And anyway, who doesn’t want long, glossy, healthy hair? We called on five top salons the Chelsea set have on speed dial to share their tips - from the cut and colour to ask for in-salon as well as getting the low down on the products and tools you need at home. Plus, we reveal how you can give it a bit of an ‘ELLE-over’ for an ultimately cooler finish.
Hari’s
Unlike traditional Chelsea salons, Hari’s on the Kings Road prides itself on keeping up with the latest trends and is known for its art installations set around each station. Jon Halacoglu, Hari’s Top Stylist shares the tips you need for getting Chelsea Hair…
The cut
Below your shoulders, but not quite below the breast is the perfect length for maximum glamour and movement. To grow your hair to Kate Middleton’s length, trim a cm off every 6 weeks.
The colour
Ideally a block colour in a chestnut brown, softened by subtle hazelnut low lights to enhance the layers.
The products
Use Shu Uemura Prime Plenish Vitalizing Treatment, £38.30 (beautique.com), to keep hair healthy. The key product for styling is Kerastase Volumactive Volume Spray, £15.25 (feelunique.com), to give hair plenty of bounce and movement. Keep it modern by applying a small amount of Asylum Klayhead (available at Hari’s), and tussle the hair a little for a sexy, edgy feel.
The tools
The style is achieved with a medium barrel bristle brush, secured with medium sized Velcro rollers (available from Boots) left to cool for maximum volume and shine. To give it a cooler feel, lower the parting by an inch towards the ear, it will make all the difference.
Hari's, 305 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2DY. Enq: 020 7581 5211 / harissalon.com
Richard Ward
The Middletons have been frequenting Richard Ward for years; it is the destination for the old-school Chelsea residents who are after a truly traditional style. While James Pryce styled Kate Middleton for her wedding, Richard Ward created looks for Pippa and their mother Carole on the day- here he shares his Chelsea Hair advice…
The cut
Dry, split ends are an absolute no-no, so make sure you visit your hairdresser every 6 weeks to keep your hair in optimum condition. Ask for long, soft layers styled slightly to the side. If you have a fringe, it still works but it’s best to opt for a tear drop or longer, grown-out fringe, rather than a blunt style.
The colour
When choosing a colour for this Chelsea style, opt for darker, richer tones. These work best as they reflect the light better than blonde, giving the illusion of healthy, glossy hair.
The products
Make sure you massage your shampoo in with the flats of your fingers, not your fingertips or nails, it is more beneficial for scalp and blood flow stimulation (and it will optimise hair growth). Use a treatment like my Couture Hair Intensive Treatment Masque, £23, regularly to leave hair nourished and glossy. And remember don’t overload your hair with styling products, as this will weigh your hair down.
The tools
Buy a professional hairdryer (Sally’s – sallyexpress.com - has a good selection) and use a pure bristle radial brush. ELLE loves Richard Ward Radial Brushes, from £12, use the brush to smooth the hair, then twist each section as if it had an invisible roller inside and pin to the head using sectioning clips. Leave to cool before letting the hair loose, running your fingers through and spritzing with hairspray.
Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, 82 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY. Enq: 020 7730 1222 / www.richardward.com
Richard Ward Couture Hair products are available at QVC, click here to buy...
Neville Hair & Beauty
From Harry’s new love interest Florence Brudenell Bruce (who has been the face of Neville for the past year) to the cast of Made in Chelsea, Neville Hair & Beauty is always abuzz with the young, celebrity faces in that part of town, otherwise known as the ‘Glossy Posse’. Here’s Neville Tucker, founder of the salon, with his low down on the look…
The cut
There is no instantaneous method for growing hair; it may seem counterproductive to start a quest for longer hair with a severe cut but it evens out the hair and ensures stunning results with minimal damage. Hair that isn't trimmed prior to long-term growth may look ratty and uneven. Try a soft fringe, think Alexa Chung; this should create a much more natural – and modern - grown out look.
The colour
Go back to your childhood and revert to your natural hair colour. Look at photos when you were little as this hair colour is often the most flattering. Harsh chemical colouring damages hair and can restrict growth; find a hairdresser that uses more natural products and processes. The colour has to be subtle, shiny and glossy to for a true ‘Glossy Posse’ glow.
The products
Here are a few healthy hair tips - use a satin pillowcase to avoid nightly kinks. Add some almond oil to the tips of your hair when styling to condition and prevent split ends. Treat your hair like your face and have a monthly Scalp Facial. Finally, don't brush hair too frequently, doing so risks broken strands and stripping protective oils.
