Hair by JFK
Pastel hair colours have been in seen on the runways, in editorials (on celebrities) and on the streets for quite a while now. I've certainly been hankering after the look for a few seasons but have only just managed to psych myself up enough to actually go for it. Luckily for me, the lovely people at Hair by JFK were there to help and able to offer some much needed advise and support.
Hair by JFK is a multi award winning hairdressing business with two branches in Edinburgh, one on Bruntstfield Place and the other on South Clerk Street. I visited the beautifully presented salon in Bruntsfield, which felt friendly and relaxed, instantly subduing my nerves.
Starting off with a pear cider and a consultation, the very patient and knowledgeable stylist Sandy talked me through all the colour choices available and the suitability of each for my skin tone. After a good chat, we decided that the aim was to achieve a very light purple/silver colour.
With naturally dark blonde (ok, mousey blonde) hair, it would have to be lightened with bleach before the pastel colour could be achieved. Sandy talked me through the full process and we got started. During the hair colouring, I was treated to a glittering grey shellac nail treatment by the wonderful Katie - to match my new hair (obviously) and felt completely pampered and very impressed with the results.
After my big colour experiment, I decided that cut-wise, I just wanted a trim - taking off the ends and tidying up my fringe. Admitting to Sandy that I hadn't had a haircut in over a year, apart from the odd snip with my kitchen scissors (eyebrows were raised) was vaguely embarrassing but he still listened to exactly what I wanted. I was delighted with the outcome of my visit to Hair by JFK; my hair looked great, well cut, unusual but not too in-your-face. My nails were stunning.
As well as delivering good results, the team are enthusiastic about supporting local talent. Hair by JFK sponsored three prizes at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show this year, offering students a platform to showcase their work.
The basement gallery space of the Bruntsfield salon is being given over to photographer Francesca Jenkins, whose portraits of dogs and their owners stole the hearts of the staff, while the South Clerk Street salon window is being used as an installation area for two costume designers, Kirsty Quinn and Alice Nairn. These exhibitions will run until the 3 August.
Maybe I will put down the kitchen scissors from now on and trust the professionals!