Kennaland

Kennaland has been many things to many hairdos – a studio in a disused theatre, a speakeasy saloon above the Cat and Mutton pub, a hard-to-find grooming spot in a London Fields bunker, and its latest incarnation – a one-stop beauty spot on a former carwash site. Its new home, within the Monohaus development, is an experiment in luring hip tech heads and City start ups to its one and two bed studios by offering quirky perks such as POPfit, a fitness studio headed up by the actor-turned entrepreneur Kate Hudson, and The London Dolls, which offers eyelash extensions. Kennaland’s new pad is bigger, brighter and greener than its former subterranean site. A lush moss wall greets clients as they walk in, while snazzy wooden panels soften the industrial interior and screen out the sidewalk-gawpers. The glass of wine was a welcome afternoon indulgence, though other beverages are offered. During the cut, newbie stylist Phoebe handled my frizz-prone mane with efficiency, friendly chatter came easy and my fringe was snipped with unrivaled precision. Plus, anyone with bangs will be pleased to hear you can return for a free fringe trim. Although I didn’t leave with the natural curl definition others have teased out with a diffuser and product, I did spy perfectly blow dried barnets in the large oval mirrors so flyaway free locks are achievable. Kennaland uses Evo products, which are sulphate and paraben free, smell divine and leave your hair with that just-cut silky soft feel. Refillable products are on their way, which is good to know if you’re trying to reduce your plastic footprint. For all its moves, Kennaland remains a solid choice: its easy going stylists are clearly experienced, the playlist (a mixture of reggae and acoustic tunes on our visit) keeps the vibe relaxed and thankfully, you don’t need to be able to afford an apartment here to have your hair done.