Your life’s journey shows in a single strand of hair. It will tell you so much about how you can care for your locks and if you need to take it a bit further and work on your stress. At Gina Conway, not only do they take care of your hair, they also give you a plan to keep up the care when you get home.
I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Gina Conway herself at her salon in Wimbledon for what I can only describe as a mind and soul-reviving treatment. As soon as I entered, Gina met me, and there was an instant connection and warmth. I knew then that this was going to be amazing and fun. It’s not often I feel this kind of belonging so quickly. And especially when having any kind of treatment, it’s so important to feel comfortable.
Experiencing a cut and a treatment at Gina Conway
To say the consultation was thorough doesn’t feel like a strong enough word. Gina not only talks you through all the steps, but by simply looking at my strands, my scalp and my roots she could instantly see that I had had something traumatic happen about six months ago. And she was right.
I had an incident that pushed me into a state of shock and messed up my hormones significantly. This is absolutely remarkable. I never thought that my fair strands could give away so much information. And after a much-needed hug, she explained to me the deep impact our lives have on our hair and how it shows. Mind-blowing!
But more importantly, this will also allow her to tailor the treatment just for me and my needs, to make sure I care for my hair and scalp properly when I’m at home. She recommended products and small sessions like scalp massage for me amongst other little tweaks. All are noted down so I can follow my progress and discuss potential changes with her. She also took photos of my scalp and hair follicles, and apparently, I have many strands of hair growing out as a pair, I had no idea!
She moved on to talk me through what my treatment would look like and which products would be used on me and my hair and scalp. Now this wasn’t just a hair appointment, this was a mind, hair and soul appointment, a wellness ritual if you were, a Re-Mersive Hair Repair treatment with all luscious hair care products by Philip Martin.
Starting with Philip Martin’s 32 Pure essential oils, a blend of citrus, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and sage amongst many more, I was asked to take some deep breaths. Gina proceeded to give me a guided meditation and gentle massage. The oils took me to a place of peace and the massage allowed me to relax fully; to let all tension go, allowing me to be in the moment.
As one would understand, there was movement and sounds around me, people talking and hair dryers all around. But it almost felt like I was in my own bubble, and I almost couldn’t hear them at all. Gina also added an Aloe Pure Gel treatment to my sensitive scalp, helping to cleanse and revive.
I learned through this session that I have a sensitive scalp and will need to give it more attention moving forward. After allowing this to work its magic for 15 minutes or so, I was taken to have my hair washed, that’s where the lovely Sophie made sure I was comfortable, double blankets and all.
Now, I have to tell you about these chairs! Normally I feel discomfort at my neck due to the basin and the seated position one would normally find themselves in when having their hair washed at a salon. But at Gina Conway, you are lying down and supported so comfortably. Game changer!
Gina comes in and treats me to another aromatherapy moment, gently massaging and treating my hair with minty goodness. The lighting was dimmed down, allowing me to relax and enjoy the moment, finding my way back to focus on my breath. And like a cherry on top, she ended the session with a cold wash, so refreshing!
After this, we talked about recommendations she had regarding my cut. To those who have followed my hair journey you know I dream of long luscious hair and in turn, don’t give it the needed cut as often as I should. And I always feel sad cutting it off because it takes me so long to grow it. But I was brave and allowed Gina to take off what was needed. She ended up cutting something like 2 inches, but we did it and my hair is better for it.
After this brave moment on my part, she showed me how to style it either to suit my vintage self going out on the town or my day-to-day self keeping it more simple. Mental notes are taken so I can go home and practise because I am not very good at it.
With my treatment and cut done, it almost felt like I’d had a catch-up with a long-lost friend and I didn’t want to leave. I think everyone should treat themselves to this. It allows you to be in the moment. Take those deep breaths and leave the stress behind. All the while getting a treatment tailored to you and your hair’s needs. You’ll feel so good after your hair, mind and soul are taken care of, and will definitely want to go back.
Gina Conway Salon and Spa
Urban Beauty, Elys
20 Wimbledon Hill Road
London
SW19 7NU
