As those of you who have followed by various blogs will know, I have long been on a quest for the perfect hairdressing experience.
A friend in the industry, told me about The Chapel and how they are different, so I set out to see for myself, how different could they really be?
Just a few minutes walk from Angel tube in London’s vibrant Islington, The Chapel is a genuine haven!
The experience starts even before you set foot in the salon with the most efficient and friendly pre-care!
I was called personally to arrange my pre-appointment consultation and skin test which was then followed up with an email and calendar appointment – perfect for my planning OCD!
The purpose of pre-appointment is to meet your stylist and discuss ideas and techniques so that on the day of the appointment you are already good to go!
At the pre-consultation I met the amazing Karlene for the first time, she listened to exactly what I wanted, and then explained various techniques that would work, explaining all the jargon and basically simplifying everything so we genuinely understood each other.
At The Chapel they provide a genuinely tailored service so it’s not just ‘babylights’ or ‘balayage’ but a combination of both if that is what your goal look requires. Karlene took into account my hair’s texture and existing colour and explained how she would create my dream look.
It was a really personalised experience and I left feeling super excited about my appointment in a few days time, rather than anxious about whether I would be misunderstood or pushed into something I didn’t want.
The other truly unique thing about The Chapel, is that they charge by time rather than by service. This was music to my ears, I was so tired of choosing a service that fitted a salon’s price list rather than choosing the look that I wanted.
This means that the cost is based on time taken, so your consultation (complimentary), colour regardless of technique(s), your shampoo, toner, treatment, blow dry and style can be completely bespoke for whatever you and your stylist agree your look needs!
On the day of my appointment I was greeted by the most smiley and friendly receptionist I’ve ever come across, she ushered me out of the snow and into the deceptively large salon and took my coat whilst simultaneously taking my drink order.
Then it was into the cosy sofa area before we got started – The Chapel recommend you get there early if you can so you can have time to decompress and forget the stress of your job/commute/deadlines and get into the zone.
Karlene then came and sat with me briefly on the sofa, despite how many clients she must see every day, she remembered me and our ideas perfectly, we quickly recapped on the plan and then we got started. Throughout, it felt we were working as a team. You could tell how skilled she is an artist, but she has such a warm and laid back manner as well, which just made the whole experience enjoyable, I felt completely safe in her expert hands.
After my shampoo, I was given an amazing head massage, with my feet elevated in their super comfortable basin chairs, the whole experience took on even more of a luxe spa feel!
When we were finished, I couldn’t stop smiling, I was unbelievably happy with my colour, cut and style. I came away with the colour combination I have always wanted and Karlene also gave me loads of advice on how to style it and care for it afterwards, she showed me some simple techniques that even I can manage at home. I felt like I had been on a styling Masterclass on top of everything else!
At the end Karlene told me that at The Chapel you can just book a shot slot like 15-30 minutes and pop in for a fringe trim or a few extra babylights so you can constantly maintain or update your look without needing a full appointment again each time!
Finally, Karlene listed all the products she had used and that she recommended for my hair.
I was genuinely thrilled with everything about this place, not only will I be returning, I think its safe to say I won’t be going to another hairdresser for a very long time!
The Chapel also have Salon’s in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Verbier.
Words Carlotta Stephens
