London Salon Leads The Way In Vegan Haircare

Veganuary itself may be over, but the trend for a plant-based lifestyle is more popular than ever in the UK.

Having dabbled in a dairy-free diet for the first month of the year, Belle’s thoughts have now turned to veganism as a whole. Not just the diet but the whole ethos behind it. After coping with the initial shock that many wines are not vegan, we began to delve deeper into what actually is available out there for women wanting to buy ethical, cruelty free products. While most companies accept that animal testing  is a complete no-no, many others still use animal-derived products while manufacturing. Not at Covent Garden salon Karine Jackson, though.

Karine Jackson has long been an advocate of organic colouring and hairdressing and her West End salon is the go-to venue for ethical values without compromising on performance or trend. Aussie-born Karine is a former London Hairdresser of the Year and a previous winner of the Most Wanted Hair Trend award and she excels at amazing colour. Her salon is also the first in London to receive the Sustainable Salon Certificate, but to Karine, ethical values don’t come at the expense of fashion or a luxury hair experience.

Impressed with the results of my research into the salon I decided to book in for the Vegan Cut and Colour offer. This package can cost between £90-£257 depending on what type of colour service you’re going for. I opted for a whole head of highlights in an effort to perk up my dull wintry barnet and banish my darkening roots.

It was on a damp Tuesday morning that I entered the salon, already scowling after a typical London rush hour commute. Leaves on the line and lack of communication by TfL had me humpier than a thirsty camel. But the smile that greeted me, and the subsequent (vegan) chocolate cookie brought over by my stylist Marcos soon thawed my chilly mood.

The service at the salon is second to none. Friendly and professional, with a real emphasis on individuality. We discussed my wants (to look 10 years younger), my needs (to get a good night’s sleep and own a hairstyle that takes no effort whatsoever), and my situation – a working mum with two hyperactive toddlers who drain the life and soul from me.

Marcos did a protein test on my hair to see what sort of treatment would restore some health, and suggested various colour combinations based on his artistic eye. I had come in a brassy blonde with visible roots, and requested a touch up of all things golden. He suggested a more subtle approach and an introduction of a few brown strands to balance and tone. I shuddered at the thought but hey, he’s the expert, so I let him get on with his thing. I wasn’t disappointed.

After an hour and a half of casual chat, indulgent treatments and several more vegan chocolate cookies, I emerged a much happier Belle, with a much, mush classier hair do. Marcos struck just the right balance between style and sensibility. He showed me how to twist it for a party effect at the weekends, but had cut into the sides just enough to give shape without effort.

As well as being happy with the cut, and the service, I also felt good having taken the vegan option. The cruelty-free choice which actually gave better results than any other cut and colour in the past five years. The salon use vegan-friendly brands Organic Colour Systems and Unite; Organic Colour Systems display the PETA Cruelty-Free and Vegan logos and also sponsor Greenpeace. As an added bonus, OCS also uses the lowest possible amount of PPD (the ingredient that makes hair colour permanent, necessary to cover greys, but also most associated with allergic reactions) and is free from ammonia. The products are made in Hampshire so boast a low carbon footprint and the company refuses to trade with countries or businesses that insist on or endorse animal testing.

Marcos, who has been at the salon for four years and is himself a reason for me to return due to his ability to put me immediately at ease and his fantastic ability to create a look I was actually delighted with, told me: “It’s a very special place to work, becasue Karine cares about her customers, and the world around us. We are all trained specifically in organic haircare, and there’s a really great vibe to working here. Karine has been using vegan ranges for nearly 15 years now but it was only when a new stylist started who was vegan that I realised this wasn’t enough. That’s why we introduced the full vegan appointment. Visiting a salon can be a chore for vegans as some products contain honey or milk for example, and the stylists might not even know whether they’re vegan or not, or even consider it an issue. Our whole team is trained to know exactly what to use on our vegan clients, and the vegan drinks and snacks are really appreciated.”

• For more information on the products used at Karine Jackson, or to book an appointment, go to www.karinejackson.co.uk