Blushes salon worked wonders on my lockdown hair: Before & after

Blushes is an oasis of calm; slick and stylish but also cheerful. The youthful buzz and warm welcome is refreshing – especially to a man more used to brusque, personality-free barber shops where the only sound is that of snipping and the rustle of tabloid newspapers.

It’s hip but not cold, taking its decor inspiration from a painting in the Ashmolean Museum – Waterfall in a High Mountain by the Japanese artist Gu Tao. The picture, with its muted pallet and delicate brushstrokes is reproduced as a ceiling-high mural – a soothing vision of Zen-like peace.

Georgia ‘Gee’ Faulkner, Blushes marketing director, tells me the theme, imagined by designer Lindsey Higgins, is Scandinavian-Japanese or ‘Japandi’; think minimalism – white walls, black fixtures, wood-framed mirrors and modernist wooden panels.

“The focus is form, function and simplicity to see the natural world reflected in the space,” says Gee.

It certainly exudes calm, which is just as well because business is booming. Since opening, they have been rushed off their feet though, Gee insists, there are gaps and will be able to fit you in.

A welcome trim. Picture by Ed Nix

The 15-seat salon which occupies the former Definition salon, is the latest addition to a family of five Blushes Hair & Beauty branches, the others being in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Such is the appeal of the brand, Oxford customers have been visiting its Cheltenham branch for years – but have now been busy booking appointments closer to home. The team of stylists come from a variety of high-end Oxford salons, and from Definition.

“Off the back of what has been a tough year for the industry, we’re determined to push on, create employment opportunities and bring to life the vision that we’ve been reflecting on and building for the last year,” says Samantha Sibery, Operations Director.

Blushes Hair Salon, Oxford. Pictures by Tim Hughes

Gee Faulkner at the new Blushes salon

“Oxford has long been on our radar, with its historic architectural beauty and charming streets and we knew that one day we wanted it to be part of our collective and the home of one of our salons.”

Gee adds: “Blushes core purpose is to create dynamic environments where people come to flourish,” says Gee. “The focus is on enhancing the experience for both clients and the team.”

And they are a cheerful bunch. Patient too.

Stylist Lillie the miracle worker

Lillie is ready for action

My hair hadn’t been touched since December – and it showed. Tired of looking like a reject from an early-90s ‘Madchester’ band, I couldn’t wait to get a completely new look. And while I knew what I didn’t want, I wasn’t sure what needed doing. Fortunately my stylist Lillie has the eye of an artist – or at least a topiarist – and her suggestion sounded spot on. It must be tough cutting in a mask and visor, but Lillie made it look effortless, all while keeping me occupied with fun, intelligent conversation and well-informed opinions. You don’t get that at my local barbers!

The transformation was remarkable and I left with a spring in my step, ready to take on the city’s beer gardens with swagger.

How did it look? Well if you promise not to laugh:

Tim hair before

Before....

Tim hair after

..and (obviously) after

Blushes is the salon Oxford needed. And if they can work magic with my mop, just imagine what they could do to your luscious locks!

• Blushes Hair and Beauty, 4 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford
• 01865 557060
• Go to blushes.co.uk