After a whirlwind few months, I found my hair desperately needed attention and was eager for a fresh change. As someone with fine hair, I initially thought my options were limited until the Vixen & Blush team contacted me for a collaboration involving a transformation with hair extensions. Before I knew it, I was heading to the salon! Established in 2012, Vixen & Blush has flourished remarkably. Initially a one-chair salon, Founder Sarah McKenna has cultivated a loyal clientele with her skilled team who believe that hair extensions should be applied by qualified stylists rather than technicians, emphasising the importance of good hair care principles and refined hairdressing skills. Sarah dedicated three years to exploring the globe for superior hair quality. She established The London Hair Lab back in 2018, a prominent wholesale distributor known for its top-notch quality. FIRST IMPRESSIONS Located just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, the salon’s bright and airy space was a welcome sight. The natural light streaming from the expansive windows overlooking Rathbone Square created a serene and cosy atmosphere. I was welcomed by Samantha, the Salon Manager, who has worked magic on clients’ hair for over a decade. During our consultation, we decided that micro bonds would be the ideal method for my hair transformation. They’re made from keratin resin, which is the same protein found in hair and nails, offering a discreet and versatile look. The volume gradually increases as each piece is carefully placed for optimal results. Samantha disappeared behind the scenes to hand-pick highquality hair from The Hair Lab to ensure the perfect colour match. After sectioning my hair, she began the process by taking small sections at a time, heating the bonds, and wrapping a keratin-tipped strand around my own hair. This was repeated until we achieved the desired fullness. We ended up using three-quarters to a full head of 22-inch micro bonds. Samantha picked up a hair straightener to ensure everything was nice and sleek before trimming the hair. We decided to add a few layers to frame my face and used a curling wand to create loose curls. HAIR GOALS The result was stunning, truly awe-inspiring and simply unforgettable – it exceeded all my expectations. My hair appeared voluminous, vibrant, glossy and incredibly natural. The team worked wonders, completely changing my look in just three hours! After my appointment, strolling through the streets of London, I felt transformed with a newfound confidence. The colour match was remarkable, blending seamlessly with my own hair and flowing effortlessly – I could barely detect the bonds. It took me a few days to adjust, but some useful tips and tricks from the team massively helped. I learned to scrub my scalp with up-and-down motions to minimise tangles, I ensured my hair was mostly dry before brushing with a tangle teaser to avoid breakage, applied a nourishing hair oil to keep everything hydrated and loosely braided my hair to keep it untangled at night. I consider myself a low-maintenance girly, so I was worried about having to style my locks more frequently. To my delight, the extensions turned out to be a game changer. I discovered that I needed to wash my hair less often, and once styled, it held its look for days! THE REMOVAL PROCESS Micro bonds can last up to three months, making them a more durable choice than other techniques. However, they aren’t reusable, so refitting the hair isn’t an option. Upon my return to the salon, the team guided me to a cosy chair to begin the removal process. The assistant applied a gel remover and used pliers to carefully break the bond before gently sliding the extensions out. The appointment lasted about 45 minutes and was comfortable, with no pain or discomfort. To prevent any damage, it’s essential to have these professionally removed! EXCHANGING VOWS For those getting married, the dedicated team at Vixen & Blush is committed to working closely with you during the consultation process to understand your vision. They take the time to listen to preferences, ensuring that the final result aligns perfectly with expectations. They recommend applying the extensions two to three weeks before your big day to achieve the best possible outcome. This timeline allows for necessary adjustments and lets you get accustomed to your new look. Their goal is to help you achieve the ideal look that reflects your style and enhances your beauty on one of the most important days of your life. THE FINAL VERDICT Overall, my experience at Vixen & Blush was smooth and stress-free. The team’s top priority was to deliver perfect results with the best quality hair while emphasising good hair care practices. I’ve fallen in love with hair extensions and will definitely be returning for future transformations! Love is in the hair Editor Olivia Gibson visits Vixen & Blush for the ultimate hair transformation BOOK NOW: www.vixenandblush.com REVIEW 67
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