The tools
Top Session Stylist Stephen Lowe who has worked with Poppy Delevigne, Lily Cole and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley advises ditching the rollers. Instead 'in the know' girls are using tongs to produce softer, more organic waves. Again, the Chelsea Set has updated its styling products - the 'holding spray' that leaves hair stiff has been ditched and replaced by Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, £19 (liberty.co.uk), to give a natural hold.
Neville Hair & Beauty, 5 Pont Street, Belgravia, London, SW1X 9EJ. Enq: 020 7235 / nevillehairandbeauty.net
Lockonego
Run buy celebrity stylists Jonathan Long and Ben Cooke who is also Herbal Essences Ambassador, this salon is a happy blend of fashion-forward thinking and a traditional Chelsea style. Jonathan shares his top tips…
The cut
To get Chelsea hair you need plenty of subtle layers running throughout the lengths. This will make styling your hair into big, natural, tumbling waves a breeze.
The colour
Natural colours work best. This is not the style for outrageous experimental textures and colour, keep it simple and elegant! Those with over-processed, coloured and damaged hair may find it hard to achieve the look.
The products
Try the Moroccan Oil range (hqhair.com) to give your hair extra life. You’ll be amazed at how silky-soft your hair will be by the next wash. To maximise volume at the roots give UNITE Expanda Dust, £16.75 (beautique.com), a go.
The tools
It’s best to use a big, round brush to create the look like the Large Lockonego Signature Round Brush, £30, to achieve the ‘natural’ big, bouncy curl effect. Don’t go near the hair with flat irons, you want to avoid anything that will reduce volume.
Lockonego, 394 Kings Road, London, SW10 0LN. Enq: 020 7795 1798/ lockonego.com
Paul Edmonds
A stone’s throw from Harrods, Paul Edmond’s salon is the height of luxury with private hair styling rooms (pictured), as well as The House - all new beauty rooms (opening soon), so the Chelsea set can be preened and pampered from top to toe, all under one roof. Here is Paul's guide to getting Chelsea Hair…
The cut
The length is best sitting below the shoulder, with a few long soft layers and graduation around the face. The key to this look is body. If you don’t have it, opt for subtle hair extensions through the underneath and mid-section of your hair. But remember, you want to create volume rather than unrealistic length that may leave you looking rather was-like.
The colour
In summer opt for a smattering of soft, subtle blonde highlights to add texture and ‘lift’ the look of your hair. In winter, switch to low-lights in autumnal shades.
The products
Use Shu Uemura Muroto volume amplifying shampoo and conditioner, £20.99 (feelunique.com). Before blow-drying use L’Oreal Professional techni.art Volume Lift Spray Mousse, £8.60 (lookfantastic.com) to achieve plenty of volume. For extra gloss, finish with Shu Uemura Essence Absolue, £32.75 (feelunique.com).
The tools
Blow-dry your hair upside down with a large brush, concentrating on creating lift at the roots with volumising products, the spray mousse (mentioned before), rather than putting in waves and curls.
Paul Edmonds 217 Brompton Road, SW3 2EJ, 020 7589 5958 / pauledmonds.com . Paul Edmonds offers a business blow-dry and will open its doors Mon-Fri from 8am (upon request) during July and August, prices at £25.
Realhair
Realhair is situated in the heart of Chelsea and has been a fixture in the little black books of stars with enviable hair like Elle Macpherson and Laura Bailey for years. With its own product range and a team that jets off to fashion shows and magazine shoots, the salon is the best place for anyone who wants a Chelsea hairstyle with a fashion twist. Founder Belle Cannan reveals her tips…
The Cut
While you’re growing out your layers keep the rest of your hair short – above your shoulders; by doing this your hair will have a sense of style. Then, once your layers have caught up with your ends you can concentrate on growing your hair to the desired length.
The Colour
Go against the Chelsea Hair ethic of luxe highlights and lowlights with root touch-ups every 6 weeks. Instead, keep colour low maintenance, avoiding too many harsh processes and keeping hair in good condition. Opt for colour underneath the parting so you avoid regrowth or have a sunkissed look with some baliage through the mid lengths and ends.
The Products
Prevention, prevention, prevention is key! You need to prevent split ends and frizz by keeping hair in optimum condition. Use Realhair Masque, £55 it contains natural active ingredients that leave the hair soft, shiny and protected.
The Tools
I would recommend YS Park brushes, they help to eliminate frizz and reduce static without damaging the hair. Use a Parlux dryer (parlux.co.uk), it is a professional brand and use by plenty of hairdressers. Also, keep a box of sectioning clips to pin curl your hair.
Realhair, 6-8 Cale Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 3QU. Enq: 0207 589 0877 / realhair.co.uk
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