The Parlour London Review
The Parlour
Chiswick, London
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
I set off to Chiswick this morning for my lunchtime appointment at The Parlour full of anticipation as I had browsed their website earlier in the week. The salon specialises in vintage blowdrys and braids and the website has a good selection of pictures to look at. The site is designed really nicely and sets the scene of what to expect.
It is down a side street packed with small boutiques and fits in perfectly with its modern, yet vintage style shop front and interior. I was lucky enough to get a parking space almost outside and I was soon inside to a warm welcome by my stylist. We then discussed a few options for my hair. I just wanted something simple, that I could try out at home as I have a toddler and he leaves me hardly any time to do my hair!
We settled on a blowdry with bouncy curls and a side roll, to make it look a little different. I was soon seated at the basin, and had one of the best hair washes I have had for ages, just enough pressure and really relaxing.
Back in my chair I was offered tea and cake, there were also Bellini cocktails on offer, but it was a bit early in the day for me! My tea arrived in a huge china pot complete with a piece of lemon drizzle cake so I was happy.
Although the salon doesn’t specialise in cuts as such, you can get a trim before your style (or a restyle if required). I went ahead with the trim as it’s been a little while since my last cut. All my ends were trimmed up and some shape added to the front as it was looking a little heavy. It took about another 30 minutes to blowdry my hair into Forties style curls and add the side roll. I was shown how to back comb, roll and pin it so I will give it a go at home but I am sure it is much harder than it looks. During my styling session I was told that they hold classes in the week to show you how to style your own hair, I thought this was a fantastic idea and something I’d love to try in the future. You can book the lessons direct on the website and as it says they would be great with a group of friends.
Whilst I was having my trim there were two other ladies having highlights. The stylists took their time to explain the process and options available and make sure the customers were totally happy before they went ahead. They both sounded very knowledgeable and gave me total confidence.
The salon is owned by Jackie and has been open since August 2013, in this short time they seem to have made a real name for themselves and even appeared in Time Out.
I can see why as they have a niche market in vintage versus contemporary, friendly welcoming staff and reasonable prices.
The Parlour is well worth a visit before a party, wedding or if you just fancy a change and want to spoil yourself. I would definitely like to return sometime soon.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to make a booking visit www.theparlourlondon.com or call 0208 9944618.
THE PARLOUR LONDON. 8 Devonshire Road, London, W4 2HD | Tel: 0208 9944618
