Pin Me Up

The hairdressers. Something which most girls in their right mind  love. A good few hours of pampering, flicking through old magazines with some idle chit chat on the side. I have a confession - that's not me.

I’ve always envied those girls who are able to refer to ‘my hairdresser’, they seem to have some kind of embryonic bond with these creative genius’ who replicate the exact reflection they so desire.



Meanwhile, I’m the one who always arrives late. I bumble into the art gallery come industrial unit space and am instantly intimidated by strip lighting, asymmetrical angles, house music and a startling array of products that cost more than my weekly rent.

 Rather than being put at ease knowing I'm in the hands of  a trained stylist, I awkwardly shift in my chair, apologise for the awful condition of my hair (and for me in general) before agreeing to let them use me as a crash test dummy for the latest layered look. A few weeks ago I actually left Trevor Sorbie with the post-modern take on a mullet.

The salon-folk loved it, I felt like David Bowie....not good Bowie, Labyrinth Bowie.

Just as I was cutting eye holes in yet another paper bag, The Painted Lady rushed to my rescue like a can of dry shampoo the morning after a big night before.

A perfectly timed KGB Voucher Deal lead to the discovery of my new favourite local haunt. Situated on the ever expanding Redchurch Street, Shoreditch.

On arrival (late, panicky and true to form) I was greeted with a warm welcome and invited into the beautifully decorated salon. Emulating my dream living room, the stripped wood floors lie beneath vintage furniture finds and well styled retro accents, the salon is a masterclass in throw back interior design hitting the balance between vintage and modern perfectl without tipping over into kitsch tat land.

As Dom, my friendly stylist , sat me down in the sumptuous leather barbers chair and handed me glass of chilled vino, I felt instantly at ease. Between sips  gulps, I threw in random words about being blonde, but not too blonde. I hastily explained I liked gold but not brass...not the most clear of directions through the spaghetti junction that is my mane. Without so much as a raised eyebrow, I was assured it would all be taken care of, and that it was.

As my mop was being combed and coaxed into submission, I chatted with the staff and a variety of locals and friends of the salon and watched all the happenings of Shoreditch on a Spring evening going by. I felt relaxed,  and happy (maybe on my way to tipsy) had it not been for several sheets of bleached coated foil entwined into my hair, I would have completely forgotten I was in a hairdressers at all.

A quick shampoo and rough blow dry later and I was transformed. Delicate blonde highlights had been woven through my hair, transforming dark lank roots into shimmering TV advert worthy strands. With A subtle blended finish and even tone  I was - coloured to perfection. A few weeks later and it still look salon fresh! This is the first time I have actually loved my hair, and have been vainly using every shop window and car wing mirror to sneak a peak.

Along side the day to day cut and colour options, The Painted Lady backs up it's decor with a specialist service in Retro Up Do's. Perfect for a special occasion or a themed dressing up night,  a quick peruse of the websites gallery   shows a wide range of lengths and styles spanning the decades and fashion eras. I only wish I'd discovered this place before negotiating with a crimping iron for the Prohibition 1920's night.

We all know that finishing touches make all the difference, take a trip downstairs to discover that this small, personal hairdressers has also managed to house an entire nail salon – complete with the tootsie loving service du’jour, a fish pedicure tank. The girly décor is matched well to the upstairs with painted floor boards and hints of pink complimenting the rainbow display of O.P.I nail varnishes to choose from.


With my hair remastered and finally tamed after trying out threading for the first time , nails were next on the agenda. I was soon back at The Painted Lady to get tidied up for the weekend ahead. The same great service and friendly, inclusive atmosphere applied as my dry cuticles and raggy edged claws were filed and painted a gorgeous pale pink.

 While waiting for my talons to dry, I took advantage of a comfy seat in the salon, a perfect way to spend the end of the working week  Being the klutz that I am, nail varnish is usually a wasted exercise on my, chipping it in record time which is why I was pleasantly surprised to see my chosen hue ‘Precciously pink’ stick around for a record 5 days before showing too much wear and tear. All for the bargain price of £10.

My next appointment is all booked in and I can’t wait,  thanks to the ladies at The Painted Lady, I no longer fear the shears.

The Painted Lady is open 6 days a week (closed Tuesday), see the website for more pictures, prices and contact details.

Images courtesy of The Painted Lady