Tonight:
9°c
New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
Some fares could fall by more than a third when Oyster is extended to every national rail station in London, it has emerged
More...
Pamper yourself for party season at Michael Van Clarke
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 09.11.09
Glamorous: the salon has a sophisticated image
Top of the game: Michael Van Clarke
With party season fast approaching it is time to think about getting dolled up. Whether it is for a Christmas work event or a New Year's bash if you are going for the glamorous look sometimes it is best to let the experts take over.
After Michael Van Clake was voted Best Salon Of 2009 at the British Hairdressing Awards we decided to find out what make over treatments are on offer...
The Salon
Michael Van Clarke's salon has been based in Marylebone for the last 21 years. “When we first moved to the area there was no one here,” says Michael. That's no longer the case. Marylebone now prides itself on hip boutiques and cute coffee shops. Behind some fittingly well maintained greenery is a hairdressing and beauty heaven.
The interior is minimalist without going overboard on the trendy factor. There's a relaxing waiting area too with plenty of magazines and a great drinks and nibbles menu to keep you occupied. The main studio is fitted with glide away laptops, wireless internet access and personal widescreen DVD players with a selection of more than 100 films. Much more fun than your average cut and blow dry experience.
The Signature Cut
The signature Diamond Dry Cut™ method is one of the biggest revolutions in hairdressing in the last fifty years and is unique to the Michael Van Clarke salon. Cutting the hair clean and dry allows Michael to work with the hair's natural movement and texture, interpreted with face shapes and features. The looks are totally unique to the client and are easy to maintain.
The Stylists
A cut with stylist to the royals Michael Van Clarke will set you back £300 but fear not there are more budget friendly options. Over the last three years Michael has established his own in-house academy which includes a 12 month training programme.
After three months apprentices are mentored on paying clients, which allows them to progress into the two year Graduate Stylist period with almost half their clientele. Apprentices are taught both the unique methods of Diamond Dry Cutting and Precision Styling. These cuts start from £45 with a blowdry or set from £21.50
Pamper yourself
It's not just hair treatment on offer. There is an extensive beauty list too. Between them Lisa Tran and Nicola Dine are on hand seven days a week and ready to pamper you.
A favourite is the manicure. There is a vast selection of colours to choose from. So if you're heading to a Christmas event or just fancy treating yourself its worth booking an appointment. Manicures start from £29.50 or a re-varnish is £22.50.
With party season coming up another handy service is make up application. The Pit Stop Make Up treatment is £25. For £60 you can even have your own lesson. A nice gift option maybe?
Other treatments include Dermalogica facials, waxing, electrolysis, massage, fake tanning cream application and eyebrow shaping. Take your pick.
For more information or to book an appointment visit www.vanclarke.com
