Headmasters

I can't believe it took 3.5 years for me to come here, and it's such a pity that I'm moving because I would love to come back.

I had an evening appointment with Vanessa. What I really appreciated about Headmasters was that I could get my hair cut and colored after work instead of trying to squeeze it in during a busy weekend, or duck out of work for a few hours. Who has time for that?!

Vanessa is a magician as far as I'm concerned. Soon after I arrived, she sat down with me to discuss what I wanted. She asked if I was open to a suggestion, and when a hair dresser offers a suggestion, I get giddy. Why? Because to me that says she (or he) is super-excited about their job, and more likely to give a result their client is happy with.

Her suggestion was a bit radical at first, but she was so excited, that I started getting excited, too. Her inspiration was Frankie from the Saturdays, and she said that my face shape and "petite features" would work really well for the cut. She Googled a picture to show me what I was getting myself into, and while I wasn't sure if I'd actually be able to pull of the asymmetrical cut, I figured she was the professional, and probably knew better than me.

We started off with a color. Since I've been in Britain, my hair has mostly been various shades of blonde. Not just blonde, but a blonde that didn't quite fit my pale skin tone, and I was ready for something different. I'd suggested going back to a brownish tone, and let her do the rest. The result was perfect. She gave me their "summer highlights" color which toned my hair down to a chocolately brown with a few more natural looking bits of reddish blonde. I absolutely love it.

Then the cut. I'd been eagerly anticipating the cut while I was waiting for my hair color to process. I'd not seen so much hair go flying off my head before, but as I saw more and more hair come off my head, I started seeing Vanessa's vision.

By the time my hair was finally dried and styled, I was in love with my new look. Vanessa knew exactly what she was doing, and I couldn't be happier. If I was sticking round the UK, I'd be back to Headmasters, and visiting with Vanessa every 6-8 weeks.

I got an ombré/balayage done today (see profile picture) - my stylist was Harps - I am SO happy, and have received lots of positive comments already & think people are even wanting to come to get the same thing done!

I made my appointment two days ago, when I was introduced to; and given an informative, friendly, and very useful consultation by Harps. I showed her pictures of what 'inspired' me and she explained why some were unsuitable, and why others were indeed able to be done, then she suggested what her plan was. I liked the sound of her plan so agreed to have it done her way!

When I arrived today, I was welcomed warmly by the lovely staff and offered drinks (I declined, purely because I was a bit overwhelmed (in a good way) by the amazing service), then Harps came and talked me through the plan and made sure I definitely wanted to go through with it! As she was doing my hair, she was very friendly and made lovely conversation, and after 1.5 hours or so of waiting for the colour to settle, she took me in to wash it off - there were MASSAGE CHAIRS that you sat on whilst you got your hair washed! So so good.

She gave me thorough instructions on aftercare afterwards! It was really expensive, but I definitely can see why and, needless to say, I am definitely coming back :-) so THANK YOU SO MUCH HARPS! And see you soon!!

This saloon is in the centre of Richmond, and pitches itself at the premium end of the market.


However, the haircut I received was well below standard. Despite giving very clear instructions of what I wanted, along with clear photographs, I received a totally different hair cut that was also technically poor, uneven, and no shape at all on the top as rather than cut it into shape the stylist seamed to cut it by thinning it and spent only 10% of their time on the top compared to 90% on the sides.


I went the next day to my old saloon with my tail between my legs and they couldn't believe how badly it had been cut. Or more precisely, how they clearly stopped cutting it when time was running out.


Many of my friends have had similar experiences when trying out stylists at these type chain saloons as its clear there isn't much quality control when taking on stylists, even ones they charge over £30 for.


The golden rule is get a personal recommendation, and try the independants.

I am a male with short hair, went there Sept 7 for the first time and only now got to write a review (apologies, I am doing this for you, though!). I received the worst haircut of my adult life (no exaggeration) from a rather young, inexperienced lady who kept asking me "if it feels good to me" (as if haircuts were meant to be felt and not seen). I have pretty normal hair and she couldn't for the life of her make the sides the same, nor cut the top evenly. My wife redid a lot of it at home with a clipper to make it passable - seriously, it was unbelievably bad. And £40! I am sure they have some capable employees, too - I just didn't get one. I'd describe her as young, just slightly overweight, on the shorter side, from London, dirty blond shoulder length hair. Be warned - pick somebody else to cut your hair!!!

I had a really good cut here last week - also had highlights which were a bit lighter than i wanted but I think that was due to a misunderstanding. The hair stylist seemed a bit grumpy but the cut was so good that i forgive her!