Leeds, we’re obsessed with your hair. If it’s not tousled to perfection, it’s sleek, shiny and defiantly frizz-free whatever the weather. This can only be the work of a serious blow-dry habit. Our Editorial Director, Liz Hambleton, hit the streets of Leeds to discover which hair salons the glossy posse tap up for their regular blow-dry fix. Here’s her top 5…
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1 RMUK Hair & Beauty Salon
Best for: a selfie ready blow-dry
RMUK is the kind of salon you could hang out in all day. And believe me, I did. The second I stepped inside this chic, family run townhouse I knew I'd found my spiritual Leeds home. With a night of photo-opportunities on the cards, I needed an Instagram worthy combination of texture, shine and natural movement. My RMUK blow-dry did not disappoint. Spread out over four floors, it’s worth noting that as well as whipping your hair into shape; you can also book in for all of your beauty and spa essentials. I managed to squeeze in their signature bamboo massage before my blow-dry – blissful. If the soothing aroma of Aveda products doesn’t get you on the way in, the fully stocked bar, roof terrace and exclusive RMUK black taxi service is sure to win you over on the way out.
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2 Jon Kinsey Salon
Best for: a bespoke blow-dry
If you live in Chapel Allerton then you'll know all about the Jon Kinsey Salon. Light and modern, this stylish salon knows how to get the very best blow-dry out of your hair. If, like me, you’re not a fan of the ‘rent-a-blow-dry’ look, you’ll be pleased to hear that their Vidal Sassoon trained stylists treat no two blow-outs in the same way. What works for curly haired, glamour-loving girls is clearly not going to work for me. A fact they picked upon straight away. Next time i’m in Leeds i’ll be making a special trip out of the city for their blow-dry prowess.
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3 Allertons
Best for: a power blow-dry
As far as city centre locations go, this is about as handy as it gets. Allertons has slowly but surely become a household name in Leeds and I was expecting great things from my blow-dry. I’d also heard on the grapevine Allertons is considered the go-to for busy working women looking for a speedy lunchtime grooming fix. My verdict? Smooth, sleek and not too much of a statement, it’s the perfect finish when you have to go back to the office and pretend to be professional (!) I’d recommend checking out their extensive hair and beauty menu to see what other pick-me-ups you can slot into your lunchtime appointment.
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4 Maschio Hair & Beauty
Best for: his and hers blow dries
Bringing your man along to get a blow-dry may not be the most conventional of activities but at Maschio Hair & Beauty he’ll fit right in. With a cool and androgynous vibe, this unisex salon offers a wide range of blow-outs meaning you can combine glam time, with quality man time. I loved the simple, laid-back look of the blow-dries here, think off duty model and you’ll get the idea. A must-visit at weekends, expect to leave with the perfect dose of cool girl hair to go with your boyfriend jeans, slouchy sweatshirts and Yeezys.
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5 Renaissance Hair & Beauty
Best for: a Brazilian blow-dry
I’m always asked to recommend the best places to go to for Brazilian blow-dries so discovering a Liz approved destination in Leeds was top of my must-find list. With super straight hair it’s not a treatment I can try myself, however I know a girl who can. My spy put the Renaissance Hair and Beauty salon through their paces and emerged with a satisfyingly smooth, frizz and kink-free head of hair in under an hour. Impressive. Renaissance Hair and Beauty stylists are experienced and know how to handle all hairtypes. One of the things that really stood out is the warm welcome you receive on arrival.