I’m a chatty beauty editor and I went to a quiet salon appointment – it was nothing like I expected

I LOVE the feeling when I leave the hairdresser’s, my hair bouncing as I walk down the street, like I’ve gotten out of my chair and walked straight into a shampoo ad.

A bit before? Not a lot.

There’s nothing fun about being stuck in front of a mirror, with wet, limp hair framing your face — and, worst of all, the small talk.

It’s not that I hate small talk. I can talk to pretty much anyone – which is the problem, as it often means I end up oversharing and then regretting it a lot.

And I’m not alone. New research suggests that 53% of Brits would prefer “quiet” hairdressing services, with 56% of hairdressers also agreeing.

As a beauty editor, I do my hair more often than most, but the last time I touched up my color was 11 months ago, so in the name of research, I booked in Samantha Cusick London which recently added a silent option to all of its salon services.

When I told my mother – who has worked at the same hairdresser for over 20 years – about my appointment, she was stunned. “But how will they know what you want?” she exclaimed.

Luckily, I received a very helpful PDF via email a few days before my appointment to let me know exactly what to expect: “Upon arrival, your stylist will conduct a full consultation to understand your hair needs and preferences.

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Afterwards, your stylist will focus on providing you with an exceptional cut or color, allowing you to enjoy a moment of tranquility.

If any essential communication is required during your service (e.g. hair care tips or adjustments), it will be kept concise and relevant.”

I must admit, I felt strange walking into the room, like there was a red flag above my head shouting (silently), “Don’t talk to her!” – like when dogs wear a printed jacket: “Eager, please give me space” – but as soon as I sat in the chair I started to relax.

The consultation was the most thorough I’ve ever had – we went through things I wanted and, equally important, things I didn’t want – with my colorist David (@haircolouristinlodon) and stylist Dylan (@dylanquirkhair) asking if I had any photos for reference, explaining what they thought would work best and how long it would take.

Knowing I probably wouldn’t speak again, I was brutally honest.

I took my laptop with me and without constant conversations, I was as productive as I would be in The office (although the normal salon sounds will continue around you, so if you’re doing night work during WFH, it will need to be a no-Zoom day).

I soon realized it was probably a much-needed break for the hairdresser, too—whether they’re retelling the same story for the third time that day or acting as therapist to an oversharing client, it must be hard to concentrate. It is listening at the same time.

I’m not sure if it was the thorough consultation or the lack of distractions, but it’s the best cut and color I’ve ever had.

That said, I don’t imagine I’ll be back any quicker than normal — even without the small talk, I like my hair to be low maintenance, which means few salon appointments.

BEST PRODUCTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR

If you also want to go longer between visits, here are the products I trust to keep my hair healthy and avoid the need for trims.

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Pure silk skinny scrunchies, £29 for 6

I’m married to Slip pure silk tight elastics which reduce tension in the hair.

I also try to avoid drying styling products like hairspray and texture spray unless absolutely necessary, and I sleep with a silk pillowcase like Sleepeasy Beauty Pie Lux Mulberry silk pillowcaseto minimize friction and frizz during the night.

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Arkive All Day Everyday Shampoo, £12

I wash my hair two or three times a week, alternating between shampoo and conditioner that hydrate the length and balance the scalp, like Arkive All Day Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner or L’Oréal Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Purifying Shampoo and Rehydrating ConditionerIt is Living Proof Clarifying Detox Shampoowhich removes any product build-up.

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Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer, £23,

After the shower, I use Act+Acre Smart Hair Towel, as it is much softer than traditional towels and without fail The first thing I do after towel drying is spray a detangler, like Amika The Wizard Primer to detangle which also provides heat protection, followed by a oil.

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Dyson Supersonic Nural hairdryer, £399.99

So I always brush my hair with WetBrush Quick Dry Brush, and end with mine Dyson Nural supersonic hair dryer – it’s mega expensive, I know, but I used my original Supersonic for eight years without any problems, and the new version has a built-in scalp care sensor.

Additionally, I use nourishing hair masks regularly and try to wear different hairstyles throughout the week so that no one area is under extreme tension, but I don’t feel the need to employ prolonged massage routines or take supplements. .

Sometimes less is more, and getting the basics right can make all the difference.