Don’t Work…Rest and Play at The Chapel

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I have a confession to make and since it took place under the roof of The Chapel, I see it fit to tell I have been unfaithful.  At this point I should mention The Chapel in question is not of the ecclesiastical kind, but an award-winning hair salon in Islington, North London.  The part about cheating (on my regular stylist) is, however, gospel.

The Chapel in question takes its name from the first salon in Tunbridge Wells, Kent which opened in 2001 and is located in a former Baptist Chapel – hence the name.  Perhaps it’s ironic that its second salon – the one I visited – used to be a pub.

Chapel Islington offers a range of services for hair and beauty but it’s the launch of a new package called ‘Don’t Work…Rest and Play’, which they are excited about, and one I was privileged to be the first to try.

It had been about seven weeks since my last cut and three months since a colour but from the appearance of my dry, bedraggled ends, you’d have been fooled in believing it had been much longer.  I was greeted by one of the two directors and co-owner, Georgia Denton, a lady with platinum blonde hair, strikingly dark red lips and deep blue eyeliner, and who would be my stylist for the day.

I surrendered my handbag (phone included) which was locked away in a drawer and handed the key on a chunky bracelet (genius idea).

Guided into the consultation area, I plonked myself onto one of the large, plush sofas to have an indepth chat with Georgia about my likes and dislikes, my hopes and fears and what I basically wanted.  I was clear about one thing: I wanted something different, otherwise what’s the point of coming to a salon for the same old thing?

At this point we were joined by the second director of Chapel Islington, colourist Billie Crago.  Georgia and Billie are like two best friends you’ve always wanted when it comes to hair and make-up.  They listened attentively, eagle-eyed to my woes and concerns for about half an hour and offered their insightful, expert opinions.  That’s quite a lengthy time for a consultation, considering they usually last about three minutes at most salons.  Once satisfied, I was taken down to the basement to have my colour done first.

The premises are to be marvelled at.  Split on two floors, there are still reminders of the old pub such as the staircase that leads you down to the basement where the wash basins, colouring section and relaxation area is, which is absolutely beautiful.

In stark contrast, the loo is grand – not just in appearance but size too.  If I hadn’t foolishly locked my phone away, I’d have taken a snap of it to prove it.  It’s the most amazing toilet a salon could ever have!

On ground level, the actual cutting room has large comfy chairs with grand mirrors – miles away from the claustrophobic arrangements in a lot of salons – and it’s cut off from the reception area for complete privacy and free of distractions.

As Billie applied my colour from RedKen, she explained the reasons behind this new package she and Georgia have come up with.

It’s been designed to encourage guests to take time off from their busy schedules either by themselves or to come with a friend or family member to enjoy half a day of pampering and relaxation.

What’s included is a full hair consultation, colour, conditioning, cut and blow-dry, lunch and wine and free time to do your own Leighton Denny manicure and make-up from the Becca cosmetics range.

It’s actually a sound idea when you bear in mind how a large part of a busy Saturday is taken up getting your hair done with weekend time being so precious.  I popped along on a Friday which extended my weekend and put me in a good mood too.  After all you take time off because you deserve it and that’s precisely what The Chapel preaches.

Chat turned to make-up and what we both liked using, to then Billie’s illustrious background working in hair-dressing and colouring (she used to work for Lee Stafford, you know), so I knew I was in very good hands.

After Billie was done with my highlights, she took me to the sofa to relax in front of a fire while the colour developed.  There was no end to a supply of drinks and nibbles too, as I curled up and read my magazine.

Finally I was united with Georgia for my cut. I told her I had wanted a chop for years, but was too cowardly to go through with it.  However, the time had come to bite the bullet so I put my trust in Georgia who went from this…

…to this:

Boom!  Jessie J, Louise Brooks and Uma Thurman à la Pulp Fiction are a few complimentary comparisons I’ve received.  Mum said Cleopatra.  Bless.  I’m ecstatic with the fuller, blunt fringe, which I’ve always wanted but was advised against by other stylists.  According to them, this kind of fringe would be a big mistake for me. Yes, really. And I disagree, as do my family and friends.

Billie had worked her magic too.  My toffee-blonde highlights had been stripped and replaced with darker, richer tones to compliment my natural dark colour for the spring and summer.

For years, hairdressers have always given me layers cut at the top.  Georgia went the opposite and worked on layering from the bottom which levelled with my top layers to achieve the sleek, poker straight bob.  It’s a cut that’s radicalised my look and I’ve got to say, makes me look like one sassy, hot looking minx.  I’m telling you, jaws hit the floor when people saw this cut.

I left The Chapel with a bounce in my step.  Not even the rain dampened my spirits (and crucially my hair style), which stayed perfect for two days.  I truly had been pampered and preened, and the time spent left me utterly chilled out.  Every salon visit should feel like this.

The ‘Don’t Work…Rest and Play’ package is available from 1^st April and is valid between 10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Friday at a cost of £125 for one and £200 for two, and lasts 3 to 4 hours.

The Chapel also features a new and fairer pricing  system for regular colours and cuts – you are charged by the hour so if your hair style takes less time than someone with long, thick hair, you effectively pay less.  Your consultation is free and before your appointment, you will be told the full cost of your treatment so no hidden charges.

To find out more about The Chapel and its services, visit www.thechapel.co.uk.

Disclaimer: I was invited to The Chapel as a guest for review purposes.

About Post Author

Sheenie

sheenie@just-nice-things.co.uk

http://www.just-nice-things.co.uk

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