Salon review: Rae Palmer Southsea, Portsmouth
I don't usually like hair appointments - I have long hair that grows very slowly and hairdressers often want to cut off more than I would like. Happily, at Rae Palmer's Portsmouth-based salon, that wasn't the case. In fact, Rae began my consultation by saying that she didn't want to take too much off my hair - which for me, couldn't have been a better start.
I was asked what my long term hair goals were when I arrived, which took some thinking, having never considered goals for my tresses before. But I decided that I would like to get my hair into the best condition possible, so that less needs to be cut off and it can be as long and lovely as I please.
With this in mind, the instantly likeable Rae decided on a conditioning treatment to help the dry ends, a shiny semi-permanent colour to cover up the last of my growing out highlights and a trim to neaten up the ends...
Once my colour was applied, I was taken to a sectioned off area where the walls were clad with mood lighting and in the place of neck-cricking chairs were reclining massage beds. Once I was settled in I was given my own remote control to to choose which back massage I'd like while my hair was rinsed, shampooed, and showered in conditioning treatments. What with the massaging chair and all the head massages I got between each stage, I nearly fell asleep. Not to worry, though, my stylist brought me back to alertness to tell me I should do more at home treatments to keep my long hair in reasonable condition...bad timing, but ok then.
The useful advice kept coming throughout my time at the salon - Rae herself, who is training to become a trichologist, recommended that long hair should never be piled on top of your head when you wash it to avoid breakage, and let me in on which are the best brushes for blow drying (I'll tell you next week!).
Once my colour was finished and I emerged the proud owner of glossy, perfectly-suited-to-my-skin-tone hair, it was time for my cut. As my hair is long and thin so doesn't need too much attention, I've had it cut in as little as five minutes flat (thanks, Toni and Guy), but Rae spent a satisfyingly long time trimming and shaping my hair around my face, and the extra attention really showed in the finished cut - which was much more flattering that my previous layers.
I was so impressed with the finish and service that I would probably do something unheard of for me and go back to the same salon twice. Unfortunately I was so knackered after my drive home I forgot to snap a picture, but I can assure you it was the best my hair has ever looked - and it stayed that way until I was forced to wash it (dry shampoo only takes you so far). And I'm pleased to report it still looks good without a salon blow dry (although not as good, obviously).
Rae Palmer is a colour specialist with several awards to her name. The salon is located at 76 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. Ring 023 9242 6622 to book or visit www.raepalmer.co.uk.
More salon reviews: Fordham White, Soho, London | Paul Edmonds, Knightsbridge, London | Unruly Studio, Westbourne Grove
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