Category: Hair

In a time of uncertainty like today with an impending recession, wars, debt crisis, inflation, energy and food shortages, as well as a disrupted supply chain, holding on to our hard-earned cash is a priority for most.

Choosing where and how to invest has become a necessity and a reality that applies also to our beauty routine.

I have been working in the hair and beauty industry for over 20 years and have noticed over that time frame, that beauty consumers invest in the service (whether it be a good colour or hair cut) but then fail to invest in the routine that will permit them to maintain and extend the lifespan of their hair investment.

Whether it’s picking up a supermarket shampoo or skipping the much-needed maintenance conditioning treatment out of ease or lack of time, we omit that these actions have drastic consequences to our hair and counter the effects of the initial investment.

In a world where we are buying the correct products for our cashmere sweaters to maintain its quality and softness, why do we not have the same approach to hair?

Take supermarket products for example, which are often white labelled, they are cheaper for sure, but the quality of active ingredients in these products are poor. In order to nourish the hair, it’s important to use products which are catered to your hair type but are also dense in active ingredients. The more active ingredients your shampoo contains the more expensive the product will be. It’s important to remember that you should treat your hair with the same care and attention as you would your skin. Ultimately, you need a product that repair the hair from the inside out as opposed to just coating the hair shaft. You will also notice that when using a better-quality product of superior quality, you won’t need to use as much of the product and will notice that your hair will improve vastly over time.

I often think of supermarket products as band-aids for the hair, they cover the scar, but they don’t really help diminish it. Amongst the best active ingredients on the market, I favour macadamia, aloe Vera and pro-vitamin B-5 amongst others. These help the internal structure of the hair by restoring strength, elasticity and shine, which are vital components of healthy hair. The ingredients we should avoid at all costs are formaldehyde, methylene and sodium chloride, I call them hair-nemies.

With that in mind, at Neville Hair and Beauty we have created a bespoke 3-step approach to help you get the best out of your hair.

The Chelsea Cut

The Chelsea cut at Neville Hair and Beauty lasts for much longer than the life-span of a butterfly! This cut offers more than just a re style - the cut is a health cut for hair, giving you an opportunity to refresh lifeless hair but without taking away the length.

Also, if you are stuck in a hair rut but want to spread your wings by adding some Va-Va-Voom the Chelsea cut is for you. The cut is a versatile layered hairstyle.

Neville Hair and Beauty stylists are famed for taking a slice of hair history and refreshing it with a modern edge. The Chelsea cut is a nod to the 90s shag but a versatile cut, where the layers are placed to flatter the shape of your face. The Chelsea cut frames the face but also adds some youth and volume.

The Chelsea cut is carried out using the Thermal Scissors System, a revolution in hairdressing and hair cutting. The state-of-the-art Thermal Scissor System is the hair hero. By cleverly warming the blades, the natural qualities of the hair are preserved by sealing the ends.

Permed, bleached and treated hair can all have a slice of this new scissor action and will be totally transformed into healthy hair.

This cutting tool provides a two-pronged attack. You receive a superb Neville Hair and Beauty cut with the knowledge your hair is being treated to a new type of cut, that will heal your hair for good.

The beauty of this cut is that it can be adapted to both long and short lengths and does not compromise the length, so not drastic but more dashing. . A total win-win.

Jack Merrick-Thirlway, Creative Director at Neville Hair and Beauty explains: The Chelsea Cut is a great way to give your hair shape, movement and versatility, without losing length. The most important factor of any haircut is the shape that cuts around the face as this determines whether the look suits or not. The Chelsea cut really is about the face framing layers that we then use to choose layer length and base length to create balance for the overall look.

Whether curly or coily in its most natural state, fashioned into protective braids or twists, or restyled with wigs, the flexibility of textured hair holds no bounds. Where straightening texture hair previously called for potentially harmful chemical relaxers, a newer, more natural technique is surging in popularity, the Silk Press Treatment. The best part? The results are similar, but damage is minimal.

What is a silk press?
To have the option of going straight in a safe way is game-changing. The silk press is a method of hair straightening used on textured hair, which ensures an incredibly smooth and silky finish. The total game changer is that no chemical relaxers are needed and will last as long as you keep your hair away from water, steam or sweat.
Using Keracare’s three-step thermal wonder system – which is designed for silk press treatments – texture hair specialist Kash Bishop pre-preps hair with the conditioner, washes it out with the moisturising shampoo, then applies the sealing heat protectant to towel-dried hair.

