Meet the Danique boys!

I have been introduced to another local Leicester gem this weekend. Danique Hairdressing invited me along to meet their new boys with 3 new male stylists joining the team to create a quartet of veritable scissor-wielding wonder. This is part of a great redevelopment of the salon which will also see a new website launch later this month at www.daniquehairdressing.com (link not yet active) which will introduce promotional offers, an online booking system, VIP membership and even a mobile app for even more convenient booking.

So it’s all go at Danique and I was excited to go along and see how their service measured up. It’s fair to say I was not disappointed. The salon was buzzing, all seats filled and the air full of chat and, well, the sound of hairdriers. I was greeted by the receptionist who was cheerful and warm.

The salon has a contemporary feel to it, with lots of black and white high contrast decor which works sympathetically with the original features such as the Victorian brick in the building. This is Leicester’s Highcross Street to a tee and it is well done and comfortable. I was settled in with a drink and a magazine while my stylist made his way up to me.

Look everyone – volume!

I was introduced to Sean Garner, a friendly chap who has an eye for the personality and style of his clients and a real attention to detail and passion for getting the style right for each individual. He talked me through each step of the process, which was great because I really didn’t know what style I wanted (probably should have done some research, but he knew what he was on about so I was happy to go with his recommendation).

Label m products

I had a leisurely consultation, talking about the current state of my hair and what I wanted from a style. We established that my hair is fine and overlong, which was pulling it down and making it look a bit flat and lifeless. This led to some product recommendations, including the Label m age defying shampoo and conditioner which help to add volume and shine to longer (and therefore older) hair. Happily he wasn’t saying I was old. That would have sucked.

I had my hair washed, a treatment put in and my scalp massaged, all of which was perfect for me as I had just finished work for the week so it totally put me at my ease and really made the experience feel like a treat. Sean pointed out that having someone else wash your hair is the nicest part of getting your hair done, which didn’t surprise me as I’d already heard literally every other stylist in the room say that to their client. It’s nice to know everyone’s on message though I guess!

 
Sean’s cutting style was fluent and efficient. He quickly took off the bulk of unwanted length, checking throughout that I was happy with what he was doing. He speedily and professionally added in some layers and cut some shape in around the front which was flowing and natural looking. He added some Label m heat protection spray, which was light enough not to weigh my hair down but would protect it from blowdrying damage, and also some volumising mousse to give a little extra lift.

After drying my hair we both considered the result a success, a real increase in shape, texture and body. However since I was heading out to meet friends after the cut, we decided to go to the next level and style in some light curls at the bottom of my hair to give even more body and movement. He also added a spritz of nourishing oil and a light hairspray for hold which was not discernible to the touch. Despite it being considerably windier and more drizzly than of late, my new ‘do’ held all night and was the subject of much compliments from the friends I went to meet. The ultimate test – even The Boy noticed right away and told me how nice he thought it looked. I felt more confident as well as nice and relaxed from being treated so well.

Before and After – what do you think?

Thanks to Danique Hairdressing for inviting me along to road test their services. I will definitely be back, not least because in the lovely goodie bag they gave me I have lots of exciting money off vouchers to get myself lots of hairy treats in the future. That’s hair related treats obviously, not like a free marshmallow that’s been down the back of the sofa or anything.

They know how to do a top notch goodie bag at Danique.

Please note the Thorntons heart background was my Valentine’s present to The Boy, but it sets off the Danique and Label m treats nicely I think! After all, they were all about the #DaniqueValentines!