He’s the hair genius celebrities, models and beauty editors alike have been trying to keep to themselves for years but with the opening of his own salon, George Northwood will now be available to the masses.
With over a decade in the industry, George tends to some pretty famous – and very awesome – heads of hair including those belonging to Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Alexa Chung. His ethos? ‘I love creating hair which makes people happy and feel confident. A great haircut can be so much more!’
It’s a family affair with George’s sister Sally - a colourist - working alongside him at the central London salon. You can expect healthy drinks and snacks and a full array of Pureology and Redken products, and of course an incredible cut. The Debrief catches up with George prior to the opening of his new salon...
** Q. What can your clients expect from the salon?**
‘I wanted the salon to be a home from home, with touches that ensure that busy modern women can enjoy a great experience without having to spend hours in the salon. The salon is a friendly, cool space to hang out and you’ll leave looking great. Clients have the chance to either work or rest and leave with a smile and a swish. Getting your hair done shouldn’t feel like a chore.’
** Q. Have you always dreamed of opening your own space?**
‘I always had a vision of what I wanted to achieve with the salon and working with my designers, Trunk Creative, the space is amazing! It’s great to see my name above the door.’
Q. How does Alexa manage to get that just got out of bed but still look great look?
‘I’ve worked with Alexa for a few years now and I know how to cut her hair to fit in with her lifestyle. She likes to work with her natural texture and the way I cut it means it looks effortless. I love how she’s always cool and contemporary and can work her fashion around her hair.’
Q. What's the one staple hair product that you think no one should be without?
‘Redken Style Connection Quick Tease 15, £15.80. It’s such a clever product to add hold and get that teased look.’
Q. Is there a new super amazing product that you think people should try?
‘Pureology Strength Cure Fabulous Lengths, £16.45, – this super serum is a must for anti-breakage and giving long hair a boost of softness.’
Q. What's the best hair cut to get if you're a totally low maintenance, do your hair on the tube type of girl?
‘Something short which doesn’t need heat styling. If you can opt for a look which can be rough dried with just a bit of product like Redken Flex Shape Factor 22, £13.95, worked through for texture and hold.’
Q. And what about a super quick glam style that'll last through a night of dancing, Rosie Huntington Whiteley style?
‘Rosie’s style is actually really simple but looks super glam. I lightly tong sections of the hair to get the slight movement and adding texture.’
Q. Tell us some beauty tips and tricks for great festival hair?
‘A pretty braid is easy and will last from day to night – use a styling paste like Redken Flex Mess Around 10, £11.15, to help work the hair into a crown braid and keep in place. Another festival hero is Dry Shampoo – Redken’s Pillow Proof Blow Dry Genius Extender, £15.80, will help to refresh and add texture.’
Q. What's the one urban myth about hair care you'd like to dismiss?
‘I hear a lot about people recommending using foods to condition the hair: olive oil, beer, mayonnaise etc. They won’t make hair any healthier than a good conditioner will. I love Pureology conditioners and they smell a lot nicer!’
Q. Do Alexa and Rosie ever have bad hair days? What’s a quick fix for a bad hair day?
‘Not on my watch they don’t! When you get your hair cut ask your stylist for a quick fix to avoid having a bad hair day. A simple and chic ponytail is your best bet.’**
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The George Northwood salon opens on the 23rd of April. You’ll find it at 24 Wells Street, London, W1T 3PH. To make a reservation call 0207 580 8195 or email reservations@georgenorthwood.com
George Northwood is a Pureology Ambassador
Follow George on Twitter @georgenorthwood
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.