A silk press is vastly different from the hair scorching torture where hair was left stiff as cardboard. Silk Press is far gentler and more detailed, as each section is straightened in small pieces using a special method which includes slow passes and a paddle brush to further detangle leaving hair soft. The straighteners allow the stylist to monitor the heat more accurately, depending on the coarseness of the client's hair. Minimal product is used, too, which results in the hair having maximum motion.The key benefit is that the technique allows every texture to go straight, regardless of how loose or tight the natural curl pattern is. In the past, women often had to turn to chemical relaxers to achieve this effect, but the Silk Press has come along to turn this on its head.

Spring has sprung at Neville Hair & Beauty

Philip Martin’s colour ambassador Domenico Casella unveils three new colour looks created at Belgravia’s flagship salon

Hailing from Florence, Domenico Casella has brought over his amazing Italian flair to the world of colour.
Domenico, who has worked in the industry for almost 15 years, has pioneered his “Hybrid Hair” also known as Shatush; a free hand technique exclusive to Neville and
Philip Martin’s using only a cone and his hands; which colours only the hair which would naturally be ‘kissed’ by the sun. Similar to balayage, Shatush is extremely soft and creates the subtlest results. Domenico has created the perfect colour service for those wishing to add dimension to their hair.

With a passion for organic colouring techniques and organic treatments for hair care, Domenico only uses the best quality products, which is why he has partnered with Philip Martin’s to be one of their Global Colour ambassadors and create these three new Spring Colour looks exclusive to Neville Hair & Beauty, available now. Casella says of the new looks; “the inspiration of the looks has arrived after a long research about the trends of the moments, the best trends of the past, and trying to predict what people will like and what our Clients would wear, as a classy, modern and effortless look.”

Peach Bellini:

Fashionable, more youthful but very sophisticated, Peach Bellini celebrates individuality and self-expression. The look combines the updated shag haircut of the 70’s with a Peach coloured rinse for a new and updated shade of blonde. To achieve the look Domenico starts by using his free hand Shatush technique, adding dimension and subtle sun-kissed colour, but the results are softer and more subtle. The foil-free shatush technique is used to add dimension to the hair and frame with a brighter and lighter colour. After the hair has lifted, Domenico washes the hair before applying the new pigment by Philip Martin’s called Colour Split. This is left on for ten minutes before being rinsed in cold water for extra shine. The look is styled to appear lived in.

Classic Renaissance:

The classic Renaissance look exclusive to Neville Hair and Beauty developed by Domenico Casella for Philip Martin’s is a luxurious copper tone. The hue frequently found in nature represents the need to take a more natural approach to beauty just like the natural henna colour used to achieve this look. To create the copper tone Domenico starts by face framing the face using his foil free Shatush technique. After a good rinse and shampoo, he applies the copper coloured Colour Split to the roots for added depth. He then without rinsing, applies a mixture of different Philip Martin’s Henna tones to the roots, lengths and ends for 30 minutes. Henna is a natural colour service that tones, purifies, moisturizes, volumizes and offers the best re-pigmentation to faded and brittle hair. The treatment, created with dyeing herbs based on Lawsonia Inermis (in nature Intense Copper) and other herbal blends, allows the creation of a wide range of reflections.

Money piece:

The low-key Money Piece look by Domenico Casella for Philip Martin’s, which was inspired by Elena Lavagni, the owner of Neville Hair and Beauty, consists in very strategically placed colour that creates a soft pop at the front. Designed for international women on the go who are seeking a refined, comfortable and manageable look it was achieved by weaving in highlights delicately around the face to frame your facial features, using the foil free Shatush technique. Domenico then tones the hair with Philip Martin’s new pigment Colour slide and glosses the look with Henna for a vibrant, natural looking and high shine effect.

Lockdown generated a worldwide awakening when it comes to hair health and that is a general consensus for all hair types. But while majority of treatments, cuts and haircare advice are targeted to hair type 1, 2 and 3, less frequently is advice offered to those with type 4 hair. At Neville Hair and Beauty, we are aware of this discrepancy and have turned to textured hair specialist Kashif Bishop to get his advice on protective hairstyles, and essential part of healthy hair care for those who wish to embrace natural hair.

