A pedicure at the Chelsea Day Spa, King’s Road, Chelsea

After climbing up a couple of flights of stairs, I reached the Chelsea Day Spa. Small and intimate, it spans two floors of a town house that is slightly tucked away off the King’s Road.

Chelsea Day Spa

This may not be one of the most luxurious spas that I have visited but the team is friendly and the receptionist warm and welcoming. It is certainly more relaxing than going into a nail bar. I was here for the Chelsea Pedicure (£40). They also offer a wide range of treatments ranging from blow-dries to massages.

I am cagey about trying new places to have my feet done as I worry about the standard of hygiene. But all the instruments she used were thoroughly cleansed. 

My therapist Cristina did a good job of filing my nails and removing any hard skin that I had. After giving my feet a through scrub, she gave me a great foot massage. Afterwards she painted my nails with a pretty nude Jessica nail polish. She took her time and I was pleased with the result.

By Daralyn Danns

For more information visit thechelseadayspa.co.uk

A visit to Michael Charalambous at Nyumba, Chelsea, London

From rock stars to royalty, Michael Charalambous at Nyumba attracts the good and the great. He is also a favourite with fashion and beauty editors because he really knows about hair. A cut from the mane man is a work of art.

Michael will never let you be stuck in a hair rut. He is always updating my look and is definitely one step ahead of you.

When he cut my hair to all one length, I was delighted. My hair looked thicker and has been easier to manage. I thought this is it. This will be my signature style.

The maestro had other ideas. “When I cut a fringe into your hair, it was short. Now it is long and you are back to your natural dark colour which works well with your pale skin, I want an even more dramatic look for you. We are growing your fringe out.”

I never saw that one coming. Michael moved my parting from the side to slightly off centre. It looked pretty good. I was amazed how many people noticed that I looked different and as one man said: “I like the new hairdo. You look so much younger.” With compliments like that, it shows how Michael has his finger on the pulse and knows when it is time for a change.

We got on to the subject of hairstyles in general. Michael had showed me a magazine which had an article about choosing the right hairstyle for your age. It stops at 40,” he wailed. “Why?” Women want to look good at any age. We then started to talk about hair length. When is the right time to cut your hair? There are lots of women of a certain age with long hair, but it can be ageing.

Michael’s tip is to keep an eye on it. “Hair tends to snap off and break as you age. This can be down to hormonal changes,” he said.  “As soon as it becomes wispy and transparent, cut it. Hair should also be glossy. If your hair is dull and lifeless, it will make you look older.”

He also advocates having a fringe as it will hide wrinkles. “Have your hair professionally blow-dried. At the salon we can offer a range of products and change them on a weekly basis to suit your needs.”

Going on holiday? Michael’s answer is to get a wig. “You will never have a bad hair day,” he adds. 

If there was such a thing as a god of hair. It would be Michael Charalambous. The man is pure genius.

By Daralyn Danns

For more information visit www.nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon

 

A visit to Duck & Dry, Chelsea

“Your hair looks amazing,” said my cousin when I caught up with him the other night.

As he has seen me after my visits to many top hairdresser, this was quite a compliment.  

This was the result of a visit to Chelsea’s chic blow-dry bar, Duck & Dry. My tresses were incredibly well-styled and so, so glossy. I really was incredibly pleased with the outcome.

Although there is a menu of styles to choose from including updos, my stylist Mary Caybakan asked me how I like to wear my hair. After having so many disappointments from being over-dried to over bouncy to too curly, I am always sceptical when trying a new hairdresser, especially a blow-dry bar. 

I explained to Mary that I did not want to look as if I have just come out of a salon. My hair should be smooth and I wanted bits to kick out. I didn't want a mummsy bob. My expectations were not high, 

Duck & Dry, I soon discovered,  is no ordinary blow-dry bar. My hair was washed and prepped with Davines products which I really like. I came out looking like I was made in Chelsea and, thank goodness, without the hefty price tag that so many salons in this neighbourhood have. You can also have a trim or add a few hair extensions if you so desire.

Service is fast and efficient and the atmosphere is buzzy. It even has its own prosecco bar when you can pop in and have a drink and nibbles or a take-away a coffee even if you are not having your hair done.

The “Ultimate Bundles” are popular and I can see why. For every six blow-drys, you get one free. A glass of prosecco is included. This is the one I would plump for. There is even one for updos, perfect if you have a lot of weddings to go to. Another plus is that it is open every day (from 7.30am to 7.30pm during the week). 

By Daralyn Danns

A blow-dry starts from £28 for more information visit www.duckanddry.com