I’ve been thinking about writing this post for a while, but over the course of the last couple of months, the purpose of the post has changed approximately 4973435 times (you know, not that I like to exaggerate at all). But it has. It was going to be a “omg I’ve just been to the best salon ever and you baes kinda all need to go there” to subsequently realising how important good hair and finding the perfect salon for you is and wanting to include all of the jazz in it too.
So what we have here is a bit of both. I’m going to be talking to you about the importance of finding a hair colour/style that you’re over the moon with – and not in a vain, “look at how sassy and fierce af I am” way, but in a confidence boosting way instead – as well as talking to you about the complete and utter babes that helped me achieve said dream hair.
P.S a little note that all of these pictures are from the day of having my do did or the day after to show you the exact colour (and also because gal pal procrastinated so long over the angle of this post that I’m now rooty Rita).
Why finding the perfect salon and the perfect cut/colour is so important
If you’re as attached to your hair as I am (in the non literal sense), then getting your hair done by somebody new is a slightly terrifying experience. They don’t know you, they don’t know your hair, your hair history… so finding a salon with incredible colourists and stylists is so, so important. I have 100% found mine in the babes at STIL – more on them later – and I completely trust them to do whatever I like because they just get it.
My hair is my security blanket. When I was much younger and a much uglier duckling (no seriously, I made Shrek look like Gigi Hadid), I had so little confidence in how I looked but what I did have was very long and golden locks and they immediately made me feel that little bit more confident, that little bit sassier… so keeping it in check and making sure I have the right cut and colour to suit me is always at the top of my “sort your life out” list.
Your hair has the ability to completely change your mood, when I’m having a good hair day I’m all #girlboss move over world, but when my hair looks like a dog’s dinner (i.e 99.9% of the time because I’m lazy af) I immediately feel less put together and ready for the day.
Coco Chanel once said “A girl who cuts her hair is about to change her life”. I mean… I’m not sure I totally agree with that but who can argue with Coco [insert cry laughter emoji here]. In all seriousness, there’s a reason why so many people have a drastic change after a break up and I think it’s because hair has the ability to give you a “new you” as such. It allows you to become someone else, express yourself in a new way and for that reason, even though I am as risky as a nun and forever keep the same look, I really do think that you’re hair is so important!
So let’s talk about STIL. I first found out about this salon a few months back, they were touted as the place to go for blondes/the perfect colour in general and as I hadn’t been happy with my colour in a long time – “why you giving me so much warm shades that turn ginger?” – I couldn’t wait to see what they had to say.
So STIL are the dreamiest dream boat of a salon nestled in the heart of Notting hill. The salon itself it pretty much designed right out of Pinterest; think minimalistic, think white and airy, think plants scattered around… I basically want them to design my home (please and thanks?) So it’s an incredibly tranquil, relaxing place just to be in before you even get started with the hair.
Christel, founder and creative director of Stil (and all round mega mega babe) sat me down for a consultation. We spoke in depth about what I wanted, what I didn’t like (and also so much other random shiz because yay for colourists that are so lovely and easy to talk to!) She then took out some colour charts and assessed my skin tone and eye colour and then went on to find the perfect blonde for me. I have never seen or heard of this done in a salon before and I think that’s where Stil really excel themselves, they just know hair.
This is probably a good point to mention that sensitive sally over here actually had an allergic reaction to the dye whilst patch testing so Christel managed to find a way of lightening the hair without using the colour like the total genius she is. Anyway, fangirling aside, I had my colour done, we went for a lighter, brighter, more ashier blonde and to date, it is by far the best colour I have ever had. Months on, I am still absolutely over the moon with it and continue to tell every damn girl I know to go to Stil for a pretty blimmin awesome colour.
The cut. Now, I’m quite basic with my cut, I like it a particular length with soft layers – lol, I really have no idea what I’m talking about so end up saying “do what you want but please keep the length” – and was very happy to let Alex, STIL’s style expert, go with what he thought would work best. You know when you’re having a chat and don’t pay much attention to the cutting and blow drying and an hour late holy crap, how have you made my hair look 10,000x better than it ever did? Yeah, that’s kinda what happened. I’m pretty sure Alex gave me a trim and layers that suited my slightly funny shaped head a little better but that slight change made such a difference to the overall effect. Basically, I skipped out of that salon feeling like a much better, sassier version of myself and I think when you do that, you know you’ve found the right salon for you.
