If you’re worried about coming away from this Clerkenwell salon with a ‘Duchess of Cambridge’ (or even a ‘Princess Charlotte’), rest-assured that Easton Regal isn’t anywhere near as old-school as its name may suggest. It does have a few retro design features, from the red telephone box by its entrance to distressed chesterfield sofas by reception and tea served in a charming china cup and saucer (bonus points for the chunks of brownie served on the side). But it’s mostly contemporary chic, with tall ceilings revealing buses as they crawl past the windows and little else.
Despite feeling in the middle of the city, staff do everything possible to ease you into a relaxing time, with easy chat, expertise and insightful styling tips. I spot clients hugging hairdressers like dear old friends at least five times during my two-hour treatment. Others felt enough at ease to sit cross-legged and slumped over laptops while their colour permeated.
Easton Regal’s been open for around six years and owners James and Bryn have worked together in the business for even longer, meeting in their days at Trevor Sorbie. They’ve trained staff to ask all the right questions, determining what cut will work best for day to day wear and producing first-class results with a fleet of Schwarzkopf colour products. Colour treatments are at the higher end of the scale – a half-head of highlights starts at £105 – but visit for a walk-in blow dry (£28) or treat yourself to a transformation ‘do and you’ll come away feeling like royalty.