LINTON & MAC ABERDEEN

​Lately, the way I have been viewing myself hasn’t been the nicest. When I look in the mirror, I would just go straight to the negative; looking past all the compliments that E would give me. I needed to change something. And quick. What is the easiest thing to change about your image? Your hair. 

​For several years, my hair was styled in the same way and I was so happy with it. Nearly waist length; with long wavy layers; dyed to resemble a darker version “The Little Mermaid”. Just over a year ago I wanted a change, so I had it chopped and coloured to a warm brown tone. I loved the sudden change and having my haircut to just past my collarbone really changed the shape of my face.
 
To help my self-esteem, I decided to treat myself and my hair re-styled. Ombré hair has been a very popular style, but it was the skill behind creating a Balayage look that really caught my eye.

I booked an appointment with Linton & Mac and I was invited for a consultation to discuss what it was that I had in mind. After browsing through my Pinterest board on “How To Style Lob Hair”, I knew what I wanted so I took a few photos in for my consultation (SEE ABOVE). I asked for a dark brown tone for my roots and for blonde to be blended up in to the darker colour. I understood that we might not of been able to achieve the light colour first time round because my hair was already dyed dark, but I had faith that we could get it pretty close. The other two photos are the before photos of my hair - I really hate my face in that photo.

I believe that the difference between Ombré and Balayage is the technique. For Ombré - or “dip-dye” hair - you apply colour/peroxide the ends of your hair. Seems simple. For Balayage, the colour/peroxide is also applied to the ends of your hair – but only in sections – then the colour/peroxide is blended with the dark colour that has been applied to your roots… I think that’s right. Sounds about right to me. Now, I am not a professional hairdresser nor have I had any training in the hairdressing field, so please correct me if I am wrong with this statement.

Two days later, I walked in to the salon excited for my appointment. At 0945 in the morning, pretty much every station had a customer sitting there and there was instantly a buzz in the salon. Straight away I was offered a cup of Tea and I quickly accepted. It was served on a cork slab with a simple arrangement of different crockery and glassware- such a simple idea, with a strong impact. Cici, my hairdresser, discussed my ideas once more with me so that we were on the same page and then off we went.

Cici chopped off a chunk of my hair and there was no going back. I decided to take my hair shorter than it was before – collarbone length. I had a slight moment of panic. Then. I loved it. I knew I could work it. The colour was quickly applied and then the blending the two colours together was done with such concentration and skill. I waited patiently whilst the colour took its time to… prove? Is that the word you would use? I was treated to another cup of Tea and a stack of the latest fashion magazines, followed by a cheeky Hot Chocolate with mini marshmallows. I was offered a glass of Prosecco or Gin, after hesitating for a moment, I realised it was a bit too early and I politely declined.

I was itching to see if the blonde worked on my hair colour so when Cici opened the foil packets and her face was filled with delight, I knew it was going to look amazing. After my hair was shampooed and conditioned, I was treated to a deep head and neck massage – my favourite part of any salon visit. It instantly soothed me. 

The colours came out perfectly and the cut was exactly what I was after - a “Lob” with attitude. Perfect. I am so happy. 

I really need to learn how to smile better when someone else is taking a photo though - I always look so moody.

So, here is a huge shout out to Jennifer and Joanna, the two young women who started Linton&Mac. You have created a salon that is modern and fresh. Something that Aberdeen needed.
 
Finally. I would just love to Thank Cici for an amazing day and for restoring my sassy self-esteem. Much Love. ​

Have you experienced the service at Linton&Mac? If so, what was your thoughts?
​If not, are you tempted to give them a whirl?