Spa spy Branching out

Change up your look with a new cut and colour from Medusa in Stockbridge

The treatment

A cut and colour at the new branch of Medusa, Edinburgh, from £82.50.

Why go?

This is the fifth branch of Medusa – an Edinburgh (and Musselburgh) institution that’s been going for 30 years. The newest one in Raeburn Place is probably our favourite, and is owned by salon director Peter Mellon, who used to do lots of students’ hair when he worked at the Teviot branch, and is now getting used to the demands of well-heeled Stockbridge clientele. The new salon is bright, with flattering lighting, wrought iron chandeliers and a wall of plants at the back.

Our spy says

I’m not quite the full Bob Marley, but my hair is semi-dreadlocked when I visit this salon. It’s got awfully long, while becoming matted, pelt-like and heavy on the ends (perhaps that’s just my lazy brushing skills).

I’m glad that Peter starts with chopping off this mullet-y beavertail, up to chin length. While most hairdressers still perform the timewasting exercise that is colouring first, then cutting hair (why?), he doesn’t waste time, and takes up my wiggy hemline straight away.

Then we talk dye. I am averse to reds and coppers, since I’m cool toned and they tend to make me look blotchy.

Peter agrees, and we look at some Wella shades that will add ashy blonde highlights to my tired balayage and a toner to cover my grey roots with a semi-permanent chocolate brown.

He dabs one shade over the silver twinkles at my temples with a brush, then paints the other hue on freestyle, no foils, so it will look more natural and sun-kissed. After this has been applied, I drink my glass of prosecco under the heat lamp for 20 minutes.

Then it’s all washed off at the comfy basin, and Peter adds a few additional magic potions. There’s a conditioning Olaplex mask to add shine, and he uses a magic purple spray, which will remove any warm or brassy tones from the colour. Oh, and he also chucks in a magnificent head massage.

Once I’m back in the chair, my hair is blow dried, a beachy wave is added with straighteners, and I’m polished with some fancy products, including Peter’s favourite smoother and primer, Wella’s brilliantly named Velvet Amplifier.

The results

The colour and cut are perfect partners, with highlighted strands that accentuate the choppiness of my bob. Feel free to chuck my beavertail dreds into a Stockbridge wheelie bin, I’m a new woman. n

Medusa, 31 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh (0131-357 9909, www.medusahair.co.uk)