SALON: HOUSE OF HAIR UK (@houseofhairuk)
LOCATION: 88 Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8HD
FOUNDER & STYLIST: AYANDA SOARES
“Valentine’s Day is always a magical day in our salon,” says Ayanda Soares, founder of House of Hair UK. “Some of our clients come in to get ready for first dates, while others have plans with long time partners or a night out with the girls planned – the looks they go for can vary depending on who, what and where.”
“I can recall a really romantic story that took place at the House of Hair UK salon. The partner of one of my regular clients called up one day to book an appointment for his other half as a surprise for – what he wanted her to believe – was for Valentine’s Day. But he actually bought her to the salon to get ready for a surprise trip to Grenada so he could propose! As we specialise in hair extensions, we sourced the hair for our client and installed micro link hair extensions which are super versatile and easy to style. We are one of the only salons in the UK that stock micro link hair extensions in afro hair textures – making this the perfect hairstyle for holiday and humid environments. On the day, we went for 18 inch hair extensions and created a very modest and sleek look with subtle waves. After the trip, my client came back to the salon with her engagement ring on and gave me all the details on how her fiancé proposed to her. I smiled as she told the story as I was in on it the entire time. They make a beautiful couple and I am honoured to be part of their love story.”
SALON: THE GLO UPP STUDIO (@thegloupp_beauty)
LOCATION: The Glo Upp Studio, 1 Trowbridge Road, Trowbridge Gardens, E95LD
FOUNDER & STYLYLIST: GLORIA ODUMOSU
“I love working in high pressure situations, so if a client gives me a look to re-create at the last-minute – I’m always up for the challenge, “says Gloria Odumosu, founder of The Glo Upp Studio.
“On Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago, a new client came into the salon to get glam for a first-date with someone that she met on Tinder. She wanted to go for a natural look, so I installed a sleek and straight versatile weave with a few bundles of 18 inches human hair.”
“The first date was a success so the versatile weave became her signature look for some time. As the months went on, they were still dating and she became more confident in her skin and was ready try different styles. We went from weaves to closure wigs to experimenting with colour and then treating her natural curls which she now wears from time to time. Fast forward to the next Valentine’s Day and her partner had proposed to her. They are now married with a baby and I had the pleasure of doing her bridal hair as well installing curly hair extension for her honeymoon. It’s a proper hair love story!”
