We’re about to make a lot of changes soon, and we know that affects you.
Progress rarely happens without a few stumbles, but we hope you know how important you are to us. Your feedback would go a long way to ensuring we get this right in providing the best customer experience possible, even during times of a great change.
I hope that this message finds you well and with limited damage to you, your loved ones and your work situation I know it has been harrowing for many.
Rumours
With the return of the personal care sector hopefully scheduled for the 4th July we hold our fingers and our toes crossed that we will be seeing you again very soon.
The recent rumours that we will be open by the 15th June are at the time of typing just that, rumours and we will let you all know as soon as we do I promise.
As soon as the light turns green Chloe and I will be calling you all personally. Getting appointments in for you and talking you through our new protocol.
We may be allowed to open up the front retail part of the salon on the 15th June which we are hoping for as this will enable us to get you all in for skin test’s making colour appointments hassle-free.
So what next?
To enable the navigation of this ship out of troubled waters so to speak it is crucial to get this right for you as a client and for us as a business and that the hair, care, emotional and health needs are met for you all and for my team.
At the date of writing this Blog, none of my team have contracted the virus and I intend to keep it that way moving out of lockdown.
While there any many things to consider around PPE, social distancing and touchpoints I also have a firm eye on making sure your personal needs are met when we see each other again.
Can you help me?
I would like to ask for just 10mins of your time to answer just a few questions in a short survey that was sent via email, Help me understand what needs I’m needing to meet for You and all our guests at obsessions salon so that I can continue to give you the high levels of service in a safe way.
If you can spare that time for me please click on the link in the email, answer the survey and add any additional comments.
This survey is totally anonymous and will be only handled by myself but please leave your name in the comments box if you have needs that you would like met so I can personally arrange that for you.
Jennifers new role
I will personally be stepping into the role of reservations manager at reception for the first few months to run the business from the front line, make sure we have a smooth opening and transition back into the new normal.
As always I’m wishing you all the Love and light in the world and look forward to your safe return into our chair.
A visit to obsessions salon. A Ramsgate hair salon obsessed with detail.
I recently carried out a poll on my Instagram account, asking if guests get anxious, when they visit a new salon or if they worry about having a new style. Well, the results did surprise me, 75% of you get anxious when visiting a new salon and 78% worry about a new style.
This got me thinking about how I can make this a more comfortable experience for you. So I’m going to talk you through a session in obsessions, and give you an idea of the experience before you visit us.
Booking an appointment
On booking your hair appointment you will be asked a few questions, things like, Tell me about your hair?, Have you been recommended to any stylist in particular? or When were you looking to book in?. This is Ensuring we get you booked in with the most suitable stylist, for you and your hair needs.
Matching you with the right stylist is our main priority as different stylists excel in different areas and we want to get this right for you.
Once we have these key pieces of information and we have you paired with the right stylist we can book you in at a time that suits you best.
Appointment time
On arrival, you will be greeted by our reservationist who will take your coat, get you seated and offer you a drink.
Don’t worry you won’t be there long. Your stylist will greet you and take you over to their station, to discuss all your hair wants, needs and dreams.
An appointment with me.
We will get to know each other at your consultation and I’ll ask you some questions. These will include lifestyle questions, how much time you have to spend on your hair at home, styles you may like, but also dislike, when you last loved your hair, and even when you have hated your hair.
Then it’s off to our luxury backwash area. This is where you get to truly relax in one of our laydown chairs, taking in the salon experience.
82% of guests would not return to a salon if their hair wash was poor even if the haircut was GREAT. At Obsessions, we will take our time to assess your hair and it’s need’s and give you a slow, relaxing head massage we even have massages on the chair to help you relax that little bit more.
A learning experience
You will get to learn all about what shampoos, conditioner or treatments I am using and why, but for the most part I will remain quiet so you can unwind.
Now on to my station, this is where all the magic happens. At this point, I like to go over what we agreed, during the consultation. This gives you a chance to think about everything we have discussed and whether you still love the idea or not. It also allows you to relax knowing you’re in safe hands. Throughout the cutting process, I will confirm everything I’m doing and why it’s important to your hair, so that whilst I’m cutting, you know exactly what I’m doing.
I’ll just share with you something I do to ensure I fully understand my guest’s journey.
Shhhhhhh don’t tell anyone…
I myself will at times visit other salons to have my haircut. This is so I get to see whats going on in the industry.