Protective hairstyles as the name suggests, are a range of hairstyles destined to minimise manipulation, manage length retention and keep the ends of the hair tucked away for recovery. This type of styling protects hair from daily aggressors such as sun, heat and bad weather. Wearing such hairstyles makes hair less prone to knotting and snagging on clothes or accessories but also protects the lengths and ends of the hair. Protective styling also proves beneficial for the roots and hairline, as the various styling options shift the places of tension on the scalp.

When it comes to determining which protective styling is right for you, Kash says that trial and error is unfortunately the only way to figure out the most comfortable style for you. Each protective style has its own life span and varies from style to style. Braids and twists for example could be worn between 2 weeks to a month, depending on how well the style is protected. These can be protected with either a braid spray, leave in conditioner in addition to silk scarves and pillow slips. Buns on the other hand, can be changed daily depending on how comfortable you are with styling your own hair, however this can be rather time consuming. If buns are your go-to protective style, the use of silk scrunchies or hair ties is recommended to avoid any breakage.

Kash, who also personally wears protective hairstyles, tends to prefer twists due to their low maintenance aspect. Once done you don’t really have to think about the style any longer until it’s time to change. Another favourite of his are single plaits as they are really versatile, and you can push the boat out and be creative by adding coloured extensions.

If protective hair styling is of interest to you, you should be aware that it does require some prep work to fully reap the protective benefits says Kash. It is important to ensure that your hair is not too brittle and dry but equally not drenched with product. Kash therefore recommends heading to your stylist for a consultation prior to making any big decisions. Curly hair types have a tendency of knotting so it’s very important to ensure your hair is untangled. This can be achieved by using your fingers as a rake or by using a wide tooth comb or Neville Paddle Brush. Your stylist will then be able to assess your exact curl pattern and get your hair in top shape before styling you hair in its new protective style.

Once your protective style of choice is in, Kash recommends wearing a silk scarf or turban at bedtime to avoid unwanted friction. Then during the day, you can embellish your style with gems to give it a modern edge.

For more information call us on 0207 235 3654 or Email Info@nevillehairandbeauty.net

Strength and resilience is so often shown through hair. Power hairstyles have been created through the centuries, for example the Victory Roll post World War Two. Neville Salon predict the return of the Chanel power Cut. An investment cut that shouts 'we will not be thwarted post pandemic.’

Elena Lavagni, Director of Neville says, 'Coco Chanel once said post World War 1.‘ The first world war made me, I woke up in 1919 famous’. Already the phone is off the hook at Neville Salon since yesterday’s announcement. We all deserve to look and feel fabulous after this tricky year and at Neville that is what we are all about - spoiling our clients.’

Whether you're looking for something soft and short, a choppy Pixie crop or just lifting your bob a few inches to lobe-length, lopping the lot away can feel utterly liberating – like shaking off the weight of a heavy year (we're speaking about you, 2020). This cut is everything that represents a strong spirit in a woman. The jaw defined by the chin length hair with a very blunt fringe. Super sophisticated and classy.

Both long-term converts and new-comers can benefit from something more drastic, since short cuts are as versatile as they are easy to maintain. Plus, they're easier to pull off than you'd think, once you find the right shape for you... In fact, there's nothing like pruning back layers of hair to help open up your face and make the most of your features – hello there, cheekbones.

Ahead of the hairdressers reopening, it's well worth considering all your options and getting an idea of the type of crop that could work for you. You could dip your toe in with a slightly longer length chop – like a lob, or the short (but not too-short) collar bone bob.

If you want to take it up a notch, you could take the French bob we've been eyeing up all summer for a spin. It's short, it's flirty and oozes serious style and says ‘I've invested in my hair’. What is sure is that this power cut has resurrected itself post pandemic.

Book in Dec 2nd for your Post Pandemic Power Cut

Call us on 0207 235 3654 or Email Info@nevillehairandbeauty.net

At Neville Hair and Beauty, we have re-discovered Henna a natural powder that lifts hair and nourishes it at the same time. An organic highlighter powder derived from the native henna tree that is not only kind to hair but also kind to the environment. Sustainability becoming a focal point for the salon has meant we are continuously on the lookout for friendlier more natural products. Philip Martin’s does just that as the brand combines nature and science in innovative, patented and certified plant formulas.

