I finally got my haircut in Oxford and this was the result

But after I visited J&J, a brand-new boutique salon on Botley Road, I am a changed woman.

I turned up on a chilly afternoon, with my unkempt hair tied up in an unironic messy bun, full of split-ends and honestly looking a bit haggard.

My hair had not been touched for well over a year, and despite all my attempts to self-maintain it over the various lockdowns, it was starting to look a bit deflated.

I opened the door and was immediately hit with the warmth and cosy atmosphere that is J&J.

Jurgita, who opened the salon with her business partner Julija two weeks before Boris put us into our first national lockdown, greeted me with a big smile, immediately taking my coat and grabbing me a cup of tea.

We started chatting about our separate lives, Jurgita, who was born in Lithunia, amazed me with the fact she spoke over four languages.

As we chatted, I looked around admiring the clean look to the place; the decorating of the space was immaculate, cosy pillows and blankets for those who get chilly while receiving their treatment, and lovely plants dotted around – it was a warm, welcoming space, that was equally practical and extremely clean.

I sat down to have my first treatment – a pedicure. I was about to be a bridesmaid at a good friend’s wedding that weekend and was wearing open toe-heels, so I wanted to make sure my feet were looking spick and span for the special occasion.

I was brought a blanket, and given a fluffy pillow, and was told to sit back and relax. Jurgita got to work, initially using a foot spa, before proceeding with the best pedicure I have ever received.

The attention to detail given was immaculate, and my toenails ended up looking like shiny pearls – ready to show off my new heels as I walked down the aisle.

In total, the pedicure took around an hour as we chatted about how Julija and Jurgita decided to create their own business.

They wanted to create a space where people felt at home, could come in for a chat but at the same time receive the highest quality treatments.

This is what I experienced – I found out more about their lives than any other beauticians I had before, and they seemed genuinely interested in mine.

Other customers came in and I realised the pair have this relationship with everyone – clients were telling them about their worries, what their kids were up to – it showed the business was trusted, and despite having a few rocky months when opening, due to Covid, it was succeeding at its mission.

Once my pedicure was done it was time to tackle my hair – Rozina, one of the hairdressers who had recently started working at the salon was tasked with the challenge.

I was a bit scared, as I said I hate change and always worry that my hair is going to look awful – but there was no need for that.

Rozina patiently waded through my hair, washing it, before giving it a good cut, adding a few layers in – as I had requested.

She added treatments to make my hair silky-smooth and give it the TLC it had truly been missing over the last year.

Rozina then asked if I would like it curly or straight – I usually just run out the door to work with wet hair, so this felt like a treat.

I chose to have it curly, and so she began to blow dry it before curling section by section.

I looked in the mirror and my hair, if I say so myself, looked great. All the split ends had gone, its shine was back, and it had been styled perfectly.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience – I received high-quality care and had a great chat with everyone who worked there, a bonus for a chatterbox like me.

I will be returning very soon and if you are looking for somewhere that provides great treatments, and a calming atmosphere then J&J is for you.