Shine

Kirsty did my hair, she did an awesome job. I have dry, over dyed, brittle, frizzy, messed about hair. She sorted out my colour and did a really good cut. I was, and still am, very happy. The salon was clean and the atmosphere was friendly. Kirsty was professional, friendly and good at what she does, she listened to me and guided me where I needed it.
I couldn’t be happier.

For those who care about what is going into and on to their bodies, the Aveda Institute In Brighton is hard to beat. My wife was the first to tell me about it and now I go for my own cuts. First time in my life anyone’s actually commented on my hair after leaving a salon so I take that as a thumbs up! You get nice tea, too, and their dog is sweet.

Having been to Shine twice in November 2010, the 2^nd time being a freebie to try to salvage the previous disastrous result! Can’t recall my hairdresser’s name but he was one of the older guys that work there. He didn’t listen to my original request, I went there with my hair in a terrible condition… I wanted an interesting colour technique, instead my hair came out looking brassy and with a discernible dark bar where he’d not quite matched the root highlights to the rest of my hair.
The initial cost of £140 completely stunned me, normally I wouldn’t complain but at that price I expect excellence. To give the salon their due, they offered to redo my hair FoC, but unfortunately it was with the same guy, again, he didn’t really listen to me and seemed to bluff his way out of the bodge-​up. I left the salon still unhappy, but couldn’t be bothered to take it any further. My story is too long to detail here.
It’s now Jan 2011 and so reluctant to go to get my roots done because in my experience of Brighton hairdressers I just can’t find a fabulous colourist, it doesn’t matter how little or how much I pay.
PS I had to give 1 star for this review, I suppose the one star would go the the Aveda hair products they use in Shine, they certainly resstored the condition. But the salon itself is awful, no towels to wrap around your head after washing, only something that looks and feels like a dishrag. Their LED/​fluorescent lighting is useless especially to judge hair colour under. I’m all for ‘green’ businesses… but hair salons need bright, clean and flattering lighting.
PS If my profile pic is the one with pink hair… it’s a wig!!! Wish my hair looked that good lol!!!

Tucked away, down a little alley, you might think that Shine is hiding its light under a bushel. Shine is a beauty, hair and pampering salon in North Laine that has got a great reputation and is thriving despite the downturn. Ladies who lunch still need to look good, it seems.
Not a usual environment, I won a haircut at Shine in a raffle. The whole Shine experience is about relaxation. Big comfy chars, a farmhouse table loaded with newspapers and mags and a laid-​back ambience make this a very genial little place. Best of all, noone is peering through the window as you’re groomed.
So after a relaxing head and shoulder massage, an opulent hair wash, and a cup of coffee, my stylist Charles, got down to business. What a nice guy. An Isle of White native, he actually cared more about my hair than I do and suggested all sort of clever styles and looks that would make me look fabulous. I’ve got to say, being no expert on such things, he did a cracking job.
But let’s be honest. This place is a bit of a treat. A luxury most of us can ill afford. I think my do would have cost something like £50. That’s par for the course, it was a lovely experience, but regrettably out of reach for me on my everyday budget.