BLOW

I am not usually a colour girl but I had heard so many great things about Blow that I wanted to try it out. It was not that easy to get an appointment as the salon is typically booked weeks in advance due its popularity. Once the day was set, I was sent numerous reminders of the appointment. The salon has a great, upbeat feel with a unique design feel. You’ll find a popcorn machine popping popcorn in the background and a bar area with drinks ready to poured which also add to its charm. I had the lovely Fallon who asked me about what I wanted and then got stuck into it. In the end the toner ended up being a little lighter than I had expected but Fallon was lovely at darkening the toner at no extra charge on a follow-​up date. I was so impressed by how accommodating they were and I am definitely a fan of this place.

I’d been following Blow’s instagram since they opened and promising myself that as soon as my hair had healed from the last run in with bleach I’d be there. Given that my last run in with bleach resulted in blisters on my scalp, massive breakage and the very real threat of my only option being a skinhead, it took me till almost their first anniversary to make it in.
I’m glad to report it was well worth the wait. I’m also not in the last ashamed to admit that in my quest for purple locks I as good as begged for bleach but this time with the wonder product olaplex. I’m afraid I’m not the person to give you sciencey facts and figures about this stuff. As far as I am concerned it is a magic potion created by fairies. It takes the evil out of the bleach, despite my hair being lightened from dark brown to platinum (before the purpling) it feels amazing and in great condition.
After ‘lifting’ all the colour out of my hair the purpling commenced and I am so happy with the result. Bright, punchy and super shiny.
In the salon I didn’t feel that I was getting much of a cut, Tabitha didn’t seem to spend very long brandishing the scissors but she must just be a speedy genius as my hair is sitting brilliantly — even when I completely neglect to even pretend to style it.
Given the results I’d be heading back to Blow but on top of how chuffed I am with my do this is without a doubt the friendliest salon I’ve ever set foot in. Everybody was warm, welcoming and without pretension. I’m genuinely looking forward to going back, I wonder if I should try a different colour…

I visited Blow for a styling and braiding event recently, which was good as it introduced me to this salon. I’ve walked past it a hundred times probably, because I live locally, and while I’ve thought that their name is hilarious, I’ve never actually thought of actually using their services, as I already have a hairdresser whom I like very much.
Anyway, we were given a Topshop goodie bag on arrival, which was nice. I didn’t know that Topshop had a free personal styling service, so that was good to discover, and I might actually use it sometime. I wasn’t much taken with the clothes that Topshop had with them — it would have been brilliant if I was into the ‘Aztec Cowboy’ look, but I’m not. Fair’s fair though, they only had space for one rail, and we did go into Topshop later that day to see their full range, so it did work in getting us into the shop.
We were then given a free drink — Vodquilla, with mango and liquid nitrogen, in a test tube style glass, so that looked quite spooky and mental. The barman was really nice and friendly. I later had a straight Vodquilla, which I much preferred to the cocktail version!
All the Blow employees were really pleasant and friendly, chatting to us as we waited for our hair to be braided. I particularly enjoyed chatting politics with one of the chaps — not the usual hairdresser banter — so that was spot on. Once my hair had been done, I wasn’t amazed — a bit like the Aztec Cowboy look, I’d say that perhaps hair braids are just not my ‘thing’. It was fun for the day though.
I did notice while I was there, that they do express hair styling with some really fun and lovely looks. The prices looked very reasonable too, and I would definitely consider coming back to Blow next time I want my hair put up for a special night out. And thinking about it, the fact that they didn’t try to sell us their normal services while we were in was particularly impressive — they really did just seem to be making sure we were enjoying ourselves. So well done Blow for that, and I’ll more than likely see you again sometime.

I headed along to the Blowxtopshop event yesterday. I have been growing my hair out for a while and I don’t know what to do with it so when I heard they were offering a braiding service at the event I thought I would pop along to see what they could offer.
When we arrived we were welcomed by some of the girls from topshop who gave us a heads up on what was on offer. We also got a goodie bag with lipstick and a compact mirror in.
The braiding bar was busy so we went for a cocktail. They were made from vodquila and had dried ice in so that smoke came off them like some crazy potion. I opted for the mango one which was very tasty. We then went back to the topshop corner and we were talked through the summer look and told about the free personal shopping they offer.
Next up was the braiding bar, I was super excited as I saw lots of others walking about with such amazing braids. I sat down and the girl asked what I wanted, I said «whatever you want, just as long as I don’t look like snoop Dogg» now I have blue in my hair and my style is a little more out there than the average person, so I thought she would love this challenge. But I was disappointed as the best she could come up with was to braid my fringe down the side, not very exciting. I think she may have been tired as it was busy. But I wanted to try something exciting that I’ve never tried before so that on a night out I could go there to get my hair done. :(
The staff were all lovely and dispite my disappointment I would go back and try again as the style board looked amazing. I also loved the shop look as it was fresh and funky.

I’ve been admiring Blow’s Instagram account for a while now. Decided I was going to book in to get my colour done here, so thought I’d combine that with their awesome sounding event with Topshop.
Arrived at the salon to a DJ spinning house tunes, folk having their braids done at the braid bar, Topshop clothes and personal shoppers, Vodquila bar and lots of smiley staff.
The salon is so cool inside. Multicoloured lights around the mirrors, cool neon signs, funky chair, crisp white interiors. It looks so fresh and clean.
Was given a little goodie bag from Topshop and had a chat with one of their personal shoppers, whilst browsing though a rail of clothes. Didn’t realise the Topshop personal shopping service was free. Will definitely be making use of this! Loved all the clothes on the rail, lots of summery bits and bobs and advice on how to style and match things. The goodie bag had a matte red lipstick and compact mirror in it. Super chuffed with that!
Had a headband braid done with some curls at the braid bar. Super fast work by two of the lovely salon members. Love their £20 express menu idea too. Excellent for if you’re going out and don’t have much time to spend on your hair. Loved my braid and curls, I’m terrible at doing things like this on my own so it was a real treat to have this done for free.
I had to rush off for an appointment before the Gusto desserts showed up. Great event and beautiful salon. Can’t wait to get my colour done here. So impressed by the photos they post up and the techniques they use. I think this could be the start of a beautiful hair relationship!