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One of the very first posts I ever wrote on Just Nice Things (or Helen & Sheenie’s Nice Things, as we used to be known as) was a post all about my trials and tribulations with my hair. You can read it here – not just yet though, please read this post first. I’ve been battling my natural curl for well over ten years now and have tried many of the straightening treatments on the market, from the Yuko to the Wellastrate, to good old GHDs.
I was recently offered the opportunity to visit Equus, a salon in the prestigious Knightsbridge area of London to experience a keratin treatment, or a 12 week blow dry. I jumped at the chance, as my hair had finally grown out its last treatment, and so it was time to test out something new. I’d heard good things about the keratin treatment, and even better things about Equus so I caught a very early train to London with a spring in my step.
Situated just over the road from Harrods, Equus is what I would refer to as a stately salon. It isn’t buzzing with crazy haircuts and trendy teenagers, but actually I prefer that it isn’t like that. I stopped going to Toni & Guy years ago as I always felt they sneered at me when I asked for a trim rather than some wacky dye & razor job. Equus is immaculate, with a light and airy feel whilst at the same time being utterly appropriate for the loaded old lady clientele that a Knightsbridge salon is prime catchment for.
I was immediately made to feel relaxed and comfortable by the Equus team (led by colourist extraordinaire & Balayage expert, Jack Howard) and was informed every step of the way about what was happening by Maggie, the stylist assigned to me.
A 12 week blow dry is very different to the previous straightening treatments I have had. Procedures like the Yuko break the bonds in your hair to such an extent that you are left with poker straight locks that have no volume whatsoever. I was told from the get-go that I wouldn’t have poker straight hair here, and the principle of the keratin treatment was a more gentle relaxant designed to make hair more manageable.
After having my hair washed, the lotion was applied. My hair was then blow-dried with a brush, and then straightened. The straighteners were vibrating ones, which I had never seen before but apparently not only is the temperature adjustable, but the vibrations mean that you don’t have to have them as hot as regular straighteners. All I know is that it made the root of my hair vibrate and tickle and kept making me giggle.
The entire process took about an hour and a half. Well, should have done. It actually ended up taking closer to three hours as, well, to be quite honest, my hair was in a bit of a state. Maggie spent a loooong time precisely cutting off the dead and split ends of my hair, which I rarely pay attention to since having it curly again. Bad I know. I wasn’t lectured or made to feel bad though, which I really appreciate, as there is nothing worse than being ticked off by someone you’re engaging to do a service for you. The meticulous manner in which she examined and nipped at practically every hair on my head was utterly professional and you could tell was the trademark of someone who really cares about their work.
I was told that I really needed to have my hair trimmed every eight weeks and that my bi-annual lop wasn’t going to cut it (haha) any longer. And Maggie was right. You know that blunt, sharp effect you get when your hair is freshly trimmed? Well you forget how nice and healthy it makes your hair look. And I would quite like my hair to look like that all the time.
So, straightened and preened to perfection, I was packed off with explicit instructions to keep my hair dry, straight and not to wash it for three days. Three days? Ugh. I wash my hair every day. But apparently a little touch of dry shampoo was ok.
And then the unthinkable happened. I stepped out of the salon (just like in the advert) and the heavens opened. Torrential rain. Storm. Pouring down. I had a brolly but it was little help in this barrage of water. I ducked into every shop doorway between Equus and Harrods, before finally taking refuge in the latter’s beauty department (I know, I don’t need encouragement). Finally the flood slowed to a drizzle and I sprinted the last part of the journey to the tube.
I followed my instructions, I followed them to the letter, I swear. So on the Wednesday morning, my greasy head and I took to the shower with some trepidation and relief. I left my hair to dry naturally and it was as though nothing had happened. Oh. The next day, I blow dried it gently with a brush and it was frizzy. That day it rained again and I was left with curls that little orphan Annie would have been proud of. Oh dear.
What do you do in this scenario? I’ve never had to complain to a hairdresser before, and this was made slightly more awkward in the fact that I wasn’t actually a paying customer at Equus, my treatment had been arranged by the PR company. Thankfully, Jack got in touch with me via Twitter to ask how I was getting on, and I had to be honest. I’d followed all the instructions, but for some reason it just hadn’t worked. Maybe my hair was used to stronger stuff like the Yuko?
So, without further ado, I was instructed to get myself back to Equus asap so that they could take another look. Fabulous. It was pretty much universally agreed that the weather that I got caught in was probably what led to the treatment not working properly. There was so much damp and humidity in the air that it had counteracted the keratin. No-one’s fault.
I was whizzed through another treatment and left the salon, grateful that Maggie had taken the time to try again. I did feel a bit hopeless and embarrassed, but again, off I went, promising to take good care of my hair. Thankfully it was a bright sunny day and the rain decided to give me a break over the next three days too.
So, I washed it. Left to dry naturally, it is undoubtedly curly. Not quite as curly as before, but still ringlety. However, whack a hairdryer on it and I was amazed to discover that I had perfect straight hair with just the right amount of volume. In moments. Beforehand, drying my hair was a bit of a labour of love, involving numerous products and a good old dose of heat, but now I have my dream hair in less than five minutes. And the shine is in-sane.
The 12 week blow dry costs between £195 – 315 depending on the length of your hair. Expensive, yes, but look at the shine and condition of my hair and decide for yourself whether you think it is worth it.
Thankyou to all of the team at Equus who made both my visits so pleasant. I am very grateful and impressed at the way in which I was looked after by a talented team who really do put customers’ happiness first. Equus is located at 176 Brompton Road, SW3 1HQ, (tel 0207 584 0105) and you can find out more about the salon and its services here
Helen
*I was a guest of Equus and therefore received both treatments free of charge.*
All salon photos are reproduced courtesy of the Equus website.
This sounds pretty incredible, to be honest! I am not really in the market for all kinds of reasons (surfeit of small children, paucity of time / money… oh, and my hair is still reasonably straight). But if I *were* after this kind of thing, I’d be booking immediately!
You’re so lucky, I had my first keratin treatment at the beginning of September and i swear to god it lasted maybe a 5 days / a week and that was it.
Such a huge massive disappointment as it’s something I could do with, but I’m glad I paid the £59 Group On price and not the £250 the salon usually charged.
Certainly put me in 2 minds about ever having it done again!
The shine is amazing (I read all of your posts with your voice in my head so I giggled at the in-sane comment). I like how the keratin treatments make hair more manageable and don’t knock out volume. A great response from Equus too when it didn’t work out the first time. I’m really impressed.
Jx
Your hair looks incredible. The shine is amazing. That’s really nice that the salon repeated the treatment.