HELLO! Editors share their holy grail beauty salons: Nails, facials, brows and more

lash+browlab

Where: Clapham, London

Launched in 2020, lash+browlab has already established itself as one of the most loved beauty salons in South West London. Located in the heart of Battersea, I went down to try two of the most popular treatments - brow lamination and eyelash extensions - in preparation to be a bridesmaid at my friend’s wedding this summer.

I like my eyebrows to look full but natural and I’ve had my own at-home routine since leaving far too many salons with brows that wouldn’t look out of place in 2005. With minimal shaping, plus dying them every couple of weeks and filling them in when I wore makeup, I thought I was quite low maintenance, but lamination is a dream. Now all they need is a quick brush with the oil wand at night (which is provided at the appointment) and a slick of brow gel in the morning to look exactly how I want them - no pencil or powder needed.

Like a Brazilian Keratin treatment for your eyebrows, lamination involves softening, straightening and restructuring the hairs to leave your brows looking fuller and more defined. It’s a fairly quick process (taking around 30 minutes) and can last up to six weeks. Loved by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Molly-Mae Hague, even Princess Kate is rumoured to be a fan.

Eyelash extensions are a far more lengthy process. As it was my first time I went for the most natural option - the Classics. I was in the chair for almost two hours but opening my eyes to super long, fluttery lashes was so worth it. Each lash is applied individually to your own and the attention to detail is so impressive. You will need to brush them through and clean them every night, and you can’t use anything oil-based, but waking up looking like I’d already applied a really great mascara was a game-changer. 

For me, they lasted around three weeks, but this can vary depending on your natural lash cycle. I’ve also experienced zero damage to my natural lashes, which was my one reservation, so I’d highly recommend it for beach holidays or big events.

Reviewed by: Hollie Brotherton, Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer

Pre-

Where: Islington, London

As a huge fan of low-maintenance beauty, I jumped at the opportunity to try out an LVL lash lift and tint at Pre-, dreaming of having long, fluttery lashes without the need for daily eyelash curlers and lashings of mascara. Despite popping in for a patch test 24 hours in advance, I still had a few pre-appointment nerves as I stepped into the Instagram-worthy candy pink salon. They all melted away as I sat in the reclining chair while my beautician walked me through the process.

After a gentle 35 minutes of preening, which was spent peacefully with my eyes closed, I was handed a mirror to admire my new longer and darker lashes that gave the appearance of bright, wide eyes. If, like me, lash extensions and fake eyelashes have never been your area of expertise, I highly recommend trying out this easy alternative that lasts for up to 6 weeks. Without the need to perfect my eye makeup, it's given me an extra 10 minutes in bed on many bleak UK mornings!

Reviewed by: Nichola Murphy, Deputy Lifestyle Editor

So.Shell

Where: Carnaby Street, London

© So.Shell

If you're looking for a manicure with incredible attention to detail, I cannot recommend independent Ukrainian nail bar, So.Shell, enough. Over the course of 75 minutes, my nail tech Iryna paid meticulous attention to my cuticles, going over them several times with a variety of different tools, which not only made my manicure look flawless but also made my nails look so much longer thanks to my perfectly preened nail beds.

The precision with which Iryna worked on my nails resulted in the tidiest, most polished-looking mani I've ever had, and while it took longer than I'm used to, it was more than worth the time spent in the tech's chair.

The salon itself is the ultimate zen den too, decorated to look like a Greek retreat, with white and pale blue décor creating a relaxing, blissful space.

Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, Wellness Editor

Young LDN

Where: Notting Hill

Young LDN's nail technicians are the best when it comes to creating the perfect, Hailey Bieber-inspired mani. I had my first Gel X manicure done here by Seriah, who built a fresh set of beautiful, natural-looking almond-shaped nails from extensions cured by UV light. 

This celebrity-favourite salon really have thought of everything when it comes to making your experience a delight. From the soothing warm tea on arrival to the relaxing hand and arm massage, my serve was a seriously elevated experience. My technician even added SPF onto my hands before putting my nials under the UV light - an important step that is almost always overlooked by other salons. 

A winter of cold weather and a poorly-done manicure done elsewhere over Christmas had wreaked havoc on my natural nails, leaving them short and brittle. I came to Young LDN for a manicure that could add length, without compromising my nail health like traditional Acrylic Extensions do. I'm pleased to say my set of Gel X Extensions looked immaculate for a whole four weeks before I soaked them off - and my natural nails were left strong and long underneath. It's easily the most nourishing manicure I've ever had. 

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer

DryBy

Where: Mortimer Street, London

© Instagram / @meganmargotevans and @drybylondon

Taking some time out for some pampering is a real treat; particularly if the salon you’re visiting looks like DryBy London. A stone throw’s away from Oxford Street, the chic space makes you feel like you’re nestled in the pages of an interior magazine. 

I recently treated myself to a Biosculpture manicure and I was blown away. After a first rate nail and cuticle tidy up, the gel was applied and sealed by the LED light. The shiniest finish I’ve ever seen, I felt instantly put together, thanks to this 100% vegan product. Best of all, it lasted a whopping three weeks with zero chips. Im totally converted!

Reviewed by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty Editor

Pre-

Where: Islington, London

You can't miss the inviting glow of Pre- on Islington's trendy Upper Street. With it's peachy-toned interiors and luxe aesthetic, this isn't your average beauty salon. Their mantra is to be there for all your pre-life moments, whether that's pre-holiday, pre-wedding, pre-party and more, and with high quality treatments on offer for accessible prices, it has quickly become a HELLO! favourite. 

I headed to Pre- for a much-needed pedicure before heading on holiday, and the experience was nothing but blissful. Rarely am I left totally relaxed during a treatment, but my pedicurist made a serious effort to scrub, sooth and massage my feet before applying a fresh lick of pastel pink polish onto my toes. 

We all know that pedis last longer than manis, but four weeks after my treatment, I'm so impressed by my long-lasting pedicure that looks just as fresh as it did a month ago.

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer

Young LDN

Where: Notting Hill

The AquaPure Hydra Facial at Young LDN came highly recommended by a colleague, so I just had to try it for myself. After suffering from an onset of adult acne earlier this year, I hoped the facial would reset my skin and soothe my pesky breakouts – and it most certainly did. The treatment promises to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, lift, and tone your skin by combining a series of high-tech therapies. 

Firstly, shout out to the super cool salon that is Young LDN. The inviting space in Notting Hill is an Instagram dream with trendy flower installations and exposed brick walls. Secondly, the staff are just so nice! My therapist was amazing at talking me through every step of the facial, carefully explaining each product and the benefits of each stage. The hour-long process mixes water micro-dermabrasion, AHA exfoliation, vitamin and peptide infusion, microcurrent application, and electro-manipulation, as well as heat and cooling therapy. 

This sounds like a lot, but it was actually pretty relaxing to literally feel the dirt being sucked out of my skin and my imperfections being zapped. The results speak for themselves – my stubborn blackheads (a never-ending problem for someone with enlarged pores) have vastly reduced, and my skin was left feeling instantly plumped and rejuvenated. In the weeks since the treatment, any spots have pretty much disappeared, and my complexion looks so much brighter. 

Reviewed by Kate Thomas, Lifestyle Managing Editor

Ouronyx

Where: St James Street, London

© Tom Fallon Photography

The Ouronyx centre, located on Westminster’s St James Street, is a skin care clinic entirely dedicated to facial aesthetics. The minute you walk in, the stunning interiors make you feel like you’ve walked into a modern art gallery - chic marble floors, serene white walls, an inviting velvet green sofa and the curved staircase all add to its luxurious impact.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with an in-depth overview of what to expect from the treatment, with everything from the products used through to the aftercare detailed in depth. The facial I selected used their Swiss skincare and spa brand - Cellcosmet, all Cellcosmet products feature a signature ingredient; CytoPep Cellular Extracts, which is composed of skin structural proteins (collagen, fibronectin and actin) to leave skin hydrated, firm and radiant.

The treatment involved several different steps, including a calming two-part sheet mask wrapped around my face and neck - by the end, my skin was glowing. I definitely felt this was the perfect experience if you want results but still feel well and truly relaxed, I stepped back out into the busy London streets feeling well and truly rejuvenated.

Reviewed by Katy Huke, SEO manager

Skin Loft 

Where: Skin Loft, London

© Skin Loft

A hidden oasis in Kensington, Skin Loft surpassed all of my expectations. A light and airy space, upon arrival, I was greeted by a 3D bubble installation that no influencer would ever walk past without stopping for a selfie or two. 

Daiva, my facialist, and the owner of Skin Loft, revealed that every room has been curated with a specific feel in mind. The reception, flooded with light and – to my delight – bubbles, is all about luxury; the perfect space for indulging in free-flowing prosecco while treating yourself to a manicure. Meanwhile, the facial and massage rooms are designed with dark and atmospheric tones; a safe haven that invites you to fall asleep as you sink further into relaxation. 

After hearing about the Signature Face Sculpting Buccal Massage, also known as The Yoga Facelift, I had to give it a try. Billed as the number one choice for celebrities and high profile clients seeking a non-invasive face sculpting treatment, it involves targeted massage techniques applied to the muscles of the face. 

From the get-go, Daiva tells me that this treatment isn't for everyone. Half of it is extremely relaxing – which I can attest to – while the other half can be painful. A fountain of knowledge when it comes to skincare, Daiva explains that this is because the face muscles are quite literally enduring a workout, and one which is designed to release tension, smooth lines, lift the face, improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. 

Of course, this particular treatment won't be everyone's cup of tea, but my skin was absolutely glowing over the next few days, and I can see why it's become so popular. If you're searching for a more traditional facial, Skin Loft has plenty to offer on that side of things. The Vitamin Cocktail facial sounds absolutely dreamy, and it's going straight on my bucket list. 

Reviewed by Megan Bull, TV Writer 

CACI

Where: Lisa Franklin, London

I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of British brand CACI before, so when I was invited to experience their non-surgical and non-invasive, celebrity-loved facial in the sumptuous south Kensington clinic, Lisa Franklin, I was intrigued. I quickly learnt that CACI (which stands for Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument) has the seal of approval from a plethora of famous faces, including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Well, if it's good enough for these ladies, I had to check it out. 

I was promised I would leave the salon without any red splotches or marks on my face, which is sometimes what happens in more invasive treatments. No pain, no gain and all that. But I'm pleased to report that my skin felt visibly refreshed and had a nice glow to it after the hour-long experience. I was actually comfortable enough to go makeup free for the rest of the day while out and about in central London, which I wouldn't normally do. 

The facial uses CACI's most advanced system yet – CACI Synergy which focuses particularly on improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. It's essentially a face lift and workout for your face muscles, but without the pain of an invasive treatment. It felt a little strange having the microcurrent impulses beamed onto my face and neck, but I can confirm it was actually a relaxing experience and my therapist was nothing but warm and reassuring. The salon itself is divine too, and it felt so luxurious having my celebrity-approved facial done just down the road from Harrods.

Reviewed by: Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Beauty Club London

​Where: Market Place, London

Situated just off Oxford Street, Beauty Club London will greet you with a cocktail as you enter the ultra chic salon. One of the only stockists of Hair Club Extensions (some of the highest quality in the industry), they use lightweight, voluminous tape-in extensions that blend into your natural locks seamlessly. The salon holds a huge range of 100% human Remy hair extensions in different colours, lengths, and textures, so everyone can get the perfect match.

I've always had naturally fine hair that falls flat easily so I went for thickening rather than lengthening extensions. A true first-timer, I wasn't sure what to expect and always assumed they would be high maintenance, but 13 tapes and less than 45 minutes later, I had a thick head of hair that looked completely natural. Besides using a special hair brush and keeping your head upright while blow-drying, they're also surprisingly easy to maintain.

My stylist, Moe Harb, is an industry expert who was one of the first hairdressers in the world to use tape-in extensions and has been featured in the likes of Forbes. The whole process was so quick and the extensions he chose couldn't have been a closer match to my natural colour (brunette, plus added balayage). The expertise of the application is how they look so immaculate and Beauty Club London is a fail-safe whether you can't be without your extensions or it's your very first time.

Reviewed by: Hollie Brotherton, Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer

Brooks & Brooks

Where: Covent Garden, London

Brooks & Brooks may have a reputation for its cuts, colours and styling, but they also offering a detailed consultation from its buzzy location. With a selection of signature blow dries and updos to pick from, this Covent Garden hotspot is popular for a pre-meeting touch-up or a fancy look en-route to a party. The salon itself is set over four floors, and the setting is wonderfully trendy, yet, fuss-free. What I loved about this place was that my hairdresser, Charlie - who has worked the London Fashion Week circuit - made the  time to speak to me at the start of my appointment, offering style advice that complimented my own ideas. She made sure I left with exactly what I wanted for a star-studded bash. What's more, it was the perfect place to kick back and relax. The building also has a unique collaborative space, where likeminded fashion and beauty enthusiasts can come together.

Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

Live True London

Where: Soho

If just one thing has been clear from red carpet season, it's that natural hair colours have never had more of a moment. Hailey Bieber is embracing her mousy brunette, Margot Robbiehas switched out her Barbie blonde for a beachy root blend and Billie Eilish has ditched her famous electric red roots for an all-over chocolate hue. With that in mind, I put my locks in the trusted hands of Live True London's Glenesa when I tasked her with transforming my brassy, formerly bleached hair into a softer blonde balayage.

Like most 20-something women inspired by Matilda Djerf, I wanted a low-maintenace balayage blonde that will brighten my hair, but also with an effortless root blend that will take me all the way through to summer. It takes a huge amount of skill to blend colour seamlessly, with Glenesa painting the colour onto my hair freehand and using an 'air touch' technique toblend, creating the optimal balance between light and dark. She listened to my concerns about wanting to look blonder without the need to refresh my highlights, adding some creamy "money pieces" around my face and softening the warmth with a creamy toner.

This buzzy salon in London's vibrant Soho is fully booked for a reason. Not only are their services exceptional, but the staff are incredibly welcoming and took serious care when listening to my concerns during a detailed consultation. They also use their own, nourishing haircare range FUL, which has kept my colour looking just as fresh as it was when I walked out. 

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer

Gustav Fouche

Where: Notting Hill, London

It's not every day you get to have a 'Glowdry' by celebrity hair stylist, Gustav Fouche. I was treated to the ultimate VIP experience by the man himself who worked his magic on my damaged hair with his new ultra-luxurious £200 Glowdry, and it's a blow-dry like no other! 

This premium treatment is designed for instant results left my hair looking and feeling better than ever. The 'Glowdry' experience begins with an in-salon consultation that allows the stylist to analyse your scalp and hair, recommend the best products for your hair type, followed by a bespoke Hair & Scalp Recovery Elixir treatment. Next comes the revolutionary Micromist machine, which is only found in a handful of salons worldwide. This game-changing hair technology provides the perfect osmosis that opens up the cuticle to absorb allthe nourishing products while hydrating and adding much-needed moisture. 

During the 20-minute Micromist treatment, I was able to relax and ask Gustav for hair tips and styling advice. After the Micromist treatment, a clear gloss is applied, followed by a wash and cool heat blow-dry that leaves hair looking lush, shiny, and voluminous. 

The catwalk ready treatment starts from £120 (excluding the clear gloss if not skin tested prior).

Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

Harrods Hair and Beauty Salon

Where: Harrods, fifth floor, 87-135 Brompton Road 

If you're hankering after a total hair revamp, without wanting to reach for the scissors, I'd highly recommend booking in for a Rahua treatment at Harrods. I had their Harrods x Rahua hydrating curl treatment which includes a hydrating hair wash, a leave-in treatment and a runway-ready 'finish' of your choice (choose between a bouncy blowout, mermaid curls, voluminous waves or gorgeous coils.) 

Whilst I'm always a tiny bit sceptical about conditioning and hydrating leave-in treatments (They tend to make my hair feel heavy and greasy) elite hair stylist Josh worked his magic and transformed my lacklustre locks into sleek, bouncy waves with a gorgeous high-shine. As a die-hard hair oil fan, I was particularly impressed with their concentrated hair elixir which is crafted with 100 percent pure rahua oil, harvested sustainably from the Amazon rainforest. 

Aside from making my hair look vivid and almost 'glass like,' the heavenly oil boasts this delicious, gourmand smell thanks to the added palo santo essence. Think sweet, woody notes laced with hints of citrus and licorice. Pure bliss!

Sure. Rahua's products aren't cheap, but they're packed full of nourishing, curl-enhancing ingredients which genuinely appear to revitalise dry and damaged hair. Plus, their entire product line is vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free and contains no parabens, sulphates, or gluten. It's a yes from me. 

Reviewed by: Phoebe Tatham, Junior Writer