HAIR REVIEW We make a long-awaited trip to BA1

A CUT ABOVE

This content was taken from Bath Life issue 410. This information was correct at the time

Lydia Tewkesbury makes a long-awaited trip to BA1

Whenever I get my hair done it rains. This has been the rule for as long as I can remember, so I wasn’t surprised when Storm Brendan arrived on the day I was due to have my hair cut and styled by head stylist Leah at BA1 Hair on Bartlett Street. Even though BA1 is the chosen salon of many of my friends, I had yet to visit, so when the opportunity came up to go in for a chop I leapt at the chance.

I am in general not the biggest hair and beauty fiend. I don’t get my hair done regularly enough, I’ve only had a facial once (for work purposes) and I’ve never set foot inside a nail salon. That said, despite my beauty treatment reservations, I really enjoy having my hair washed. And, I have to say, the washing at BA1 is on another level. Leah took one look at my winter ravaged hair and decreed it was in serious need of some extra TLC, so after a lovely shampoo, condition and head massage, an Aveda Botanical moisturising treatment was carefully worked into my hair and then left for ten minutes or so. Before I had the chance to think damn I wish I had my phone to pass the time I was treated to a hand massage – a first for me. I recommend it. Whether you’re the lie back and relax type (the lady next to me) or the person that talks incessantly throughout (me), it really is lovely. “Hair washing at BA1 is on another level”

Lydia was still feeling the benefits of her Aveda moisturising treatment a week – and a couple of hair washes – later

WHAT YOU NEED IN a hairdresser more than anything is confidence, and Leah put me at my ease from the moment I sank into my chair. We bonded quickly over mutual appreciation of podcasts and Greta Gerwig as she expertly dealt with my mostly grown-out bob. The primary way I can describe the experience is one of infectious enthusiasm – whether we were chatting about hair or Everything I Know About Love. Leah’s an Aveda colour ambassador, and after talking to her, I have to say, I’m a convert. Aveda was all about clean beauty a long time before it was cool, Leah explained, and to this day their products are cruelty-free and contain around 90 per cent organic raw herbal ingredients and organic essential oils, while 85 per cent of their skin and hair product packaging is almost entirely comprised of recycled materials. From the moisturising treatment to the Confixor styling gel, a lightweight product that kept my curls in place despite the less-than-ideal weather, to the Nutriplenish leave-in conditioner that left my hair softer than it has perhaps ever been, every product felt fresh, light and, best of all, guilt-free. You can see why Aveda is the chosen brand at BA1. The salon’s commitment to Aveda is part of what drew Leah, a fairly new (but already sought after) member of the team, to the salon in the first place. I was sad to leave – and not just because of the weather. But off I went, with a vow soon to return that I might even keep, my immaculately curled hair carefully tucked away under my waterproof, a handful of podcast recommendations to add to my repertoire and a new set of products for my wish list. n For more: www.ba1hair.co.uk