Just over a week ago, my BPL hair representative (read: my sister!) had the opportunity to visit the House of Rush on Piccadilly, just by Green Park station.
I had read quite a few reviews about the Afro hair service that is available at the salon and was keen to review it for my blog!
The Rush Hair salon group has 60 salons across London and the South of England and in 2012 they opened the flagship salon, The House of Rush (THOR).
Described on the company website as “a sanctuary of urban indulgence”, the salon is an eclectic mix of glossy acrylic surfaces, vintage mirrors, decadent chandeliers and the latest cutting edge equipment.
There is a full suite of professional products and beauty services on offer and the salon is open until 9 pm…so you can get your hair done after a day at the office – instead of having to take out the whole day (as many of us usually have to do!)
So, the decor and offering gets a 10/10 but how was the actual service?
My rep arrived at the salon in the morning and was greeted by THOR’s Afro specialist Emmanuel Barnett, who proceeded her treatment with an in depth analysis of her lifestyle, including her diet! He then went on to analyse her hair (which is relaxed) in order to prescribe the service.
I had booked for her to have her hair relaxed and cut when I arranged the visit with THOR’s PR team, however upon analysis of the hair, Emmanuel deduced that the hair was not in need of a relaxer (which would have caused the hair to have been over processed) and that a good treatment would bring back the lustre and shine to the hair.
My representative was very impressed and also very grateful for this direction, as we have all been in the situation when a hairdresser will (attempt to) carry out any service that is requested in order to be able to charge for it, whether it is the best thing for the client or not!!
To begin with Emmanuel washed the hair using the MIZANI Supreme Oil Shampoo, Conditioner and Masque.
My representative also received a treatment, that was left under heat. This consisted of the Kérastase Masquintense (a high concentration conditioning treatment for very dry, sensitised hair) masque and 3 drops of the Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate (which smells divine by the way!!) which was added to the scalp.
Emmanuel then got to work cutting the hair, removing all the split ends and then blow-drying it, using a round brush into a perfect bob that could give Michelle Obama’s hair a run for its money!
When I first saw my reps hair I was AMAZED by the fact that it hadn’t been relaxed – it was so shiny and the roots looked healthy and fresh!
My representative was beyond ecstatic with not just the result – but also Emmaunuel’s expertise, guidance, skill and the level of attention he gave to her as a customer! She waxed lyrical about her experience all day – so once I have removed my hair extensions I think I will have to pay THOR a visit myself!!!
It is 8 days post the salon visit and my rep’s hair is still looking healthy, shiny and full of body. She has been maintaining the style with a tiny amount of MIZANI Supreme Oil and has not had to use a lot of heat at all! She also brought the Kérastase Masquintense treatment to use at home – so I will update you on how she gets on with this at a later date!
Based upon my rep’s experience and the incredible condition that her hair is in I would highly recommend THOR.
They can be found at 200 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HU
Tel: 020 3642 8078 to make an appointment with Emmanuel.
A virgin relaxer starts from £100, retouch from £75, a cut and finish from £60 and blowdry from £40.
The interior looks brilliant and her hair surely does look lovely!!! Thanks for posting! xxx
Thanks for reading! It is a lovely space!
Hiya, you wouldnt have any idea of a way to contact emmanuel would you? apparently he doesnt work there anymore xx
Let me see if I can find out xxx
Hi! I wondered if you were able to find out how to contact Emmanuel? I would really like him to do my hair. :-). Or if they have another good afro hair stylist there? xx
so so so sorry for only just getting back to you! I have been away from the blog for a while…I will see if I can track Emmanuel down! In the meantime I recommend that you look at the ratings website for Afro Caribbean salons http://www.noscrunchie.com/. Salons are reviewed by the users so you can be assured that the opinions are honest and trustworthy!
xxx
I went to this salon on the strength of this review. I have afro hair and was introduced to a woman I was told was the afro specialist. To cut a long story short she over processed my hair to such an extent that in be following weeks I developed large bald patches as it fell out in handfuls. I have had to cut most of my hair off. This was many months ago and it is now growing back slowly. I have successfully sued and received a compensation payout. I just want others to be cautious and don’t assume everyone who says they can do afro hair actually can!
Oh dear!
I am so sorry to hear this. Thanks for letting me know…I will certainly take this up with the PR company!
This is a really important issue to address.
Hi! Many thanks for your comment -I am so sorry to hear about your experience. This is definitly an issue. I will take it up with the PR company x