So that brings me to the end of this post. I know it’s been a little bit of an organised chaotic mess but the more I thought about it, the more I realised I relied on my hair. I relied on it looking good – or you know, as good as it gets for me – and I relied on it being me. I also just fell in love with STIL, lols in case you couldn’t tell by my mildly embarrassing fangirl, and honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. For a colour that is measured by skin tone and eye colour to specifically suit you alone, for a team that are so incredibly lovely (and talented) and make you feel extremely comfortable from the get go… this is the place for you.
I would love to know how important hair is for you? Have you found your perfect hair salon? I always love hearing your thoughts 🙂
It's amazing what a new do or freshen up at th salon can do for oneself. Ive actually just had my own hair done this afternoon and stepped out with perfect waves only to have them tangled and crap by the time I reached my car. Thanks a lot unexpected gale-force winds. Grrrrr.
It's amazing what a new hairdo can do I remember a while ago I read a quote "you wear your hair everyone, it's worth the investment" and t's so true! xx
I have to say I LOVE your hair that colour! My hair is such a nightmare, it's always so messy and desperately needs a cut but I've had some such bad experiences with hairdressers that I just don't trust anyone with it haha. I do really need to get out there and try some new ones out though – desperately in need of a new colour! Amy xx http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
First of all your photos are AMAZING as per usual, and you have the most gorgeous hair! I'm so with you on the importance of it too – mine is a bit of a security blanket, and I feel 100% sassier when I've got fresh colour and extensions 🙂
Love your photos and your hair is also very beautiful! I am also very picky about my hair so I completely understand you! Best regards, Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Yes girl!! Totally agree with what you wrote!! I've had long hair for soo long and it gives me so much confidence!! But I really need to try out some new haircuts and maybe go shorter which makes me so nervous!! You have gorgeous hair love <3
I completely agree about how having hair that you love can really boost your confidence! I've never been very hair savvy, and my mother and sister never were either, so I'm still on my way towards figuring out my "best hair" so to speak. But I very recently went to a new salon, and I loved it! You hair looks great, and the photos are stunning! What camera are you using in that selfie pic? I've been looking for smallish camera like that. Anyways, lovely post! Julia || Julia in Bluhm
It is so scary going to a new place to get your hair done, I have had two terrible experiences here in London, first time I got my hair butchered and it took about 6 months of growing it out so I could repair the mess, then I got a super warm toned balayage that I hated. After repairing it all in my trusty Irish salon I am finally happy with my hair. I will definitely check out STILL for any future hair appointments though, it looks dreamy and sounds amazing too x
Your hair always looks so amazing babe! It's such a gorgeous blonde tone and the soft layers look wonderful. And seriously girl I can't imagine you ever been anything but gorgeous- 'I made Shrek look like Gigi Hadid' hahaah you seriously don't know how much of a stunner you are!
Not only hair is so important, babe, but this post spoke volumes to me! I have had so many of the struggles you mentioned, Ellie. When I moved countries I had to say gbye to one of the best hairdressers ever and start over. I found one and stuck with her for a good while until she got a bit "too comfortable" and left the dye sit in for too long which resulted in minor little burns across my scalp. I should've probably gone back and told her but I am the worst at complaining so I just never came back. Then I had to try another place which was okay. Basically, the search continues 🙈 Your hair looks absolutely flawless, sweetie. We have pretty much the same length and I love mine coloured like that. You look gorgeous!! <3 xox Nadia http://www.mielandmint.com
I always fangirl your pictures, I think you have the prettiest hair of my blondest dreams (I keep trying to get blonde in my hair but every hairdresser opts for 'subtle' :/ ) and I have to say, I can't imagine you were ever an ugly duckling, you're stunning!
