Hairdressers are open once again, so it's time to treat yourself, get back to the salon and restore those luscious locks you’ve been dreaming of. We speak to salon owner Richard McDonald from Melanie Richard’s Hair Salon in Peterborough, about what to consider when booking your post-lockdown cuts.
Q: What should you consider when choosing a hair salon to suit your needs?
Going to a salon isn’t just about the haircut, it’s an experience. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with a premium service at affordable prices. A salon should make you feel at ease - we want people to feel good when they’re here, and our team will go out of their way to accomplish that. We are about to become a three-storey salon that boasts the luxury of spaciousness and high hygiene levels, allowing our clients to feel relaxed and comfortable.
It’s also worth finding out what each salon specialises in, depending on the treatment or cut you’re going for. We specialise in both colouring and cutting, whereas some don’t, so it’s a good idea to choose a salon suited to your hair type or style.
Researching the salon, checking online reviews and pictures on their social media is the best way to get an initial impression. Make sure you can see proof of results before trusting them with your hair.
Our Boutique has beauticians performing massages and facials, while our nail technicians can do extensions and manicures - so if you’re looking for an all-over treatment, then our beauty salon is perfect for you. Some clients travel over an hour to see us for the day, spending up to four or five hours with us to get hair, nails and massage treatments.
Melanie Richard's hair salon. By Supplied
Q: What advice do you have for picking the right hair products for your hair type?
Definitely speak to a professional - they have a combined knowledge of products and their reliability. Many people use drugstore brands having read online reviews, or because the label claimed to treat their type of hair, and it’s just not that simple. All products work differently depending on the individual, and until you use it, you don’t know how it will perform. I’d recommend shampoos and conditioners that have been around for a long time with a good reputation. We don’t sell products that we don’t use in our salon; we sell them because we like them.
Melanie Richard's hair salon. By Supplied
Q: What should you consider before choosing a hair stylist?
It really depends what you’re looking for and what matters to you most. The length of time a stylist has been cutting hair is not a reflection of their standard – it’s experience and training that’s important. Different levels of hairdressers charge accordingly, so if cost is the priority, choose a stylist within the salon that’s within your budget. If there is a specific style or requirement you have, you can pay a bit extra for someone who specialises in the particular style or cut you’d like.
Q: What makes Melanie Richard’s Hair Boutique stand out in the industry?
Our salon is vegan and cruelty free, and we’re exceptionally proud of it - we want to set an example in the industry. We’ve joined with Green Salon Collective to enable recycling of tint tubes, hair foil, hair and PPE to support recycling and sustainability.
The products that we use are quality cruelty-free and mostly vegan ranges – Elemis is our main beauty offering, with Paul Mitchell as our chosen colour brand, along with their take-home haircare ranges, allowing our customers to replicate their salon experience in-between appointments. We also use high-end brands such as Olaplex, Evo and Lycon Wax. For hairdressing, we use Scrummi single-use disposable towels that are recyclable and compostable.
Visit melanierichards-hairboutique.co.uk. Alternatively, contact info@melanierichards-hairboutique.co.uk or 01733 553600.
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