Kim — hello to blonde change
Belfast-based magazine editor and mother-of-one Kim Kelly (46) opted for a drastic change after lockdown, ditching her brunette locks for blonde at La Bella Vita in Dundonald.
“Getting my hair done is my thing and I get it blow dried at least once a week.
“Other people go out to bars, I go to my hairdresser. I would spend a lot of money on my hair. I had a full head of extensions in before lockdown and I ended up having to take them out myself with pliers which was great fun. I was left with a bit of a mess so I had to go onto the internet to get treatments. I think I did quite well and was quite proud of myself in finding dyes and stuff.
“My heart really went out to the girls who needed it, like some I know who have hair loss. I could just shove my hair in a ponytail, but for them hair is like a medical issue. Through my work I’ve met so many women who are wearing hair-pieces and toppers and extensions and I felt that an exception could have been made for them.”
Kim found visiting the hairdresser still a hugely positive experience despite a temperature check on arrival and staff wearing shields. “There are plastic screens, there is no waiting room and I had to fill out loads of forms before I got my appointment.
“There is an 800-person waiting list. We did all the consultations over the phone, there is hand sanitiser everywhere and the tea and coffee came in paper cups. The towels and gowns are all disposable and there is no one waiting about. This is a big salon with around 16 seats and not all the seats are being used.”
She adds: “I love nothing better than getting my hair done. I love the feel of it. I love them brushing my hair. I love getting the grey hairs out. I don’t want to look old. I’m going to go down fighting!”