It has finally happened. It only took me eight years but here we are, I’ve found a hair salon that I can go to from here on out. And of course, I would happen to find “my new salon spot” during a pandemic.
Still, let’s take a moment to appreciate and cue the applause everywhere. I am positively giddy with excitement over this revelation. So I’m going to gush for a second.
When I’m back home in the states, I have my cut and colour routine down to a tee. But I’ve never been able to find that perfect clicking “they totally get it” moment over here quite like I did a few weeks ago. I was invited to HNB Salon in Bournemouth and Poole – a luxury Hair and Beauty Spa including hair, beauty and medical aesthetic treatments. My visit was for a complete pamper day. And by the time I left the salon a few hours later, I was almost in tears as to how happy I was to have found my new spot.
After a few months with my hair gradually going darker – it was such a relief to be sitting in the chair ready for a new look. I think especially in this weird limbo of a year, it’s such a treat to actually think of yourself first and foremost for an afternoon. It’s something that I don’t actually think should escape our thoughts right now, we need to continue to do regular things for ourselves. For me, it’s a big act of self care that makes me feel most like myself.
I know that we’re in a pandemic. But we still absolutely need to continue to embrace the things that spark joy in our lives. And yes, that includes hair, nails, skin, you name it. In a year where I feel like doubt, panic and anxiety have taken up plenty of space in my mind, there is something so soothingly wonderful about doing something nice for yourself for a day.
And that’s exactly what my day at HNB was all about. The perfect balance of a luxurious salon and spa experience paired with the comforting feeling of knowing that the salon is doing everything they can to stay safe during these difficult times.
My day at HNB Salon comprised of a colour, cut, and style as well as a pedicure. And naturally, I’m taking you along for the experience. First things first, let’s start by talking about the elephant in the room and the measures they are taking to address it. We’re in a pandemic. But even though we are in a pandemic, there are ways that I do firmly believe we can go about a semi-normal existence. Places like HNB Salon really solidify and confirm that we can have that experience.
What it’s like to visit salons that get it right during COVID
COVID MEASURES IN PLACE
- When you arrive at HNB salon you first check in. You wait for someone from the team to let you in through the door.
- Masks are required at all times. Except of course, if you’re having a sip of a drink or something.
- Check-in on the NHS app is required when you arrive.
- There is hand sanitizer available upon arrival.
- There are also full dividers in between salon chairs – though I will say HNB spaced things out pretty spectacularly anyways.
- You will also find guidelines and hand sanitizer at each salon station.
THE EXPERIENCE
After being greeted by Rose, who is the Customer Experience specialist of HNB Salon, I was guided to my salon chair for my appointment. Of course, even with masks and measures in place to keep us safe, HNB does the brilliant job of balancing that luxurious feeling of still being out for a day of pampering and treatments with staying safe.
I chose, of course, to sip a hot coffee while receiving my treatment. You know me, I can’t resist a jolt of caffeine when I should be relaxing.
Georgia, who was my stylist, is an absolute icon. She completely listened to exactly what I was looking to achieve and seamlessly delivered it. We talked through style ideas and what I was looking for. I’d recently seen “I Hate Suzie” starring Billie Piper and it inspired me to go back to my very light blonde days.
Georgia easily took on board exactly what I was looking for. And then with complete confidence detailed how we would deliver and achieve that look. I say we, it was all her!
I am usually so nervous in a new salon because of the “what ifs”. The “what if this isn’t right” “what if my hair breaks again” “what if I don’t like it”… luckily I don’t have to worry about what ifs anymore. Spoiler alert: I’m going to be returning to the salon again!
Each stylist also wears a mask and visor for protection. It’s such a relief not to feel worried or anxious while you are there for a luxury experience and treatment.
THE COLOUR AND CUT
There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing that purple mixer ready to turn my hair into a blonde dream, don’t you think?
A rare thing happened during my time at the salon. I was… relaxed.
While Georgia did my hair, we chatted away while she worked. She was so prepared for our consultation conversation at the start of my appointment, which meant I wasn’t nervous at all for how my hair was going to turn out.
Isn’t that such a relaxing, calming feeling?
When my colour had finishing processing – I was led back to the sink area for the toner, shampoo and conditioner treatment. And this is going to sound like the most ridiculous thing, but you might get what I mean here. They have the best sinks I’ve ever sat at in my entire life in a salon. Every single time I’ve had my hair done, my neck hurts. I realise I sound ridiculous! But I usually feel so uncomfortable but deal with it for 20 minutes when my head is stuck in a sink.
However at HNB they have chairs that kind of lay down and back and oh my gosh I was so comfortable. It’s the first time I haven’t had a stiff or sore neck while getting my hair washed. Game. Changer.
So don’t mind me, but I basically took a little snooze while I laid here. Bonus that wearing masks covers your snoozing face also ;).
We decided not to take too much off the ends of my hair, so just a quick refresh as I’m currently working on growing it out.
All in all, I think you can certainly tell from my before and after the difference in colour and quality. I completely felt like a new woman! And isn’t it wonderful to have fresh locks? Such a fantastic feeling.
I am 100% obsessed, thank you Georgia!
TREATING MY FEET TO A PEDICURE
Following finishing up my swish new hair, I went upstairs to their treatments rooms to receive a pedicure. I actually haven’t gotten a pedicure since February so this was needless to say, incredibly overdo.
It felt absolutely glorious and it’s such a relief to have nice looking toes again! I chose to go for a dark purple gel colour. I don’t typically choose gel polish for my toes but again, it’s a great feeling to know that you don’t need to worry about smudging nails once I shoved them straight back into my boots.
However, I’ve been heavily admiring my toes as I wander around my home. No one may be seeing them in person, but they get to feature happily on my Instagram stories.
REVIEW AND TAKEAWAY THOUGHTS
In case you couldn’t guess from my gushing, I had an incredible day at HNB Salon. I felt AND looked like a million bucks after my visit.
And I know that currently COVID measures are causing England to go into another wave of lockdown for the next month. I encourage you to visit your local spots when you’re allowed to during the pandemic. HNB Salon especially are doing an amazing job keeping their staff and customers safe through times we never expected to be in.
Yes, I’ve found my new local spot. And I am ecstatic. If you’re relatively near to the Poole and Bournemouth area I’d highly recommend a visit to HNB Salon. I actually live in Hampshire so it was just under and hour’s drive for me to get there, but I love adventuring into the New Forest and don’t consider an hour particularly long for me anyways, so that’s “local” to me. Also Joe and I love a good drive!
But please don’t take up all of Georgia’s appointments because I will be devastated!
You can find out more details about visiting HNB Salon below…
HNB SALON
- ADDRESS: 25 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7LE
- NUMBER: 01202 707113
- WEBSITE: www.hnbsalonspa.co.uk
Oh and by the way… what do you think of the new look?!!
Lots of love,
Kelly xoxo