Luckily, I have now found the perfect salon t'up north. One that has saved my hair after the biggest bleaching disaster I've ever had, stripped out layers of black hair dye and generally made me feel gorgeous and confident every time I go there. No, this salon isn't too good to be true, it's located on Whingate Junction (although it will be moving soon) and it is Gray's.
That's not to say I didn't have some good haircuts, as I definitely did. However, a few people just did what they wanted, others told me I was wrong to want my hair in a certain way and one charged mt £45 to have half an inch trimmed off the ends. Needless to say, I didn't settle on one salon for long.
It wasn't until I made the massive mistake of bleaching one half of my hair several times in a weekend to get it from black to white blonde that I found Gray's. I'd had to go to another hairdresser for an emergency cut as the damage was insane, but they didn't even out the bleached and non-bleached sides properly so I ended up with uneven hair that was breaking off on one side.
In the end I dyed it all back to black and made the decision to go for a more extreme chop and get a bob. This was a big decision considering the last time I got a bob, I cried and absolutely hated. I was, therefore, crazy nervous when I booked an appointment at the salon that had just opened down the road.
Secondly, it won't take you long to see how friendly everyone is. From the stylists to the other patrons, every person who walks through the doors is happy and enjoys a good natter. It genuinely feels like you're hanging out with friends rather than going to a salon, which is such a nice change from making awkward small talk with stylists or sitting in silence while they cat to their friends. Whether Gray's is quiet or busy, you can be guaranteed that there's a great atmosphere.
As well as looking and feeling great, the talent of the stylists really is amazing. I have never walked out of the salon wishing there was something different about my haircut or colour. Whether I'm getting my fringe trimmed, having a full cut or getting it coloured, I have always been completely happy with the results - and the price! I can't say this about any other salon that I have visited.
I also love seeing what they are doing to other people's hair as there is always an interesting cut or a super bright colour going on. If you want to do something big, bold and beautiful, Gray's is definitely the place to go. You need only look at their Instagram page to see that. This is why, when I'm asked for salon recommendations, I only ever send people to Gray's.
As well as being a salon, Gray's has also become a bit of a community, which is why I'm happily supporting some charity work they're doing. Stylist Danae is going to be shaving off all her hair on August 29th to raise money for St Gemma's Hospice, a cause close to her heart. Whether you've been to Gray's, have been inspired to book an appointment or simply want to support an amazing cause, please sponsor Danae here.
In short, Gray's Salon is amazing and you should all go there. End of.