Unlike our American counterparts, beauty seems to have taken a back seat in most UK spas. We rave about the latest facial or most decadent massage, but I can’t remember the last time one of the Spa Spies came back from a review waxing lyrical about their hair treatment.
Which is a shame. How long have you been seeing the same hairdresser? They know what you like, have all of your records on file and remember your Christmas plans. But every once in a while, don’t you try a new lipstick colour? Or buy a pair of shoes that aren’t everyday wear, but you just loved them? So why not escape the mani/pedi throne and try something new with your hair!
We took the step to embrace spa hair at the Carol Joy Hair Salon at The Dorchester. Carol Joy has both hair and skincare ranges; many of the principles you’ll find in facials are actually used during the hair care treatments. We tried the Royal Treatment (yes, we felt like a minor royal), blow dry and an express manicure.
The hair salon is through the petit but pretty Dorchester Spa. The salon décor walks the line of white leather and floor-to-ceiling mirrors without giving into the temptation of bling. The six hair stations have huge mirrors and comfortable leather chairs. We loved the white ceiling light with decorated with mock scissors.
My stylist, Simona, talked me through the treatment, explaining the different steps. We would start with a mask for my hair and then steam my hair, opening the cuticles allowing the mask to sink in. Simona washed my hair, wrapped cotton around my crown and fitted a fabric cap which filled up with steam.
While the steam filled the cap and worked into my hair, Simona placed collagen pads under my eyes and Natalia started a manicure. She cleansed my hands and applied a collagen mask. Plump skin here we come!
Natalia removed the hand mask and massaged a rich moisturiser into my skin. Simona rinsed my hair and applied the second treatment which is sprayed directly onto the scalp. The high pressure air was tingly and the menthol was beautifully refreshing after the warmth of the steam. Simona dried my hair as Natalia painted my nails fire engine red.
My hair was silky, shiny and felt in much better condition. Simona managed my very fine locks into beautiful curls and I left the salon feeling as bouncy as my hair. With gorgeous hair, show stopping nails and 90 minutes of me time, I felt like I was ready to face busy Mayfair.
If visiting a spa is about quiet time – time to think, plan, evaluate, create – then a hair treatment will give you that, with some inherently visible results. With the Carol Joy Hair Salon I had the perfect afternoon treat before heading out for an indulgent evening.
Summer Spy
25th February 2016
Spy Likes:
Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages.
Spy Dislikes:
High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels.
