just won 'Salon of the Year' in the 2014 Hair Awards. Luckily for me, those expectations were met! Not only did I have a lovely time in salon, I walked out with some amazingly transformed locks!

From the second I stepped in the salon, everyone I came into contact with was extremely friendly and helpful. The team attended to my every need to keep me as comfortable as possible - which is important when your salon stay is around the three hour mark!

My consultation was extremely thorough. My stylist, Jess, asked lots of questions regarding my hair concerns and desires and we spoke in detail about the look I wanted to achieve. She then advised me on what styles and colours would work best with face shape and skin tone. I was really impressed by the whole experience - I gave Jess quite a difficult brief but she really listened to what I wanted and advised me on what would look best.

The service itself was as comfortable and relaxing as it could have been - the time flew by as Jess and I spent most of it gossiping and chatting about all things beauty. Jess was packed full of hair knowledge and spent a lot of time recommending great products for my hair type and providing useful tips and advice on how to keep my hair healthy and looking fabulous.

The end result had to be my favourite part of the Jamie Stevens experience! I left the salon with gorgeous, natural-looking highlights that were strategically placed to give me an on-trend and edgy style. The choice of colours used complimented my skintone and the layered, choppy cut perfectly framed my face. The overall look was exactly what I was going for...it was clear the thorough consultation had paid off!

The Pro: The consultation was the best I've ever received at a hair salon. Jess, my stylist, was patient, extremely knowledgeable and - importantly - honest about what would suit me and what wouldn't.

The Con: The starting prices of most services are quite high, so this salon won't fit everyone's budget. However, if you deserve a treat or need to makeover your hair for a special event, I couldn't recommend Jamie Stevens highly enough!

www.jamiestevenshair.com

Interview: Mark Hill

Mark Hill is a British stylist, a multi-award winning one at that. If you grew up in beautiful Britain you have  to have heard of him. Not only is he still the only hairdresser outside of London to have won the British Hairdresser of the Year twice, he is also the only British hairdresser to have won the prestigious International Hairdresser of the Year accolade twice in succession.

When it comes to hair, there is nothing Mark Hill doesn't know! Luckily for me, Mark was kind enough to take some time out of his packed schedule to talk all things hair. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our little chat...

What inspired you to work in the hairdressing industry? And how did your career journey begin?

I was 15 when a girlfriend suggested I got a Saturday job in hairdressing. She was a bit older and already working in a local salon. To be honest, at first I was only doing it to meet more girls! But after working a couple of days I realised hairdressing was the career for me.

What is your career highlight?

Winning British Hairdresser of the Year for the first time. All of my friends, family and team were with me so it was a really special night.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the industry?

You've got to love people and hair! Practice as much as you can and never stop learning – even today I am excited to try new techniques or create new styles.

Who is the ultimate beauty icon?

For me, I would have to go back to the golden age of Hollywood and say screen icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Sophie Loren or Bridget Bardot. They epitomise beauty from head to toe. I also love people who are constantly re-inventing themselves – Katy Perry is a great example. She isn't scared to try new looks, colours or styles. Some styles are more successful than others but it doesn't matter - she is having fun and making a real statement with her hair. 

What are your hair and beauty essentials?

There are a few things I would never be without. Equipment wise, a hairdryer, round brush and wide tooth comb. Product wise I would never be without, Work it Girl Shine Protect and Control Spray and Miracoilicious Argan Oil. With these few products, I can style pretty much any client!

What is the biggest hair crime a person can commit?

I don’t think there is one! Everyone has their own style; what is seen as a crime by one person is probably someone else’s dream hair!

What is your top hair tip?

The key to any great style is condition. If your hair is in bad condition, styling will be difficult as your hair will lack volume, body and shine. Using the right products, using regular conditioning treatments and taking care of your hair will open up styling possibilities and make it easier to manage at home.