No one does cool, effortless, on-trend hair better than a Londoner, which is why if you’re headed to England’s capital this summer, you should be booking in for a hair overhaul. Whether you’re after a root refresh, a whole new cut, or a complete color transformation, these are the best salons to book into, as approved by Savoir Flair. And countless celebrities…
George Northwood
THE LOCATION
A short hop and a skip from London’s bustling Oxford Street, the George Northwood salon sits on a quiet street in the affluent Fitzrovia area, where you can find chic boutiques, upmarket brasseries, and many media and creative hubs.
THE VIBE
Stylish New York apartment. Split across two levels, the salon’s modern, industrial vibe is given cozy, homey touches (sofa areas where you can kick back with one of Northwood’s favorite books, hot desks complete with charging stations…) whilst cool, contemporary artwork (which is in rotation, so there’s always something fun to look at) adorns the walls. Needless to say, it’s also full of trendy yet understated people. But more on that in a second…
THE CLIENTELE
Those who want cool-girl, effortless, undone hair. Northwood isn’t dubbed the king of “undone style” for no reason. So, it’s hardly surprising the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, and Meghan Markle have him on speed dial. But even if you aren’t able to nab the man himself, he has personally trained every member of his team, so you’ll still leave feeling like one of his regular A-list clients.
THE EXTRA TOUCH
The freshly baked snacks are seriously on point and are made by Northwood’s wonderful mom. It’s safe to say you won’t leave hungry after devouring bowls of popcorn and her shortbread biscuits. She even makes the salon’s handmade origami Christmas decorations. You might be lucky enough to get a cuddle from Northwood’s greyhound Willow, too.
Hershesons
THE LOCATION
Amongst the artisan bakeries, lush green gardens, and refined multi-million-pound terraced buildings of London’s exclusive Belgravia, you’ll find Hershesons. Sandwiched perfectly between the upmarket Knightsbridge stores and the fancy eateries of Chelsea, the options are endless when it comes to finding a hot spot to show off your hot new ‘do.
THE VIBE
Where to start? This carefully created beauty space marries architectural detail with interior design to make sure it really stands out from the crowd. Industrial chic with slick, perfectly executed touches, it’s all exposed steel pipes, polished wooden floors, bathrooms that double up as selfie stations, and on-point lighting that’s been designed just so to be super flattering. Spread across two floors, you’ll find something new and exciting around each corner…
THE CLIENTELE
Pretty much every cool London girl looking for a fresh choppy lob or beachy ‘do, and the likes of Dua Lipa, Victoria Beckham, Keira Knightley… need we say more?
THE EXTRA TOUCH
To say this is so much more than just a hair salon would be an understatement. Here, you can not only transform your tresses, but your brows, nails, skin, and wellbeing, too, all thanks to experts from Dryby nails, Brows By Suman, and acupuncture by The Sarah Bradden Method. There’s also an in-house branch of Farm Girl Café, so you can treat yourself to a superfood smoothie, vegan brownie, or salad bowl, all without leaving your seat. As Chairman and founder Daniel Hersheson says, “By abandoning the idea of a traditional ‘salon’, Belgravia is a rule-breaking space designed to meet the needs of our ever-growing community”. And it’s amazing.
BCO London
THE LOCATION
Tucked away in the prestigious area of Marylebone, BCO London is perfectly positioned to explore some of the best boutiques and chicest cafés London has to offer. But being Brazilian and always jetting around the world to tend to the tresses of the A-list elite, founder Bernado Vasconcelos will soon be opening a few more branches, including in the UAE. Watch this space…
THE VIBE
Buzzing with energy, this is one salon full of life (and fabulous hair). The international team and multi-cultural stylists work their magic whilst upbeat music provides the perfect backdrop, and art collected from Vasconcelos’s travels adorns the walls. Not forgetting those golden VS Angel wings, of course. Clean and minimal with extravagant extras, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon being pampered to perfection.
THE CLIENTELE
One word – Gisele. Yes, Vasconcelos has worked his balayage magic (he did pioneer an exclusive Brazilian balayage/contour technique, after all) on the Brazilian bombshell, as well as on JLo, Izabel Goulart, and countless Victoria’s Secret Angels. If you want hair to rival Negin Mirselahi’s, look no further. Big, bouncy, beautiful blowouts and the best balayage in the business is their specialty.
THE EXTRA TOUCH
The freshly baked traditional Brazilian cake is reason enough to visit. Take a seat in the relaxation area and tuck in. You won’t regret it.
Neville
THE LOCATION
Another Belgravia beauty hotspot, Neville secured its spot in one of London’s most sought-after areas over 30 years ago. A few steps away are the designer boutiques of Sloane Street, and you can almost smell the Harrods fragrance department from your seat.
THE VIBE
Spanning five floors dedicated to all things hair and beauty (there’s everything from manis and massages to facials and bespoke brow treatments on offer), Neville occupies an elegant London townhouse. Simple but elegant with modern touches, the space is clean and fuss-free, with contrasting black-and-white detail, exposed brick walls, and flashes of color from the huge floral bouquets and seating areas. Speaking of color, Neville is famed for its pioneering techniques, including its signature ‘Silhouette Slicing’, which – like makeup contouring – flatters the face thanks to clever ‘slices’ of light and dark tones.
THE CLIENTELE
A swish salon calls for swish clientele, which is why this salon attracts London’s elite, including aristocrats and celebrities. Let’s just say if you have the title ‘Lady’, you get your hair done at Neville.
THE EXTRA TOUCH
To showcase just how good their stylists are, Neville’s blow-dry bar is taking things back to basics by removing heated tools. Yes, that means no damaging tongs or irons. You’ll be amazed by what a hairdryer and a lot of skill can do. A proud member of the Green Salon Collective, Neville doesn’t just look after your locks, but the planet too. Not only do they recycle hair, which is then transformed into mats and booms to protect shorelines and marine life from oil spills, as well as for compost, but they also donate to One Tree Planted to help offset their carbon footprint and to provide vital habitats around the world.
STIL
THE LOCATION
Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, STIL is the place to get your locks looked after if you’re out enjoying the market stalls on Portobello Road or the swanky stores of Westbourne Grove. Or if you’re still trying to find that blue door…
THE VIBE
Scandi chic meets modern art museum. With its white-washed walls, soft grey wooden floors, and minimalist, luxurious touches (plush leather seats, marble surfaces, Diptyque and Byredo candles…), STIL is the perfect place to have a moment of, well, still. Its cool, calming aesthetic has been specifically designed to allow hair color (the salon’s specialist service) to really pop and offers a holistic sanctuary of peace and calm.
THE CLIENTELE
Just like its interiors, the salon is uber discreet when it comes to revealing its clientele. But let’s just say a plethora of actors, musicians, and fashion and beauty insiders are always walking through its doors. Especially those looking for a cool new head of color. Here, consultations are a ritual, with everything from your skin tone to your eye color and lifestyle taken into account for a bespoke and unique analysis on what to go for.
THE EXTRA TOUCH
Feeling peckish? If the organic Swedish sweet treats and barista-level coffee options don’t quite cut it, you can always use the salon’s Deliveroo account to order a slap-up meal straight to your seat. Then you can choose from handpicked essential oils and enjoy a complimentary aromatherapy head massage during your treatment. Even your handbag will be taken care of, as there’s no dumping it on the floor or balancing it on the counter here. It will receive its very own protective felt basket, keeping it just as comfortable and looked after as you.
