FASHION + BEAUTY
kent business spotlight :
HARRISON ’ S HAIR TEAM
Harrison ' s Hair Team arrived with style at its Evegate Salon 25 years ago . Approached to open a dedicated salon at the site , Sue Harrison transferred her years of hair styling and colouring experience to creating her own salon in its quaint barn conversion building just outside of Ashford . BY SAMANTHA READY
Fast forward a quarter of a century and Harrison ’ s Hair Team at the Evegate Salon , as well as its Sandgate counterpart , driven by the passionate but truly professional Sue , has matured to become a slick operation offering a plethora of hair and beauty treatments , but with their own humble , friendly charm .
So of course it was with much excitement that I arrived at the Evegate Salon as the air of 25th birthday celebrations were taking hold on a busy Thursday afternoon .
They say first impressions count , and here every one was great – the chic waiting chairs , exposed beam ceiling , fancy chandeliers casting light across the shelves displaying a huge range of Redken products , and a friendly hubbub of chit chat and hairdryers . Clients were greeted like old friends , and for many that ’ s probably the case .
The salon itself has been designed to produce dedicated client stations making the most use of light and space , as well as a comfortable wash area and a hidden therapy room . They also offer a dedicated nail bar which is where I headed first with the lovely Danielle .
Now by a stroke of luck or genius , I was actually placed into the hands of the most junior member of a very experienced team . Danielle , having gained her beauty qualification , is currently working hard to become a qualified hairdresser too , and whilst she expertly prepared my nails ready for their shape and polish ( with a complimentinducing shade of lilac ), she not only portrayed a sense of professionalism and knowledge rarely seen in more inexperienced juniors , she did so with an infectious enthusiasm and friendliness that gave me an added insight into just what makes this salon different . There are high standards and expectations , but these are backed up with a dedicated and effective training strategy and it is an obviously welcoming and careerbuilding place to work .
After having my nails restored to a handshakeworthy appearance , inspected by Sue herself , I was led to a subtly hidden treatment room at the rear of the salon .
With a dedicated basin , cosy footstool , mellow music and softly lit by candles it turned out to be the perfect place to have a hair treatment , something that I would thoroughly recommend in addition to any normal ‘ cut and blow-dry ’ appointment .
Still in the hands of the evidently capable Danielle , we ran through a short Q & A – hair type : normal but tendency to go greasy with too much shampoo ; scalp : dry and easily irritated ; hair wash routine including regularity , products and issues : very thick and naturally unruly . That enabled her to pick tailored products and treatments that would not only benefit my hair ’ s appearance but condition too , all with an aim to leave it manageable .
So in the relaxing room with my feet up and eyes closed , the treatment , including a double shampoo and thorough conditioning , began . The products , Pureology by Redken , are 100 % vegan , 100 % natural and smell 100 % divine . Not only do they protect colour and strengthen hair , they left my hair silky smooth and totally fresh . And the added head and scalp massage during the treatment was total bliss .
Although reluctant to leave the cosy treatment room , I was of course eager to see if the finish would be as sleek as my visit so far , and Sami my stylist didn ’ t disappoint .
With a claim to fame of being Harrison ’ s newest employee having joined the team a matter of days ago , albeit with nine years of experience under her hairdressing hat , it was clear to see that she was well settled and keen to find her feet in the salon .
Settled into my chair , drink in hand , Sami worked to calm my unruly barnet , providing a
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