Hampshire’s newest salon is a quirky find, with treatments including balayage and gel manicures
The beautiful New Forest village of Beaulieu was thriving when we visited on one of the hottest days of the year, to meet business owner, Alisha Openshaw at her new salon Beaulieu Hair and Beauty. When many of us were occupied with banana bread making and home-schooling during lockdown, Alisha, together with her family, were busy working on a renovation that would transform her business.
Alisha has been running a salon in Beaulieu since 2003, first occupying a small premises on the high street, before finally getting the keys to a lovely building, set back from the road with its own courtyard area out front. During my visit, the resident donkeys came up for a drink to cool off in the shade, it was the full New Forest experience. For those familiar with the area, the old New Forest Activities hub was crying out for some TLC, and with Alisha’s vision and a lot of hard graft, it has been changed beyond recognition in to a bright and open salon.
With copper piping and large round mirrors all installed by Alisha and her family, the resulting finish is professional yet quirky. “It was great to learn some new skills, my youngest was here helping me sand and paint, it was lovely to work together and show what you can achieve when you put your mind to it, “Alisha shares proudly.
With frazzled lockdown hair in desperate need of attention, Alisha worked her magic and created a stunning balayage effect to lift and lighten. Finishing up with a relaxing shampoo and head massage using Wella and Osmo products. I was also treated to a gel manicure, which was expertly and swiftly applied, and then a wonderful foot soak and massage in the pedicure area complete with massage chair.
Despite the restrictions in place, during my visit all staff were wearing full PPE and Alisha had taken the decision not to use hair dryers to help safeguard her team and her clients, I felt relaxed and welcomed throughout. Alisha was chatty and upbeat, rightly proud of her achievements regardless of Covid-19 and it was a fantastic experience to be pampered after emerging from my lockdown bubble.
For anyone in need of a pick-me-up, this relaxing, New Forest salon delivers on all levels. Find out more here
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