Henna is packed with vitamins and nutrients and also aids scalp circulation. By using Henna, you are helping your scalp get some much-needed pampering. Research has shown that by turning to henna it will help eliminate split ends.

This organic and 100% plant-based colour is almost a semi-permanent colour, it will give a soft shade and tone to white hair, without lifting the natural base colour. The white hair, coated in henna pigment, will give subtle movement to your colour and a delicious depth without lifting the natural base colour.

The end result is micro lights. This toner works wonders on ladies gracefully going grey but desire a three-dimensional vibrant look. A 100% plant-based pigment that adds colour to the shaft of each hair, so that the hair also feels fuller. Rather than a bleach-based colour that strips and thins your hair.

We firmly believe you cannot recreate a beautiful salon colour from home so have researched the kindest ingredients that a salon can offer clients. Wellbeing, hair health has led to the new Henna Hair.

During this very stressful unprecedented time, people are seeing physical effects of their stress and angst. These physical effects can include irritable skin such as eczema and psoriasis and temporary hair loss also known astelogen effluvium. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop an episode of telogen effluvium, but we can help to prevent it by keeping a healthy clean and cared for scalp. Hair is made up of primarily protein (keratin), so it’s no surprise that sufficient protein is vital to maintain and grow hair. Also, be sure to avoid very tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, or chemical-based treatments, as these can contribute to hair loss and irritable scalp.

It is very important to keep the scalp clean and purified from the pollution and build up from products - this could create scalp inflammation and scalp problems. We have just re-launched the scalp facial at Neville Hair & Beauty which can help cleanse the scalp like you would your skin in a facial. It is important to treat your scalp like you would any other part of your body - keep it clean and hydrated.

It is vital that you steer away from dry shampoo - it is the biggest enemy for your scalp unless you have regular scalp facials. Dry shampoo creates a build up on your scalp and can be difficult to remove with an at home shampoo. This in turn can create a film which could give you oily hair and blocked follicles.

The secret to a long lasting blowdry and style is a clean scalp. A clean scalp keeps the hair follicles cleaner for longer, and in good health.

What is Neville Hair & Beauty doing to help combat this?

The Scalp Facial is a newly revisited treatment that targets the health of the scalp.

The quest for healthy, full, shiny hair begins with a healthy scalp. If you think how dirty your body gets after a day, then imagine what your hair and scalp contend with… hands, sweat, the back of bus and Tube seats and environmental pollution. In the same way that using the right skin care can help our skin to look healthier and younger, using regular scalp masks to exfoliate and stimulate can help promote a healthy scalp and hair.

When it comes to this extra dose of TLC, it is Neville’s view that Londoners are the most in need. “One of the main factors that affect the condition of the scalp is stress, which is particularly common with Londoners who have highly pressurised jobs, as it can stimulate more androgens, the male hormones that can be responsible for hair thinning, and it can also exacerbate dandruff. As our hair is made of the protein keratin, a poor diet can also contribute to the cause of hair loss. With Londoners working longer hours, people are often tempted to eat takeaways or ready meals, which aren’t rich in the nutrients our bodies need.” comments Elena Lavagni, owner of Neville Hair and Beauty, which has tended to the attention-starved follicles of many celebrities and aristocrats in its 30 years.

They begin by brushing hair from roots to tips to shift the natural oils from the scalp through to the ends, a manual exfoliation. They then slather the head with a chosen organic oil, be it bergamot, rosemary or eucalyptus to cleanse and rejuvenate. A head tingling shiatsu massage is carried out then your hair is popped in for a15-minute steam.

 The scalp is rinsed with a tonic and then hair receives the famous Neville Blow Dry.

This follicle refreshment takes an hour and will give lifeless hair, itchy scalp a whole new life.

£120 including a blowdry.

Put down the make-up brushes now, there’s a new form of contouring in hand that’s gone to the head. The Silhouette Slicing Technique by Top Colour Director Seniz.

