I’m a big champion of the small salon. Going to get your haircut should be a refined, intimate affair, rather than an unplanned social occasion where you end up bumping into half of London. There’s simply nothing worse than being caught off-guard by people you know when all you wanted was so ‘me’ time, reading glossy magazines, browsing through Instagram and sipping a peppermint tea.

Jamie Stevens salon

That’s why we loved Jamie Stevens’ salon; tucked away on Russell Gardens in Kensington, the salon is a small, private affair, that only caters for 6 or so at a time. For that reason, and the friendly, approachable staff, it’s well worth taking a trip West for the pleasant experience.

What you need to know: Jamie Stevens is British hairdresser of the year 2012, and the go-to guy for hair advice on shows such as The X Factor, This Morning and How to Look Good Naked. The salon is the UK’s first Matrix and Biolage bespoke flagship salon, and they proudly use only formaldehyde-free products.

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Best treatment: Keratin Blow Dry

Price: £250

Why have it: Because the salons only use KeraStraight, a premium Keratin-based hair treatment, which is designed to reduce frizz and restore the hair’s natural beauty. The treatment can leave you frizz-free for up to 4 months, giving you a much needed break from the damaging straighteners. The salon’s speciality is smoothing treatments; from the Detox Treatment (£30) which is a ceramide-infused treatment that helps restore the hair from within, to the Thirst Quencher (£30) which uses aloe and passion fruit to restore, rehydrate and relieve dry hair.

For more information and to book, visit: http://jamiestevenshair.com/