In one salon the stylist cutting my hair didn’t tell me anything she was doing at any point while she was cutting, this left me feeling worried, and if I wasn’t a stylist myself I would’ve been very scared, so to relieve any anxiety at this point I feel a quick recap is truly very important. It then makes your time with us all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience which is so very important to the Obsessions team.
Back to your visit
Okay, now I’ve finished designing your haircut I will clean around the area to remove any hair and re-confirm how you would like to have your hair styled.
It’s important to tell you all about what products I have selected to use on you, I will bring these products over and place them in front of you, please feel free to pick them up and have a look, Smell them feel them I will explain what I am using, where I am applying them, and why to give you all the tools to be able to recreate this blowdry yourself at home.
As I always say the right product and the right amount in the right place are so important.
Once blow-drying I will talk you through how and what I am doing, in order to create the end result you have asked for. This way you know exactly what you need to do at home. Why have a beautiful designer haircut when you can’t maintain or recreate this at home yourself. Now if you feel confident or comfortable enough too, I will even let you have a go, we call this part hands-on hairdressing, but don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable just be sure it’s something you can do, or try in the future with us.
The last important part of the service is to teach you some tips and tricks or even just go over any part that you are struggling with.
Our existing family
For our existing obsessions family member’s, you are included in our points system which has many different features for you to take advantage of. Talk to your stylist about these and find out more. If you’re struggling with your hair because your hair is changing for whatever reason, you can come in and have a hands-on session with your stylist. We are not just a Ramsgate hair salon we are obsessed with hair and getting it right.
Well I hope this helps, I hope you feel more confident coming in to see us, we are here to help you and we love it.
Hi guys, Nicky from Team obsessions here giving you some tips, tricks and an insight to what goes on within our ramsgate hair salon.
Today I will be talking about our 5 top selected products that the team can not live without. We are guaranteed to have these, either in our bathrooms, handbags, on our dressing room tables, and even our suitcases for when we eventually get on that 2020 holiday. These 5 products truly are essential to our everyday hair styling needs. You will see them within the salon, and our Ramsgate hair salon team are happy to talk to you about them, and show you how to use them during our hands-on hairdressing sessions
Shampoo 2 Paul Mitchell
If you’re currently experiencing one of those “how can I manage my hair” moments. It may just simply be product build up.
This is one of my essential I am sure to always be stocked up on, it’s also one I will use on all my guests for their first shampoo. This is designed to remove all build up, including, product build up, any pollution, or simply, natural oils on the hair and scalp.
Once I have removed all build up, this allows me to really judge the true condition of your hair, allowing me to use and recommend the best products for your service and home use.
Shampoo Two is colour safe, therefor wont strip any colour, it will deeply cleanse leaving the hair clean fresh perfect to allow shine and body.
Directions for use:Use a 10 pence size amount, work it through your palms and work into wet hair. Do not be tempted to use more when you don’t experience much foaming or lather of the shampoo, this product isn’t designed to do that. Be sure to keep working it throughout the hair until you are satisfied all areas have been covered.
Now you have shampooed your hair once, you would follow this with a second shampoo of yours or you stylist’s recommendation.
Paul Mitchell hot off the press.
This is an absolute must have for anyone using any heated styling tools at home or in the salon, including, straighteners, curling wands/tongs. This thermal protecting hairspray will allow you to style your hair without the worry of any potential damage. The products main ingredient ‘rice hull extract’ shields the hair from any high temperatures which cause the damage and breakage. With this product you are able to take full advantage of your hairs potential, boosting your hairs strength and fighting any unwanted frizz.
Directions for use: once your hair is completely dry and ready for styling. Section away unwanted hair be sure told hold the can at least 30cm from the hair and spray covering section 1, and style as desired, this may be curls, straightened or waves. Take section 2, clipping away unwanted hair and spray your section the same as section 1. Continue with this method until styling is completed. An amazing tip I wish to point out about all Paul Mitchel products, is that they are concentrated, so you don’t need to use too much. you’ll be please to know that hot off the press is also, paraben free, vegan friendly and colour safe.
Paul Mitchell the conditioner.
This is the ultimate leave in conditioner, locking in the moisture, allowing smooth hair and reduce any unwanted static. I like to keep this little beauty on my dressing table, seeing as it’s a leave in, meaning no need to rinse off. My hair would have been towel dried by the time I’ve reached my dressing table, which is the perfect time to apply the product.
One thing I have found with this product. You need to find the right amount for your hair texture and type.
