HEALTH AND BEAUTY

HAIR AT 58

Deri Robins books her wonky lockdown fringe and home-dye into Hair at 58, and requests a minor miracle

Honestly; I don’t know how the nation’s hairdressers have managed to keep a straight face. As soon as they reopened, in we all trooped with the fright wigs from hell; what a sight we must have looked, with our home-dye disasters, and fringes more uneven than the Government’s lockdown guidelines.

I think I had better-looking hair when I was on chemo. Iron grey roots blending into a frizz that was partly red and partly brown – we’re not taking balayage here, or an artful bit of ombré; just big chunks of hair I’d missed when slapping on a cheapo kit from Boots.

Maybe it was because I knew my hair couldn’t possibly look any worse, maybe it was post-lockdown bravado; either way, I rocked up to Hair at 58 in the mood for a change. I had a look in mind that I’d seen on a Spanish actress: short thick bangs, a bluntish off -the-shoulder length. It was cool and edgy, but not so far away from a classic French bob that it would look silly on someone my age.

Let me say at this point that I might never have drummed up the courage to try this look at all if my hairdresser hadn’t been Sam Bell. I knew she’d immediately understand what I wanted, and would tell me honestly if it wouldn’t suit me.

And it was fun, being able to hand her a creative challenge for a change; after all, saying “just a trim” to a stylist of Sam’s calibre is like asking Josh Eggleton to cook you a bit of toast; you’d undoubtedly get the best toast or trim in town, but you really wouldn’t be making the most of their unique skills and talents.

As well as showing Sam a photo of the cut I fancied, I’d screenshotted one I didn’t want – a much neater and mumsier version of the same bob. Sam had no problem analysing the diff erence between the two: my hermosa actriz Española had choppy layers cut into an otherwise blunt bob, while the other had a far more even cut.

As I’d used up my annual bravery quota on requesting a restyle, I wasn’t tempted to go wacky with the colour. Sam got to work mixing up a dark, glossy brunette. She loves Aveda colour, has never found a better product; it’s high-quality and organic, and she says that the versatility of the Full Spectrum range is unique; it’s the only product that allows you to create bespoke shades. “It’s like an artist’s palette. You begin with a base colour, and add tones. It responds to diff erent parts of the hair, so even a ‘fl at’ colour is softly graded. You’ll never end up with block colour that looks artifi cial, like a Lego head.”

As I’m going so much shorter, Sam cuts off the worst of my strawlike ends before applying the colour. “It feels like your hair is having a drink,” she says as she “Maybe it was post-lockdown bravado, but I turned up at Hair at 58 in the mood for a change” works it through. Once the colour’s taken, there’s further nourishment for my parched locks in the form of pomegranate, ginger and coconut. It sounds like something off the new cocktail menu from Milk Thistle, but in fact these are the ingredients in Aveda’s new Neutroplenish range of shampoos and conditioners, specially designed for dry and dull hair.

The next bit involves scissors, and I’m not sure who’s more excited, Sam or me. “I’m cutting instinctively. Technically, what I’m doing shouldn’t really work,” she says cheerfully. “Basically, I’m creating disconnected layers to encourage dimension.”

While she’s cutting, Sam tells me how the last few months have been for her. The answer is: not easy. While her staff have received furlough pay, there’s been no fi nancial aid for Sam, as the owner of a limited company, and to keep the business afl oat she’s had to dig deeply into her savings. On the plus side, the layout of Hair 58 – a narrow Georgian house spread over several fl oors – has made it easier for her to come back, since it’s possible to create discrete, socially distanced working areas; especially valuable for vulnerable customers.

As Sam plugs in her trusty Parlux for the blow dry, I force myself to pay attention for once. On goes a blob of Aveda Be Curly prep, followed by Be Curly curl-enhancer; a powerhouse pair designed to stop frizz, enhance curls, and weightlessly encourage natural movement. As she dries, Sam takes the odd section and twists it (chunkier sections result in wavy curls, small ones create curlier ones). My hair is already looking a million times better than I’d hoped, but as a fi nishing touch she takes a styling wand, curling alternate sections backwards and forwards.

Ta-daa. I’m genuinely thrilled. I post a photo of my new look on

Before...

...and after Frustratingly for hair stylists, since clients have to wear masks throughout it’s impossible for them to gauge the full effect of their work; so I took this pic for Sam when I got home

social media and compliments fl ood in. My daughter informs me that I look 20 years younger. I take my new hair out to a newly opened restaurant at Wapping Wharf, and don’t even need to wear a hat.

When it’s time to wash my hair, I line up my Aveda products and try to copy Sam’s technique. This is normally the point where I’d admit that I’d made a pig’s ear out of it, but in fact my eff orts weren’t half bad. I’ve even discovered that I can get away with letting this cut air-dry, doing nothing more than twisting the odd section.

I’d approached my restyle experiment philosophically, safe in the knowledge that most people wouldn’t be seeing it anyway, so if I didn’t like it I’d have plenty of time to grow it again. Instead, I’m slightly peeved to have so few opportunities to take it out and about. In the meantime I’ve having hours of fun trying on old clothes in new ways – because that’s one of the great things about a restyle; you’ll have hours of fun accessorising it.

THE NEW SALON EXPERIENCE: HAIR AT 58

NEVER turn up at a hair salon if you or anyone you live with is unwell or self isolating.

DON’T turn up early, as there is no waiting area. Minimise bags and coats; you’ll need to keep all your belonging with you.

DO book ahead, as the team are not accepting walk-ins. Wear a mask at all times, and use the hand-sanitiser at the door. Bring any drinks, books or magazines you need, as these will not be provided.

FOR YOUR SAFETY all the team wear masks, gloves and aprons. Every surface is cleaned regularly and wiped with sanitiser between each appointment; all items of equipment are disinfected before and after every service, and disposable towels and capes are used at all times. Arrows on the fl oor ensure a one-way fl ow throughout the salon to aid social distancing.

PRICES Restyle £32-£72; creative colour, ask for quote

Hair at 58, 58 Cotham Hill 0117 973 7793 www.hairat58.co.uk