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Barbara Daley’s name is synonymous with quality hairdressing across Liverpool and beyond. Her flagship salon at Northwestern Halls, a beautiful grade II listed building next to Lime Street station, manages to pull off both elegant and welcoming from the moment you ascend the staircase to the reception area. High ceilings, bright, clean whites and cool leather are enhanced by natural light that pours in from the original floor-ceiling windows – the only thing more dazzling is the smiles on the staff ready to enhance your pampering any way they can.
My stylist for the day was none other than Barbara’s daughter Andrea, who has returned to her hometown after training in London and clearly knows hair inside out. We nattered away as if we were old friends while I told her my hair dos and don’ts from recent years!
Without hesitation she told me exactly what she had planned for my hair colour – responding to my request to bring as close a return to my natural brunette as possible – while leaving some warm tones to suit my olive skinned complexion. Leaving me browsing magazines and a sipping an excellent brew, Andrea went to mix up the magic from the L’Oreal Professional range.
I felt relaxed and entirely in safe hands as she set to work on my locks – the colour took only half an hour and before I knew it I was rinsed and ready for my trim to have split ends banished and my layers re-shaped. Andrea noted that the ends of my hair were dry and recommended a range of products to help inject moisture back into my bonce.
The salon also offers beauty services including manicures, pedicures, facials, massage, waxing and spray tanning. Treating myself before attending a friend’s wedding, I booked in for a shellac manicure, eyebrow tint and shape. With the nail bar situated at the side of the salon, while my friendly beautician set to work on my glam ‘Hollywood red’ nails, Andrea did my blow dry at the same time. Lavished with attention from all angles, it truly was like being a Hollywood star! I was pleased as punch when the finished look was revealed in the mirror – a rich brunette colour was radiant in its shine and my nails were set hard and ready for anything.
If you have never tried the shellac polish I cannot recommend it enough – setting hard instantly, the colour remains shiny and unchipped up to three weeks later! Worth every penny of indulgence! The private treatment room for waxing and massage provides a calming atmosphere away from the bustle of the salon, and I was thrilled with the result on my brows – not a hint of the ‘slug’ many seem to favour but reminds me of Herman Munster.
Finishing off my sleek and shiny look with a final spruce of hair spray, armed with a bag full of products to keep my hair shiny and smooth for weeks to come, I was sent on my way with that familiar feeling of confidence that you can only get from a truly special salon visit.
***** Five stars – perfection!
For appointments or a free consultation call Barbara Daley Hair and beauty on 0151 709 7974 or visit the salon at Northwestern Halls, Lime Street, L11RD.
Full price list available at www.barbaradaleyhair.co.uk