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Friday 23 May 2014

Umberto Giannini Manchester Review & Give Away!

When I was  invited to have my hair done at Umberto Giannini in Manchester, I jumped at the chance. Like most girls, one of my favourite things in life is getting my hair done. I absolutely adore my current hairdressers (XS, Leeds), I’ve been going there for as long as I can remember, but, it’s so nice to mix things up a little bit sometimes, after all, pampering is a favourite hobby of mine. I am so excited to talk to you about my experience at Umberto Giannini; the salon oozes sophistication and professionalism and I truly did feel like a pampered princess when I left. I already can't wait to go back. Excitingly, for one of my amazing readers, I’m giving away a special treat so that you can experience the Umberto magic for yourself. Keep reading to find out more and importantly, to see my new hair...


I visited the store earlier this week to have my colour consultation and patch test to make sure I wasn’t allergic to anything, this immediately made me realise how professional this salon is - they take no risks, you really are in safe hands. I like colour consultations, but hairdressers probably hate me, I show them hundreds of photographs of perfect hair colours from Pinterest in the hopes that one day, someone will magically re-create that look for me. I expected the consultation to take a few minutes, but actually, I was probably there for at least half an hour and Ben, the salon manager, gave me a lot of hair advice and spoke to me about how I can achieve the look that I want. I quickly realised that I was in very good hands and started feeling extremely excited about changing my hair colour.


Two days later I walked back into the salon ready to freshen up my hair. As most of you will know, I used to be bleach blonde, had a really bad time with hair extensions which meant that I needed to tone my hair down, stop dying it and just leave it alone really (read my hair growth tips post here). But after leaving it for nearly 3 months, I decided that I'd practically given my hair an ombre look, it was looking wispy on the ends and pretty drab, my roots were just disgusting quite honestly. 


I sat in my chair, magazines in one hand, green tea in the other... 

 

and decided that I should probably take some before and after photographs...

So these are the 'before' photographs, you can see that my hair is still really quite bad at the back from where the bonded extensions have snapped off my natural hair - quite bad, who am I trying to kid? It's awful: NEVER get bonded hair extensions! You can also see just how much I've let my natural colour grow out as my roots are pretty disgusting at the back too.


I got to work reading my magazines whilst Ben got to work protecting my hair. He explained that he would try to make it as bright and blonde as possible (I missed the brightness) but in a natural looking way, but his main priority was to make sure he was looking after my hair whilst doing it. He used all Umberto Giannini products and I asked him if he honestly liked/rated them, he explained that at first, he was apprehensive, would they be as good as higher end products? But then he assured me, yes, they are amazing and now he even has them in his bathroom at home. He even said that they're 100% honestly his favourite hair care products now, he had me sold immediately. 


I love the new Mend My Hair range and instantly fell in love with it.  He used this range throughout the day on my hair. Ben washed my hair before we even started with the colour, this is so that he could put some protein back into my hair and make it strong before he started adding colour to it - again, insanely professional and impeccable service. There is no sloppiness or laziness about the Umberto Giannini salon, they go above and beyond to make sure that you leave with the best hair you've ever had.

umberto gianni mend my hair



The salon itself is beautiful and minimal, tucked away in a quiet corner of Harvey Nichols (Cathedral Street, Manchester), you don't realise that you're in a large store though because the salon is within the store, rather than just being a little open concession. 




I must bring my Mum to check out the amazing private champagne lounge they've got inside the salon. 




I should have had some prosecco really... 


A cup of green tea later, and after my first wash, it was time to put the foils in...



Soon it was the moment of truth, time for my colour to be washed off...


Once washed, Ben did something called the cream egg to my hair... (using more of the Mend My Hair) range...


He grabbed some mousse for volume, 


added some oil for smoothness and strengthening 


and then blow dryed my hair massively after applying this all over it.


Well it's safe to say that my hair went massive. I absolutely love the final result. I always thought my hair was too short to curl, when I had extensions I curled it every day and loved having thick curly hair, but Ben curled it and used the mousse and I couldn't be happier with how big and full it looks, even if it is shorter. Obviously, I love the colour too! No gingerness, not too blonde, but it's still extremely light in a natural way. I'm one happy bunny. I chose to get quite a bit cut off, I'm still really trying to grow it but I need to even it out at the back. I'm extremely happy with the cut and will certainly be visiting Ben again, it was only at the end he told me that he's one of the experts in cutting at the salon - I can tell. 


We even went for a little up-do. I just wish I had somewhere to go that evening so I could show it off!


I was kindly given some of my own products to take away with me but somehow, managed to leave the bag of them on the train, I really hope that lost property find them and give me them soon otherwise I will cry!

(Jacket: Dorothy Perkins here | Playsuit: Forever21, similar here, here and here. | Bag: Zara similar here)

And there we have it, I left the salon feeling on top of the world and I'm already itching for the moment when I can go back. Look how fresh and happy my hair looks! I have always being quite a 'hair snob', I like to use good products and go to good salons. We use amazing products on our faces and for me, I think hair is just as important. If you like sleek, professional salons with hairdressers who make you feel a million dollars, Umberto Giannini is for you. I am so so in love with my new colour and cut! Thank you so much to the team at Umberto Giannini!

