The Salon Review: HOB Salons, Epping
Review: Kathryn Lewsey
With an impressive 30 years since opening its first salon’s doors, HOB Salons has always been on my radar when it comes to hairdressing. Offering great barnet services, affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere – there’s a reason why there are now 25 salons up and down the country. So when I was invited to check out their Epping salon, I jumped at the chance.
One of HOB’s newest salons – it opened just under two years ago – is amid the hustle and bustle of Epping’s high street. Decorated with a modern and monochrome interior, it ticks all the style boxes, as well as having a refreshingly friendly vibe.
As soon as I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the front of house and dressed in the usual hair gown. The lovely Grace was booked in for my colour and got me seated while we chatted about what I was after. I was keen to refresh my usual balayage approach but wanted a slightly lighter blonde with more colour around the front of my face.
Grace mixed up the dye and got me set up with a good old ‘cuppa before coming back to the salon chair to get down to business. We nattered away about all things hair while she precisely painted my strands with my newly mixed hue. I was then left to my own devices while the dye developed.
After around 40 minutes of getting my celeb gossip fix from various magazines, I was taken over to the basin for the first lot of washing. To cool down any brassy or yellowness, a toner was then applied to my strands before being rinsed out. Finally, my barnet was treated to a gorgeous replenishing mask and super-relaxing scalp massage.
Heading back to my seat, I met Amy who was going to be giving my locks a much-needed snip. Agreeing to take a healthy inch-and-a-half off the ends, Amy professionally trimmed my strands into a sharp one-length finish, as well as adding a few face-framing layers at the front.
Rather than opting for my usual choice of a bouncy blowdry or straight and sleek finish, I asked Amy to style my mane into loose waves. Spritzing the ends with the most gorgeous-smelling Sebastian Trilliant shine and protection spray, she speedily dried my hair before grabbing trusty ghd tongs. Amy effortlessly worked the tongs through the middle and bottom sections of my hair, before brushing it out to create shiny, surfer-style waves – the cool-girl Aussie barnet I’d always dreamed of!
From start to finish, the whole process was seamlessly smooth and professional, leaving me with a brighter, blonder barnet and an enjoyable salon experience. I walked out in to the cold feeling my January blues fade, which is surely the tell-tale sign of happy hair.
190 High Street, Epping, CM16 4AQ