1 mins
THE PLACES
Photography by Brian O’Hanlon
VAINHOMME, CHESTER
@vainchester
Hidden away within Chester’s VAIN salon is the new VAINhomme, which has now taken over the former gentleman’s parlour of the salon’s 18th century Georgian townhouse (VAIN occupies the grand ballroom). The concept of smashing together the new and the old resonates throughout VAINhomme’s aesthetic. Almost everything is upcycled – the antique workbench for sections, ’40s office drawers, ’50s radio, ’60s Takara Belmont chairs and bar, even down to original ’70s and ’80s movie posters, which plays into VAINhomme creatives Vincent Quinn and Elliot James’s nostalgic love of film, a growing exhibit. “We wanted to create something that feels like a little secret, a hidden space where our clients can switch off for an hour,” they explain. It’s proudly an inclusive space for all, too (Kevin the shop dog has licks for everyone). “Barbering to us doesn’t mean just for men,” they add. “It means bringing the classic art of sculpting strong shapes and that classic service of old to whomever wants that experience.”
Elliot James (standing, left) and Vincent Quinn (right)
BLUE TIT, CRYSTAL PALACE
@bluetitlondon
A sunlit retreat across two floors, the salon interior is ’40s inspired, with a speakeasy vibe. Local vintage buys sit in a space decorated in deep greens, plums and touches of gold.
THE EXTENSIONIST, WANDSWORTH
@theextensionist
The salon from founder Olia Cutz, which specialises in (you guessed it) extensions, has enjoyed a recent renovation, amplifying a truly VIP service experience for clients.