The technique comes down to total talent and an artistic eye – it’s about shadow placement and a clever use of light and dark tones that throw shadow and light onto her clients face in just the right places. The look isn’t just for models, there’s a colour contouring prescription for everyone, whether applied to highlight a specific area or blended to create a more uniform impression of lightness and depth.

Seniz explains, “ It’s my job to tailor every detail to your unique hair type and natural colour, facial features, skin tone, makeup, clothing and lifestyle."

Silhouette Slicing is a contouring colouring technique that takes into consideration your individual face shape (long, round or square) using a combination of foil highlights placed in an upside triangle with the positioning of different tones and depths to create shadows.

For example, Heart Shaped Faces - “Lighter pieces are woven around the jawline and ears to soften the bottom half of the face. By mixing fine, light tones with depth at the roots, the face takes on a slightly more oval shape.”

Once the contouring around the face is done, Seniz applies foils on the crown to connect the colour of the upside-down triangle with the ends. This creates a colour balance between roots and end. In this case less is always more. The service takes 45 minutes to apply.

The idea behind this service is to enable clients to go blonder without compromising the health of their hair. Bye bye backcombing.

The contour and connection service means that your hair looks blonder, the service is low maintenance and there will be no division of colour when you tie your hair up.

This service is suitable for women who wear their hair wavy. It is not suitable for straight limp hair.

As for achieving a harmonious colour match for your skin tone, put your faith in Seniz and her knowledge on the Redken Flashlift collection.

Seniz goes onto explain, "Everything can be divided into either a ‘cool’ or ‘warm’ spectrum. Cool indicates blue undertones and warm will have intrinsic yellow, so it’s important to identify the correct shade of blonde, red or brunette that will suit your colouring, both in terms of tone and depth. As hairdressers we can create the right colour shade and depth that will ultimately flatter and enhance a client’s beauty, making them look youthful and healthy whether they are wearing makeup or not.”

Silhouette Slicing not only gives you the hair colour that is made specifically for you it will instantly boost your complexion.

Top Colour Director, Seniz Aklan whose colour skills are called upon internationally and with the starlets of London, celebrates her new colour pod at Neville Salon. A safe sleek hub honouring her creative colour techniques that has her truly in demand.

Celebrating this, she launches Holiday Hair, by literally bringing the holiday to your hair. If you can’t or don’t feel like going abroad this summer, don’t worry. With the launch of her 4 top beach destination colours you can look like you’ve been on holiday with sun kissed, glowing and healthy locks.

You can choose to dip your hair into the following hues: Ibiza Golden Hour, Capri Cioccolato, Cote D’Azur Riviera Waves and Corsican Rosa. With Seniz’s artistic approach to colour and her creative colour placement your hair naturally dazzles in natural light. Her holistic technique means hair is nourished during your colour, so hair shimmers with hydration.

Lisa Snowden is a huge fan of the Capri Cioccolato whilst Jaqueline Jossa has dipped her locks recently into the Riviera Waves.

Capri Cioccolato picks up on the idyllic Italy. Rich in colours and texture with a fresh zesty feel a nod to the lemon groves scattered along the coast line. Seniz manages to mix chocolate browns with fresh lemon. This is a canny mix of 1/3 highlight and 2/3 lowlight – The placement depends on the haircut and style and how the hair is worn on a day to day basis.

Ibiza Golden Hour pays homage to the heavenly balmy golden rays towards the end of your beach day. Where the tunes begin to kick in but there is more relaxing to be done. Golden honey hair is what Seniz has created. Ibiza Golden waves is a beautiful blended ombré with a hairvenly honey base to achieve a new look. Ombré is achieved by backcombing the hair – Roots remain untouched – Low maintenance look

Cote D’Azur Riviera Waves creates a movement of waves in the hair with her clever colour placement. Seniz darkens the roots to give more body to flat limp hair and then the art is in her hand painting dimensions into the lengths of the hair using hair thumb and index.

Corsican Rosa - The softest pink with an undertow of butter yellow. Seniz goes to work on the lower base with bleach in foil mixed with hydrating Olaplex applied to mid lengths and ends depending on the quality of your roots. This is followed by root bleach and a deep hydrating olaplex treatment all over for added shine . The application on mid lengths and ends were applied in slices for even colour distribution.

If you can’t face the flying this year don’t worry you can still look hairvenly.