Equus Hair and Beauty

Posted by dulwichmum on Wed 1 December 2010

Name of product: Equus Hair and Beauty

Price: From £47 for a blow dry

The blurb: “EQUUS is one of London’s most prestigious and longest running hair salons (est. 1953). A Knightsbridge Institution amongst our Society Clientele, we provide a bespoke service amongst a throng of made-to-measure competitors.The salon has recently undergone a comprehensive redesign, with a classic and sophisticated, yet understated, new look

In a haven of true English hospitality and style, EQUUS clients (many of whom need no introduction to the Press and Paparazzi) feel safe in the hands of our experienced and discrete staff. A reputation isn’t built without substance and our staff are some of Britain’s top experts in colour, cutting and chic hair for all occasions: from a dinner date to a Gala Reception

Our stylists have worked with VOGUE, HARPERS, TATLER and COSMOPOLITAN on covershoots and on catwalk shows for Yves St Laurent and Jean Muir

FAMOUS HEADS INCLUDE: L’Wren Scott, Jade Jagger, Daphne Guinness, Rachel Hunter, Minnie Driver, Jennifer Ehle, Felicity Kendal, Dustin Hoffman, Princess Alexandra and various Royals”

The salon is home to the world-renowned YUKO hair straightening system, 2 beauty rooms offering Matis treatments, Essie & new Shellac Gel Manicures (plus revolutionary Paraffin Hand Treatment) and is debuting its collaboration with leading designer, Shakeel Rabbaney, who can create looks for any occasion from Royal Ascot to a weekend in the country”

First impressions: An oasis of distinctly English sophistication and calm in the hustle and bustle of the Brompton Road! The salon has an discrete, upmarket, grown up feel; not a glaring bright spotlight or cheeky gum chewing Saturday girl in site. Geoffrey, the lovely owner, took my coat and George – his perfect Fox Red Labrador popped over to me to say hello! I adore dogs, and this cutie is friendly but not so friendly that he would put anyone off. He is adorable and I want to come back just to see him!

Ease of Use: I dropped my poppets off with the aupair for a trot around the toy department at Harrods (just across the street) to fill out their Christmas’ lists and I slipped into Equus for a blow dry, Keratin glaze and manicure last Saturday morning. Can you believe it? So close to Christmas, and yet calm prevails in this cutting edge salon. The entire experience was one of complete indulgence! I was made to feel that nothing was too much trouble. My favourite magazines were plentiful and I had lots of space to day dream while the professionals set about their work. They have only recently started opening their doors at the weekend – their usual clientele are normally out of town during the week, so this really is a complete find!

This salon has a distinctly relaxed feel, yet the service is fabulous, the decor tasteful and all of the treatments on offer are cutting edge! You no longer have to join a production line in a salon full of edgey young things, drowning in OK and Now magazines, to try the latest treatments including the Keratin glaze, YUKO hair straightening, Brazillian blow dry! Nothing is too much trouble here, I was actually acutely aware of the time and so I had my manicure by Zorran, at the same time as my blow dry!

Pros: This salon has the amazing Jack Howard in residence – internationally famed for his Balayage technique – apparently the colouring treatment de jour in New York (I simply HAVE to try that)! I had the best blow dry of my life (I am being completely serious – ask for Arturo!) at the same time as the most perfect manicure I have ever had – in a super chocolate red Essie shade (and it lasted an entire week).

Cons: This salon is not cheap. But then, I never like anything cheap. Do you?

Value for money:. For the sense of equilibrium I achieved here – yes worth every penny. I trotted out onto the Brompton Road, looking like a million dollars with my Uber glossy hair and fabulous manicure apparently the Keratin glaze will last for a month!

Dulwichmum verdict: