I step off the tube at Angel, Islington in a foul mood. It’s a Thursday and I’ve had a full-on week. I didn’t sleep well, I sense like a black cloud is hanging over my head. In fact, I have a headache threatening that I know will ruin my day later. But as I walk down towards Charlton Place, I feel the spring sun on my face and feel slightly better. I know this area fairly well from my early 20s and suddenly I’m transported to my (perhaps rose tinted!) early days in this wonderful city.
This super cute hair salon sits slap bang in an intimate neighbourhood of Angel, that throws its arms out in a warm welcome to all. Effortlessly cool yet still charming enough to not feel intimidating. I notice my shoulders drop and realise this is exactly the vibe I need to lose my bad funky mood!
And it gets better. Because sat in the window of my destination this morning is the most gorgeous dog. Yes, a bit of gorgeous dog therapy will go down a treat thank you! I can’t wait to get in and get some furry cuddles.
I find the owner Scott of Kitch Hair (and the fabulous, and as I find out – famous, Gaston the dog) inside and I immediately feel at home. I’m here to see Jason Collier. An incredibly talented and knowledgeable hairdresser with over 20 years of experience under his belt.
Wow! The interior of this salon is so deliciously camp and colourful I forget my earlier low mood. Retro branded soap box style art fills the walls and clever faux 50s washing machines hide storage cupboards. This is just the tonic I needed!
Jason is a calming and confident influence on me. I have felt insecure about my hair since a disastrous 2020 at home box dye job which I’m still trying to grow out. He is reassuring and so kind. I relax into his care. He knows exactly what I need without me having to say too much. This is obviously an expert in hair care and styling. It makes me feel safe and secure in his hands.
And that’s exactly what these amazing hair stylists are trying to achieve in this particular spot of London. This is a warm, welcoming, open to ALL space. It’s clear that this salon is proud of its support of the LGBTQIA community. Everyone is an equal once they step over the threshold – this is a place that champions neutral, vegan and also universally priced hair treatments, based on hair length, time and products – not gender.
Not only that but lots of celebrities love to use this salon, including many of the stars from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. I myself had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Elektra Fence from RuPaul’s Drag Race, who popped in for a trim while I was there. Yes, my bad mood had certainly disappeared. I was laughing – a lot! This is not just getting your hair done (at the hands of experts in the field) this is an experience akin to hanging out with your hilarious friends in their home, who are doing your hair, just before you go out for cocktails!
Okay. Let’s talk more about my own hair and the magic that the brilliant Jason was creating on me. In a flash I’m in foils. Going, going gone is a year and a half of slightly brassy blonde (that damned home box dye!) and in its place – expensive looking, deliciously creamy blonde highlights. It’s that rare, highly sort after shade that puts colour back into my skin and makes me want to swish my hair about and take fabulous selfies!
I’m leaving the salon with a belly full of laughter and – dare I modestly say – quite majestic “good hair” hair!
As Fleabag famously once said ‘It’s not JUST hair”. And it really isn’t. It’s about confidence, self-love and feeling like a brand new you. Whoever you are.
That’s exactly how Jason Collier at Kitch left me feeling. And you can’t put a price on that.
For more information go to kitchhair.co.uk
Their instagram is @kitchhair
Review by Saffron Bentley
