Salon Review: George Northwood, Fitzrovia, London

George Northwood salon London 15th April 2014.

Review: Kathryn Lewsey

 

George Northwood is big in the hair game. The stylist of twelve years regularly snips Alexa Chung’s barnet and he’s also the man behind Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s dreamy locks – as well as her brand new bob. So when I was invited to check out his salon, I was more than a little bit excited.

Tucked away from bustling Oxford Street, this gorgeous salon is located on Wells Street. After working at an array of prestigious salons, George set up his own last April and as it approaches its first birthday, its rapid popularity and success seems to be ever-growing.

While some salons can often look intimidating and even a little bland, this was the complete opposite. Light and airy, its bespoke furniture and quirky ornaments makes the place burst with personality and vibrancy. Personal touches like “George hearts” signs on his favourite products and “George’s Healthy Tuck Shop” gave the impression of a thoroughly well-loved and though-out salon.

After receiving a warm greeting from reception I was led downstairs to meet the lovely Phoebe, who was booked in to colour my hair. I explained that I was after a lighter hue that was easy to maintain and she suggested running a golden shade through my locks with balayage. The salon focuses on this natural freehand technique that creates a gorgeous sunkissed finish, and I was more than happy to go ahead with Phoebe’s idea.

Demonstrating both efficiency and proficiency, Phoebe expertly got to work to apply the dye through strands, before leaving me with a few fashion mags to enjoy while the colour developed.

Afterwards, I was taken to the sinks where my tresses receive a gloss for extra shine, before being washed and conditioned.

Phoebe then took my upstairs and introduced me to senior stylist Roi, who would be trimming and snipping my newly dyed strands. Although I was happy with the length, my ends were pretty dry and I knew that a good inch or so would need to go, as well as a general re-shape and tidy up. Roi expertly cut my mane into a much more manageable style that flattered my face frame and boasted plenty of movement. Better still, it actually felt healthy again!

Alexa Chung’s famous bed-head locks are down to George himself – you can even go to the salon for a tong tutorial – so Roi gave my barnet the Alexa finish. After blasting it into a smooth and frizz-free shape, he used ghd’s amazing creative curl wand to style my strands into loose, beach-style waves. Needless to say, those tongs have gone straight to the top of my wish list.

A spritz of hairspray to keep things in place and I was good to go. For a laidback vibe but really rather excellent service, I can’t recommend George Northwood more. While you won’t step out looking like Alexa and Rosie (some girls get all the good genes!), you will walk away with fabulous locks to rival theirs.

 

www.georgenorthwood.com

24 Wells Street,W1T 3PH, London