Before lockdown my trusted mane man, Michael Charalambous suggested that I grow my colour out and embrace my greys. I was shocked. “No way", I said to myself.
Four months later I was agreeing with him. Lockdown made me realise that colour-faded hair is not a good look on anybody. Michael had also pointed out that regular colouring takes a toll on the condition, whether you use permanent or temporary colorants.
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| Before |
I have been going to Nyumba by Michael Charalambous since he opened the salon in 2003. What I have always admired about him, besides his amazing ability to wield those scissors, is the fact that he is always honest and has never tried to sell me products or a service that I did not need.
Although the shape was still good, the ends of my hair were extremely dry and were crying out to be cut. As much as I wanted it to be done, I was petrified to go to the salon because of COVID-19. (I was once rushed into hospital with a virus and although I had excellent care, it is not an experience I would want to repeat.)
My new hair hero Vitapointe Leave In Conditioner (£2, Boots)
was keeping my locks well-moisturised, but it had got to the stage where they needed to be cut. My first
outing in months was to Nyumba.
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| After |
On my daily walks I had passed other salons that did not look like places you would want to enter in the current situation. So, I was rather nervous going to Nyumba, in London’s Sloane Square. I need not have been. He had been as meticulous with the salon as he is with his cutting. Michael had made sure that it was not only safe but was as warm and welcoming as it was before the pandemic.
As the centimetres were whisked away, I noticed that my natural colour was working with my skin tone. Michael added that my hair would be in much better condition. Shiny instead of matte. I left the salon feeling like a new person.
Lockdown also highlighted the fact that while you can find cheap hair products that work better than expensive brands, a great haircut is priceless.
By Daralyn Danns
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