Now for a little giveaway, because I am so impressed with them, I am giving one lucky reader the chance to win a free cut and blow dry at one of the UG salons! They have salons in Manchester, Birmingham, Worcester, Stourbridge, Kidderminster and Hagley. If the winner is from elsewhere, you can either travel to one of the above locations (travel expenses to be paid by yourself I'm afraid) or, I have an alternative and equally amazing Umberto Giannini prize for you. Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



A massive good luck everyone! Please let me know in the comments if you've entered, if you like my hair!, if you like Umberto Giannini, anything - let's talk hair
You can find out more about Umberto Giannini salons here!

Lots of love, Em x

 Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin! 

55 comments:

  1. Your hair literally looks completed transformed, the colour on you is absolutely perfect I love it!
    You must be so pleased with how its turned out :D

    Frankie Boo Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you so much! I love it so so much, sooo pleased! xxx

      Delete
  2. Em you are so stunning!! love your hair so so much x

    Emma from http://www.masqueradebelle.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw too kind thank you! I loveeee it so happy eek! xxx

      Delete
  3. Lovely post and lovely new hair do! I've totally entered, man I need a new hair cut and best part, I live in Manchester! Yay!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you yaaaay that's amazing - good luck! xxx

      Delete
  4. Oh, I would absolutely love this! Your hair looks amazing, so I bet they could make mine look lovely and the best part - if I win, it means a little trip to Manchester! Yay!

    www.hello-freckles.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Ah they're amazing! xxx

      Delete
  5. Your new do looks absolutely gorgeous! Looks so healthy and chic, have entered the competition :) xx

    Hannas’ UK Beauty | Lifestyle blog @ hannatalks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eek thank you so much and massive good luck. Your blog name is very similar to mine now, the re-brand looks fab :) x

      Delete
  6. Your hair is gorgeous, love the tone of your highlights! That salon looks amazing :o

    Efflorescent Dream
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you so much! Yeah the salon is amaaazing! xxx

      Delete
  7. That colour is just so beautiful. I have been thinking for so long about getting highlights and cant make my mind up! That salon looks incredible! X

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your hair looks so good and ben sounds lovely! Want to visit this salon :)
    alicekatex ♥

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your hair looked gorgeous after :) x
    ps. love your outfit x
    x
    LauraThinksAbout

    ReplyDelete
  10. They did such an amazing job with your hair! I totally know how you feel with having your hair break off, a lot of mine snapped at the back from leaving on bleach too long (so stupid) and it's so upsetting :( growing your roots out is tough but the after results of your hair shows it pays off! Great review, would love to get my hair done here :)
    Lydia xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much - I feel like it needed that! Yeah, bleach is awful and so are extensions! Yes completely! Ah it's an amazing salon! xxx

      Delete
  11. Your hair looks amazing! What a transformation. :)
    My hair was in poor shape after removing bonded extensions.. it's something you don't really think about when you get them, you just want the big hair! You don't think about what it actually does to your natural hair..
    Great post and brilliant pictures.

    Caroline.x
    notesfromcaroline.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Ahh so it isn't just me! Yep! Ruins the natural hair unfortunately! Thank you :) xxx

      Delete
  12. Your hair looks gorgeous, the difference is clear to see. Can't remember last time I got my hair done, it's in such bad condition and needs a really good cut and style x

    Kate | A British Sparkle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - I know, it looks much better doesn't it! Nothing better than a good cut and style! x

      Delete
  13. Your hair looks beaut em!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great post!
    I love the result on your hair!
    Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd love to win - my hairdresser of four years (I used to travel 150 miles to him!) is leaving for another career so I desperately need a decent hair cut! I use the Umberto Giannini Curl Gelly and have done for years! x

    http://ninegrandstudent.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eeeek that's what I'm like with my hair dresser, love her! Ahhh try Ben, he's fabby! Not used that yet but I must use it! xxx

      Delete
  16. Your hir looks amzing Em, really healthy and glossy!! I was honestly waiting for you to have it all chopped off but the end results is gorgeous! I would love to go and get my long locks styled!

    Em

    www.emsmixedbag.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you so so much! Eeek haha I got a lot chopped off for me ;) xxx

      Delete
  17. Your hair is such a nice colour, I love how they have styled it too! You never can do it the same as them xx

    Lauraslittleloves

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, yeah I'm rubbish at styling it myself oops! xxx

      Delete
  18. Your hair looks so good and the salon, dreamy ! i love a good salon you always feel looked after :) My hair is bleached but dyed brown to allow it to grow out more natural looking, it's still frizzy at the ends but then sometimes it's soo flat and weighed down - it's some sort of nightmare. Any products you'd recommend ?
    Lauren x
    Please nominate my blog for Best Lifestyle Blog and Newcomer here !
    Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thank you so much glad you like it! I know, they're so professional and good! Yeah that's what I did but I needed to go back blonde, I missed it so much!

      Ahhh, yes, I did a blog post earlier this week, if you scroll down you'll find it, about my favourite hair growth and hair strength products, give that a read and it should help hopefully! Good luck! xxx

      Delete
  19. Your hair turned out great! That salon looks and sounds amazing! xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Aw your hair looks amazing hun :) and the salon wow!

    Sophie
    xx
    www.pocockins.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow your hair looks great. My hair looks like your b4 pics . Im going to get mine done this week. I Need a pamper day. Can you tell me what the mouse an oil was called he put in your hair.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ah I have everything crossed. In massive need of a stree free pamper day before I jet off on my hen party. Would probably treat myself to a colour too. Oops! Your hair looks amazing xx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your hair looks amazing! So much healthier too! Stunning girl

    lizzielovesx.blogspot.co.uk
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your hair is bloody gorgeous either way but your after photos with this style and colour are amazing! If I can have hair like this then I'm in, haha :) fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete


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