Pamper Here: SALON64, SohoBy Alicia Grimshaw

Long gone are the days where a trip to the hairdressers only meant a cut, flicking through a copy of OK! Magazine and discussing your next jaunt to Europe. Turning the traditional idea of hairdressing salons on its head, newly opened SALON64 offers far more than your classic cut and colour. We’re talking about a coffee bar, a dedicated station to putting on your make up (because touching up your eye liner on the tube is never good news), charging points, and drool-worthy interiors. We visited SALON64 recently and we never wanted to leave. Here’s the all important info:

SALON64: The Lowdown

Having learnt all the scissoring know-how at Daniel Galvin at The Corinthia and John Frieda, Owner and Creative Director, Ricky Walters is the chap behind it all. And at only 26 years old, Ricky has already taken the world of hairdressing by storm, working with the likes of international big wigs and A List celebs (hello, Sandra Bullock and Arnold Schwarzenegger) as well as styling stars for Hollywood film premieres, the Brits and BAFTAS. If there’s one person that knows about hair, it’s Ricky.

Labelling Salon64 as just a hairdressers would be selling this place short – Ricky has created a social, creative space advocating that a trip to the hairdressers isn’t just about a new barnet. SALON64 is fun, friendly and trendy AF.

Photo Credit: Victoria Metaxas | Francesco Russo

SALON64: What to Expect

Expect the best of the bloody best, and we’re not just talking about the haircut. The coffee counter, which features SALON64’s own bean blend, is a space where you can apply your makeup for the day, or night ahead. With one quick switch the bar can be turned into your very own vanity case, with pop-up mirrors, charging points and ample space for a quick mani or pedi.

The salon itself has been designed in such a way, it wouldn’t look out of place in a home interiors catalogue. Set over two floors, the leather bespoke chairs and white counter tops border the main focal point: a fire pit. Like the beauty bar, the vanity case idea comes into play again – with dedicated spaces for your phone and cup of coffee. On looks alone, SALON64 could claim top prize at a beauty pageant; golden hues are blended with royal blue accents, and minimalistic touches are seen throughout (the hair washing stations are found behind a secret door, and there’s no tins of hairspray and products laying about). We could go on, but we don’t have the word count to mention it all.

SALON64: The Services

But it’s not just all style and no substance; the team here are next level. Calvin is the a master of colour and has worked all over town, and across the pond too. He can fix any dodgy dye job and is fabulous when it comes to suggesting new colours and highlights.

And, of course, Ricky is an absolute scissor wizard. He can turn your lacklustre barnet into something that’s runway-ready. Ricky is super knolwedgable when it comes to hair – and can advise you on the cut to suit your face shape. And when it comes to products, SALON64 uses the high-end and cult hair brand, Davines for its hair styling and colouring requirements. An ethical and research based range, Davines offers premium professional products that produce the best possible results.

SALON64: The Verdict

SALON64 is a scanutary; a place to come with your pals and chat over coffee, a space for self-care, but above all, a place that invites all to relax, retreat and socialise. We’ve visited a fair few hairdressers over the years, but SALON64 is definitely a cut above the rest.

For more information on SALON64, visit the website here. 14 Bateman St, Soho, London W1D 3AG

All photos (excluding Ricky’s headshot) are credited to: Francesco Russo