Nestled behind Holland Park station in a residential mews house, prepare to be transported into a hair Narnia when you step through the black double doors of Josh Wood's new atelier...
For it is just that; the word salon does not befit the beauty and splendour. From the squashy living-room sofar and bucket of champagne on the coffee table in the reception come office, to the live rainforest-esque wall of the atelier itself, it transports you into a different world, a shrine to the glory that is hair.
Wood was one of the co-founders of Chelsea's Real Hair, but since moving on to pastures new he has undoubtedly set his own rules when deciding on the decor this time round. Gone are the individual styling units in favour of one long, central white glass surface and a solid wall of mirror. Slightly disconcerting if, like me, you try and avoid your own reflection, but a fascinating insight into what the rest of the atelier is up to; let's face it, how many times have you strained your neck trying to get a view of the highlights going on in the far corner?
I arrived one chilly Saturday afternoon to be greeted by an exceedingly cheery American lady - forgive me for forgetting her name. So jolly was she that it instantly put a smile on my face. After a quick cuppa I was led through a mirrored corridor (achingly glam, I want one in my house) into the atelier; it literally takes your breath away when you first enter. I was given a stack of magazines (v. trendy - think Ponystep, French Vogue etc) and an iPad to play with before being introduced to Jack who would be working on my hair.
I was initially only expecting a blow dry, but after a brief hair assessment with Jack he recommended a trim. My hair is (was) uber long - past boob length - and the thing I consistently have trouble with is achieving volume. While a decent blow dry would help, Jack suggested the best thing for it was to chop off the couple of inches at the bottom where the split ends were thinning the hair and add some long layers, which would make it look much healthier overall and add natural volume.
And so I dutifully trundle over to the sinks, next to the live forest wall, and had a luxurious wash and deep conditioning treatment. During my trim and subsequent blow dry Jack recommended different products I should use to make the most of my mane; definitely a weekly deep conditioning mask and some kind of root lift spray for blow dries. My hair was left light and bouncy, with my much-longed for volume, and gorgeously soft and shiny. Though I initially balked at the thought of having my locks hacked away, I can see the difference in the condition since having the ends trimmed, and it's not that much shorter... it'll grow back...
A visit to Josh Wood will stand you in good company; as one of the world's most in-demand colourists he's responsible for a slew of Notting Hill blondes including Elle MacPherson, Sam Taylor-Wood and Laura Bailey as well as the A-List likes of Kylie Minogue and January Jones. Hi legendary 'halo-ing' technique involves creating a ring of highlights around the hair line, like a halo, to replicate the look you get when you have been in the sun with your hair back. Genius. Appointments with Josh are priced by consultation, but Wella colour with his team starts at £120 and with styling starting from £35 it's not a totally unaffordable luxury.
Josh Wood Atelier, 6 Lansdowne Mews, W11. To make an appointment email [email protected].
Love Laurel x
