Lipstick Lashes and Locks

A vintage inspired boutique salon in the heart of Edinburgh - I guarantee you will leave here feeling amazing!

Looking at my straggly over-bleached, under-loved tresses in the mirror, I counted back the weeks...and months since my last haircut. April! Oh dear, no wonder my hair was in such a sorry state. 

As a busy Mum, I'd usually head (no pun intended) to my local hairdressers for a quick wet cut, but not this time! I decided that I deserved a wee treat - and I knew the perfect salon that would transform my hair into something close to pin-up perfection: Lipstick Lashes and Locks.

I'd had huge victory rolls done by  the stylists from Lipstick Lashes and Locks at a pop-up event last year. Since then, stylist Tina had opened up her own salon in the Causewayside area of Edinburgh and I was excited to see it.

It didn't disappoint. In a street lined with vintage furniture stores and antique shops, a chalkboard stands boldly outside Lipstick Lashes and Locks not only displaying their price list - oh no! But also a quote from a Hollywood glamourpuss, from Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor, changing daily. On my visit, the board read:

A friendly welcome and a much needed coffee served in a china teacup and saucer greeted me as I stepped into Lipstick Lashes and Locks - and also back in time (kind of).

Stylists Tina and Loretta as usual were lovely and friendly, putting me at ease and sweeping me off to have my hair washed in the beautiful back room of the salon, which looks like this:

My eyes were constantly wandering and lighting up at the sight of something adorably kitsch, pretty or retro. Tina told me that some of the items and furniture had been made for her or upcycled by friends and all the beautiful curios makes the salon so unique.

So, my hair was washed and both Tina and Loretta had a job combing through it! Next it was time for the chop, as I enjoyed coffee and biscuits.

For the amazing price of only £30 (my local...how do I say this nicely....err...boring (sorry) salons charge this much for a basic cut & blow dry) I'd had my hair washed, dried and cut in glamorous surroundings- and now it was time for it to be styled!

Tina asked me what I fancied having done - and I just couldn't decide! I eventually settled on a wet set, as I'm getting pretty good at doing my own victory rolls and beehives but I'm still not great at curls - especially the brushing-out process. I wanted to learn from the master :-)

Tina used a curling tong and pins with setting spray - then I headed under the dryer (my first time under one of these retro dryers!)

I listened to the music and gazed at the amazing trinkets and gadgets in this part of the salon - including the retro pink telephone and hairdryer. This was my view as my curls set:

When the curls were set, Tina got to work brushing out and styling my hair, as I took mental notes and learned a few techniques. 

The results? Amazing!

To say I was pleased with my new look is an understatement - my hair was totally transformed and I felt amazing! Bouncy, soft curls which lasted the rest of the day and still had some bounce in the morning (despite the Edinburgh wind!)

I would recommend this salon to any retro/rockabilly and vintage-loving girls and guys in Edinburgh - and those willing to travel. It's not just a hair cut, it's an experience - and I left feeling wonderful.

Lipstick Lashes and Locks style men and women, offer party packages, photo shoots and a wedding day service (mobile or salon-based) and they also have the amazing-sounding Beehive and Bun Bar which offers a range of services from a 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' pre-work wash and blow-dry (£15) to a Marilyn Makeover - a hair set, lips and flicks and a file and polish (£55), Betty Bangs (£8) and Lips and Flicks by their lovely make-up artist Loretta (£10).

I will not be leaving it so long to have my hair cut again, not when I know that there is a comfy seat, a china teacup of coffee and the oh so talented Tina and Loretta at Lipstick Lashes and Locks.

http://www.lipsticklashesandlocks.co.uk/

Laura Dolly Cupcake xxx