Salon Review: HOB Salon, Leeds
Review: Jennifer Bonfield
For my visit to the Leeds branch of HOB Salons I was scheduled for a colour appointment with Alex Freeman; the salons resident colour expert. Once whisked to my chair and offered a menu of beverages, Alex explained we could discuss two colour options. He suggested he could freshen up the mid-section with one shade of light blonde which will give a block, fairly flat colour, or he could weave through subtle highlights mixed with caramel lowlights to give texture and movement for a more natural, highlighted look. I opted for the latter as i knew it would be easier to maintain and introduce different hues if I wish at my next colour appointment. Alex explained he would apply the lightest blond shade using a foil technique and then simply paint on caramel colour in-between.
Alex is somewhat of a raising star in the world of hair colourists, having taken second place in last years Wella Colour UK Final (the hairdressing industry’s most prestigious competition), in the Colour Category for the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award. This year for Alex’s re-entry to the competition he has sailed through the Regional heats and now goes on to compete for the UK title in October.
In terms of hair products I was recently introduced to the benefits of scalp exfoliation treatments and Alex recommended the at-home version should be used on a regular basis as “healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp”. He recommends Nioxin products which are particularity great for fine hair (like mine) and also recommended the Nioxin thickening spray, which is applied before blow drying to give roots a boost.
After an hour and half of colour application I was left to peruse the latest issue of Vogue whilst listening to the pretty fantastic 90’s Britpop and Indie soundtrack of Oasis, The Stone Roses and Pulp classics.
After 25 Minutes it was time take out the foils and rinse the colour. After a Nioxin shampoo, conditioner and brassiness banishing toner with a very chatty, and very lovely apprentice, it was time to take a seat with Gary who was to give my tresses a trim. Gary used Alterna Bamboo 24 hr Volume Spray and Alterna Caviar Multi Vitamin Heat Protection to nourish the hair shaft and boost root volume and proceeded to perform a very swift, skilled blow dry. With more blow dry technique than I knew possible, he made my naturally wavy barnet straight and sleek without even a glimpse of the ghd’s.
I loved the colour, the cut and the very fabulous blow dry. Alex and Gary were also both pretty fabulous. If your not familiar with HOB Salons I’d suggest you pay these brilliant guys a visit.
HOB Salons Leeds would like to offer ALL new clients 50% OFF your 1st Cut & Colour Service.
To redeem this exclusive offer, call the salon now on 0113 243 5555.
T&CS: not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Appointment subject to availability with selected Stylists only. Please quote ‘groomed&glossy50’ when booking your appointment. Offer valid until 31st October 2015