I completely agree about the importance of hair. It can really make or break your whole look, and to this day a bad cut can make me cry! I'm allergic to dyes so my colourist has to lighten my hair without them too – it's amazing what they can do! x
Haven't checked your posts in a while~ wheew! But I'm back to blog reading in between work now! haha~ I clicked this post while I was having my coffee break because I was kinda having a bad hair day. I have natural curls (read: FRIZZY hair) and it's really hard to maintain it. Having a good cut is just one of the tricks to tame this mane of mine. Your post about STIL reminded me so much of this salon that I trust so much. I got my hair rebonded (straightened) at this salon way back in 2012 and I usually get my nails done there too. Same with regular trims. Now I move waaaay too much. That means I gotta go to whichever salon is close to where I am currently living. It sucks because I always get scared because THEY DON'T KNOW MY HAIR! Now, I'm back to the city where my favorite salon is located. Just a few weeks ago I had a haircut and man, I haven't been that happy walking (or was it skipping?) out of the salon in a long time! The stylist hasn't touched my hair in a looong time. Last time he gave me a haircut was probably 2013 (lol). I swear his scissors and hairbrush are like magic wands! I know it's too early to get another haircut, so, maybe next time I go there, I might change my hair color~
You always look so amazing, and hair is very important. I find I actually look best with longer, curly hair than anything, plus it being black… But I do go back and forth. LOL Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
I can't even put into words how important my hair is too me. Years ago when I was still very much into having the longest hair ever, I cried every time I got back from the hairdressers.. yes even at age 19. It never looked how I wanted it to look and it even got to the point where I seriously thought my then boyfriend was gonna break up with me over it. And in a way I love that Coco quote 'cause for me personally it's true. If my hair changes it's because I'm about to change my life drastically! PS- loved the story as well as the hair, you look stunning 😉
such a nice photos!
http://www.printsandroses.com/
I love your loose layers, Elle, really suits you and the salon decor looks stylish too
It's amazing what a new do or freshen up at th salon can do for oneself. Ive actually just had my own hair done this afternoon and stepped out with perfect waves only to have them tangled and crap by the time I reached my car. Thanks a lot unexpected gale-force winds. Grrrrr.
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
It's amazing what a new hairdo can do
I remember a while ago I read a quote "you wear your hair everyone, it's worth the investment" and t's so true!
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
You are very pretty!! 🙂
xoxo
It's so weird how important hair can be for confidence. Stil looks like a gorgeous salon and did a stunning job of freshening up your beautiful locks.
Emma Inks
I have to say I LOVE your hair that colour! My hair is such a nightmare, it's always so messy and desperately needs a cut but I've had some such bad experiences with hairdressers that I just don't trust anyone with it haha. I do really need to get out there and try some new ones out though – desperately in need of a new colour!
Amy xx
http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
Love that pink coat!! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/10/laced-up.html
Lovely hair colour and nice photos!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
First of all your photos are AMAZING as per usual, and you have the most gorgeous hair! I'm so with you on the importance of it too – mine is a bit of a security blanket, and I feel 100% sassier when I've got fresh colour and extensions 🙂
Claire | Vanity Claire xx
Love your photos and your hair is also very beautiful! I am also very picky about my hair so I completely understand you! Best regards,
Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Yes girl!! Totally agree with what you wrote!! I've had long hair for soo long and it gives me so much confidence!! But I really need to try out some new haircuts and maybe go shorter which makes me so nervous!! You have gorgeous hair love <3
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/how-to-no-bake-halloween-ghost-cake-pops-2/
I completely agree about how having hair that you love can really boost your confidence! I've never been very hair savvy, and my mother and sister never were either, so I'm still on my way towards figuring out my "best hair" so to speak. But I very recently went to a new salon, and I loved it! You hair looks great, and the photos are stunning! What camera are you using in that selfie pic? I've been looking for smallish camera like that. Anyways, lovely post!
