I'm always banging on about my love for my local high street Gloucester Road. It has my favourite independent retailers where I shop for myself and my clients and some of the best charity shops in Bristol. Fact drop - it's the longest road of independent shops in the UK!
I was thrilled to be approached by Bristol's Independent District to do an Instagram takeover and blog post for @lovegloucesterroad. Rather than focusing on the shops, I wanted to experience what else Gloucester Road has to offer and as I am often asked for hair and beauty recommendations I thought it would be a great opportunity to review some of the salons.
My first appointment was for a wash and style at AKA Hairdressing. There are a fair few hairdressing options on Gloucester Road but when I started to look at them I was already following AKA on Instagram so I must have already seen something I liked in their salon. Cassie was my hair stylist who not only did a great job on my hair she also gave me lots of advice on hair products and at home styling tools. She used products from Redken and L'Oreal to wash and style my hair. It was then blow dried for root volume and then curled using straightening irons to give the beachy waves I was after. The final look was just what I wanted and the waves were still there the following day.
Next up after popping in to a couple of shops on route (I couldn't resist!) I went to The Nail Shed for a gel manicure. The small salon was busy and friendly and I was welcomed with a glass of Prosecco (bonus!) There were lots of different shades of CND Shellac polish to choose from. I went for a nude colour 'unlocked' one of the most popular shades apparently. Sharon my manicurist took time to give me a hand massage at the end too. There was a chatty friendly vibe to the salon and I got the impression that the team really get to know their clients. The Nail Shed isn't just for manicures and pedicures. Other treatments include waxing, spray tanning and LVL lashes.
My final appointment was for make up at new business on the block A&E Hair and Make Up Studio run by sister duo Amber & Ellie. I'd booked in for a full face makeover so I was ready for my night out that evening. As I feel I'm stuck in a rut using the same make up I let Amber loose on my face to see what she came up with. She suggested a dark smokey eye to suit my eye shape and glowy skin using lots of highlighter. It was heavier make up than I usually wear but I felt super glam. Amber has a background in beauty and skincare so she had lots of advice on my skincare routine too.
And Ta-Da!!!! This is the finished result of my day of pampering on Gloucester Road. Of course there are lots of other salons to choose from on Gloucester Road but I would highly recommend all three businesses I visited and will be back for more treatments soon. I will add them to my 'Lucy Loves' section of my website.
Thanks again to Bristol Independent District. I had a great day, lovely treatments, learnt lots from the professionals and really enjoyed discovering more of what Gloucester Road had to offer xxx
Paid partnership with Bristol's Independent District