Salon Review: Fordham White, Soho, London
With a head of roots about two inches deep and faded blonde colour from there onwards, I headed to Fordham White for my latest salon review and some much needed highlights and a fringe trim.
The salon is in the heart of Soho, so it's no surprise that it reflects the laid-back but stylish feel of the area. Fordham White clients are often creative types, probably encouraged by the pink and cream decor, the curvy bespoke sofa and the tasseled 'hair' ceiling. It's a salon that sits very cleverly on the line between pretentious and accessible. It looks super-cool, but the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is bustling and once you're in there you're never made to feel like you don't belong.
Getting down to business, my stylist took all of about three seconds to suss out my hair. It's thick, it's naturally fair, it's half straight and half wavy (apparently this is very common, and you can tell hair like mine from its spongy feel) and I was pleasantly surprised to be told it's in quite good condition considering it's very long and has been highlighted countless times. Intensive conditioner obviously does work!
After discussing what I wanted (he listened! And he didn't try and suggest stuff that I didn't want!) my stylist got down to business applying various different blondes to my hair to give me the Hollywood honey colour I love (not too brassy, not too Barbie). Highlighting is always a long, dull process, but I was kept entertained with talk of Big Brother, previous celeb clients and all the usual salon gossip (my lips are sealed, sorry). And thank God, not once was I asked if I was going anywhere nice on my holidays.
Once the colour had worked its magic (and I'd got through a stack of magazines) it was rinsed out, toner was applied and I was shampooed in what I have to say is the most comfy salon sink and chair set-up I have ever encountered. Fordham White's padded, electric reclining chairs were like a gift from God. I'd seriously consider going back here for a cut and blow dry simply to avoid the bruises on my neck from the traditional back-wash sinks!
The final step was a lot of combing (two sets of hands - I have a lot of hair) a fringe trim and a blow-dry, which left me with exactly the bouncy, sun-kissed blonde locks I'd hoped for. All in all, I had a very successful visit, and with a half head of highlights starting at £70, it was all at a very reasonable price for such a trendy part of London. You can see the results of my colour and blow-dry to your left - of course I could never recreate that shine at home, but a month on I can assure you the colour is still looking fabulous!
Fordham White, 47 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4EE
Tel: 020 7287 8484 | Fax: 020 7851 0338 | Email: reception@fordhamwhite.com
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