Julia || Julia in Bluhm
It is so scary going to a new place to get your hair done, I have had two terrible experiences here in London, first time I got my hair butchered and it took about 6 months of growing it out so I could repair the mess, then I got a super warm toned balayage that I hated. After repairing it all in my trusty Irish salon I am finally happy with my hair. I will definitely check out STILL for any future hair appointments though, it looks dreamy and sounds amazing too x
Beauty with charm
Your hair always looks so amazing babe! It's such a gorgeous blonde tone and the soft layers look wonderful. And seriously girl I can't imagine you ever been anything but gorgeous- 'I made Shrek look like Gigi Hadid' hahaah you seriously don't know how much of a stunner you are!
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
You are so beautiful! Love your hair!
http://curlyjosephine.blogspot.ba/
Not only hair is so important, babe, but this post spoke volumes to me! I have had so many of the struggles you mentioned, Ellie. When I moved countries I had to say gbye to one of the best hairdressers ever and start over. I found one and stuck with her for a good while until she got a bit "too comfortable" and left the dye sit in for too long which resulted in minor little burns across my scalp. I should've probably gone back and told her but I am the worst at complaining so I just never came back.
Then I had to try another place which was okay. Basically, the search continues 🙈
Your hair looks absolutely flawless, sweetie. We have pretty much the same length and I love mine coloured like that. You look gorgeous!! <3
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
I always fangirl your pictures, I think you have the prettiest hair of my blondest dreams (I keep trying to get blonde in my hair but every hairdresser opts for 'subtle' :/ ) and I have to say, I can't imagine you were ever an ugly duckling, you're stunning!
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
I totally agree a good haircut and hairdresser can changed the way you feel. When my hair is sassy I feel sassy!
Laura | A Forte For Fashion x
I totally agree. I think your hair is pretty much the only thing that determines how you'll look that day… when my hair is a mess, I look a mess.
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
I completely agree about the importance of hair. It can really make or break your whole look, and to this day a bad cut can make me cry! I'm allergic to dyes so my colourist has to lighten my hair without them too – it's amazing what they can do! x
Kate Louise Blogs / Lingerie Giveaway
I really like this cut and the colour looks so nice on you! They did a really good job, woo! 🙂 xx
Oh yes, all about the hair!!!
xo,
Gem+Elli | gemandelli.com
Hi Elle!
Haven't checked your posts in a while~ wheew! But I'm back to blog reading in between work now! haha~ I clicked this post while I was having my coffee break because I was kinda having a bad hair day. I have natural curls (read: FRIZZY hair) and it's really hard to maintain it. Having a good cut is just one of the tricks to tame this mane of mine. Your post about STIL reminded me so much of this salon that I trust so much. I got my hair rebonded (straightened) at this salon way back in 2012 and I usually get my nails done there too. Same with regular trims. Now I move waaaay too much. That means I gotta go to whichever salon is close to where I am currently living. It sucks because I always get scared because THEY DON'T KNOW MY HAIR! Now, I'm back to the city where my favorite salon is located. Just a few weeks ago I had a haircut and man, I haven't been that happy walking (or was it skipping?) out of the salon in a long time! The stylist hasn't touched my hair in a looong time. Last time he gave me a haircut was probably 2013 (lol). I swear his scissors and hairbrush are like magic wands! I know it's too early to get another haircut, so, maybe next time I go there, I might change my hair color~
~ Cyndrel ~
iamcyndrel.blogspot.com
Your hair is so lovely!
Liz | LotsofLoveLiz ♥
You always look so amazing, and hair is very important. I find I actually look best with longer, curly hair than anything, plus it being black… But I do go back and forth. LOL
Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
I completely agree with this, I find that when my hair is looking good it is reflective in my confidence and mood! Love you blog xx
Brooke | http://brookekel.blogspot.com.au
I can't even put into words how important my hair is too me. Years ago when I was still very much into having the longest hair ever, I cried every time I got back from the hairdressers.. yes even at age 19. It never looked how I wanted it to look and it even got to the point where I seriously thought my then boyfriend was gonna break up with me over it. And in a way I love that Coco quote 'cause for me personally it's true. If my hair changes it's because I'm about to change my life drastically! PS- loved the story as well as the hair, you look stunning 😉
Naomi in Wonderland
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