Featured image via Ralph & Rice. So you know how celebs/bloggers/annoying people in your life have ‘their’ salon that they always go to? The ‘hair stylist’ they can only trust to do their hair? Yep, you can tell I am not one of those people. Not because of lack of want, but because A.) I am financially dependent on first-time Treatwell discounts (my hair is fucking expensive and loooooong, people) and B). I hadn’t found one I liked enough yet.
Well, a few Mondays ago, one salon was able to break through my cynical shell and bring me that ohhh I get it now! moment that I had been wanting to find: Ralph & Rice. My favourite salon in London.
I should clarify: this post isn’t sponsored. No, this post is purely because in one hair session, Ralph & Rice managed to make me feel so good about my hair that I want to write this post and tell you all about them. Magic powers, perhaps, but definitely no sponsorship here. Genuine, honest love.
Ralph & Rice is a relatively new salon that, conveniently, happen to be in my East London neighbourhood on Cheshire Street. The decor is everything you’d want from a salon: hip, quirky, welcoming while still managing to be Pinterest lustworthy.
I had my hair done by owner Anita, who designed the salon herself (during my appointment, I tried to convince her to go into a career of interior design and do my flat…). On that slow, rainy Monday morning, I was the only client in, which sometimes can feel awkward. But not with Anita, whom I felt immediately like was my best friend within 30 seconds of entering.
This was the first time I’ve ever left a salon 100% happy with my hair — fact.
But okay, decor and friendliness only go so far. The proof of why they deserve to be loved is in the hair-shaped pudding. As in my hair. Which, at the time of my appointment, I hadn’t had done is 6 months (shame). I requested a balayage-esque colour that would allow me to go another 6 months before my next appointment (double shame), and something less blond than my current one.
Anita did the ‘flamboyage’ on my hair, which is something like a balayage but less drastic. More shimmery, golden-meets-bronze, subtle-type thing. Okay I have absolutely no idea what she did (although she did tell me). But it was pure wizardry and that’s what matters. This was the first time I’ve ever left a salon 100% happy with my hair — fact.
One of the other reasons I was drawn to this salon was the fact that they are a Davines salon — my favourite hair brand ever. Another post will come about why I love them so. For now, trust me that this is a good thing, and your hair will thank you.
Flamboyage: from £70
Ralph & Rice Salon is located at 12 Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
ralphandrice.com