If one thing is for certain, it’s that I am a Short Haired Sally. It’s been years since jealousy has reared it’s ugly head when I see a full head of long, rippling, gleaming hair. That shit just ain’t for me. It has, however, been a fair while since I’ve rocked the Signature Lil Asymmetric Cut. This has happened for a number of reasons. One, my hairdresser moved away. Two, I moved away. Three, NO ONE WANTED TO CUT IT OFF. I’ve been to a few different salons here in Leeds and if I’m honest, none of them have really made me happy. For some reason, there seemed an all round reluctance to cut my hair any shorter than my jawline. This was a worry for me because, as you well know by now, I am a complete convert to the shorter style. My hair gets wispy and fly-away the longer it gets and as referenced in my last post, the curls tend to drop out. So I took to Twitter, that wonderful place where dreams come true, and while I was speculating which salon to visit Russell Eaton got in touch and asked if I’d like to come in to see them. WAHEY! Here’s a before shot:

When I arrived the salon was busy. Very busy. It was also a lot bigger than I realised, with back to back styling stations running the length of the shop floor. I was greeted with smiles and introduced to Rob, the Salon’s Creative Director, who explained that Thursday night was late opening and thus was packed with ladies getting their hair did for the weekend. As soon as I started to explain what I wanted he seemed to know exactly what I meant and fetched some pictures to show what he thought matched up and would look good on me. We decided quite a bold cut would be the best option and, to be honest, anyone who says the word “edgy” in reference to me is instantly my friend, so my transformation began. First up was a head and shoulder massage using Aveda products. The salon is actually in partnership with Aveda and has a whole Aveda spa downstairs, as well as a shop packed full of lovely products to buy. I got to choose my favourite scented oil from a selection and the massage lasted a good few minutes. I thought this was a really nice touch because I often struggle to relax in salon situations what with all the noise and hustle and bustle and it really added to the whole pampering experience. Next, my hair was washed and conditioned with the Aveda Be Curly range.

Back in my seat, Rob began cutting my hair. Mid-way through, he asked if I had ever coloured it. I told him I hadn’t, or at least not properly (I had a short jaunt as a brunette when I was a 17 year old emo) so he asked if I wanted to try any colour while I was there. I jumped at the chance as my hair tends to get a little mousey in the colder seasons and something bright sounded perfect. He talked me through what he thought would be a good look for me and showed me boards of Nicola Roberts, Florence Welch and some models from high-fashion ad campaigns sporting quite a shocking red colour. I opted for a Florence-esque copper and we decided to keep the ends lighter, because the ends of my natural hair are generally pretty light compared to the root and I was a bit preoccupied about it looking fake. I was really surprised at how long the process took (barely half an hour!) and I was left to browse a magazine and sip my tea while the colour took. I was also lucky enough to get a hand massage thrown in and a tour of the downstairs spa area which was seriously tranquil and somewhere I’d love to go with friends in the future. Possible hen-do idea right there.

After the colour was washed out, Rob dried my hair using a diffuser and then finished a few strands off with some straighteners to add an extra curl. I found the whole drying and styling process pretty interesting to watch because it’s something I’m constantly trying to get right at home, so the hints and tips from Rob were very welcome. I think the mistake I make all too often is blasting my hair until it’s truly bone dry in order to try and pump some volume into it. Rob told me to always leave a little moisture in my mop after drying and styling as this will help prevent that frazzled look later in the day. So… are you ready? Here’s the finished product:

The short side in the picture is actually mirrored on the other side but the middle section is longer. I can wear my parting on either side now and I’m pretty excited to try out a few different looks. I’ve been washing and styling it myself now for just over a week and it needs such a small amount of work in the mornings when I get ready and the volume stays in it until my next wash. Love it!

I’m so happy with both the cut and the colour that I booked before I left to go back for a trim in 8 weeks time. For the first time in ages I left a salon feeling like I’d had a really great experience and I was swooshing my hair all the way home. I can see myself becoming a loyal customer of Russell Eaton and I’m also excited to get my nails done there occasionally for a treat :) If you’re local to Leeds I really urge you to go along to the Salon, it’s on Boar Lane at the bottom of Briggate so perfect if you work or live in the city centre. I would really recommend Rob, but obviously he’s the Creative Director so can get a little pricey (my eyes popped when I got home and read the price list, believe me) but I think the fact I’ve already booked to go back for another cut proves that I think it’s worth the cash. I also think that if you have a cut with a lot of personality like mine, it pays to look after it and I think I’ll actually save money because I don’t need as many products.

Could I gush anymore do you think? Maybe it’s time to round this off…

Check out the Russell Eaton website (they also have a salon in Barnsley) and follow their tweets

You can also visit some other Leeds lovelies and see what they thought! Jen @ A Little Bird Told Me and Victoria @ VIPXO both have posts up about their experiences, don’t forget to tell them I sent you!

Have you ever gone for the chop? Are you loyal to one hairdresser or do you shop around? What do you look for in a salon?

Disclaimer: Russell Eaton were kind enough to treat me to this cut and dye job in exchange for a review – I’m not lying when I tell you I bloody loved it though, honest!