As I explained earlier these products are very concentrated and you should refrain from using to much.
I will always use a fingernail size amount, any more than that will be too much for your hair. On the other hand, if your hair is long, thirsty and craving moisture, during this covid-19 pandemic, then feel free to use a bit more.
I do suggest to always start off with the smallest amount the first time round, if you then feel you didn’t get a good enough result from your product then add a little bit more each time until you get it just right!
Directions for use: work product through palm and fingers, evenly distribute throughout your hair and gently comb through with a wide tooth comb allowing for an even distribution of the product. Keep doing this until you are certain your hair has fully absorbed the product.
This product is a double up and can be used for more than just one thing! How would you love to be able to use one of your products as a moisturiser… Bingo! You can.
This amazing product is also a beautiful moisturizer. Brilliant for holidays 😊.
Along with it’s amazing double up, the conditioner is perfect for all you blondes out there. Its blue colour helps with those brassy or yellow tones that spear from time to time in between services. Thank me later ladies and gents!
Awaphui wild ginger treatment oil.
This is something I will use every day, without fail, on the ends of my hair. This treatment oil is fabulous on parched hair in need of a little hydration. It is perfect for adding softness and shine to the hair.
Alongside its ability to reduce frizz, its lightweight Awaphui extract, seals and smooths the hair.
This little gem can be use on both wet and dry hair. One thing I also do to make the most of the keratin in this product, is, when my nails are feeling brittle, I will rub a small amount onto each nail cuticle, to help with the hydration in my nails.
The bonus feature of the product, is its beautiful fragrance, including, ginger tea mango, with notes of Italian bergamot… totally luxurious.
Its also Paraben free, Gluten free, vegan friendly and colour safe.
Olaplex
Now this is one is slightly different from the rest. There is no other product like this one. Olaplex can be a luxurious in salon super service and can also be used at home to maintain what work has been done with us, so I will tell you about both.
Olaplex is the holy grail of haircare for anyone using heat, bleaching or colouring their hair, whether highlights, global (scalp) bleaching, or even tinting.
It is also brilliant for those who do not colour their hair, as this is where our super stand-alone service comes in. we can use Olaplex in perming solution, so this really is for everyone.
Its miracle bonding formula, restores damaged, dull and dry hair, also helping to protect from future damage and it’s great for keeping your colour looking fresh and vibrant.
Now this work’s on the inside of the hair strand, to strengthen and repair. One thing we advise with Olaplex is, yes, it works wonders and really can help repair the hair, but if you wouldn’t colour your hair without Olaplex, because of the condition, still don’t colour it WITH!
Work on bringing your hair back to the best it can be, with moisture, keratin, protein, and Olaplex treatments first.
To use in colour: follow Olaplex guidelines for measurements and add required amount of step1(bond multiplier) to colour. Once colour has developed, thoroughly rinse, towel dry and before shampooing, apply 10-15grams of Step 2 (bond perfecter), evenly working through the hair and leave for at least 10 minutes. Once rinsed, proceed with shampooing as normal. Step 3 (bond maintainer)is a take home product, that needs to be used, once a week, on damp towel dried hair and before shampooing. Of course, if your hair is quite dirty and built up of product, then one shampoo is advisable before applying Step3.
How does it work? I hear you ask? When our hair undergoes any chemical process or any high temperature heated tools, the bonds in our hair are broken, this is what then leads to compromised, damaged, dry and brittle hair. Olaplex fixes bonds back together and multiplies them at the same time. AMAZING RIGHT
I love this product and have no3 at home with me. I do mine every other week, although when I started using it, It was every week.
Where my hair has now improved from the weekly treatments, I don’t have to do it as often. My hair is now in the best shape it has been for about 10 years.
I do this treatment on a Sunday, I start off by dampening my hair down with ‘Awaphui Moisture mist’ then apply my 10grams of no3, as I only have short hair. If you have long or thicker hair, then I would suggest 15grams. I will then comb mine through with a wide toothed comb, plait my hair into Dutch braid and leave for 10 minutes, if you wish to leave longer, then please do, the longer you leave it, the more work the product can do.
So, there you have it, my top 5 products that I can not live without. I use them all personally at home and I love to share and use on my guests at obsessions salon in Ramsgate.
Were do I start, Well I guess with the biggest thank you of my life! THANK YOU to everyone who over the last 4 years have supported our mission.
THANK YOU to everyone who has donated their hard earned cash to the coco’s foundation.
THANK YOU to everyone who believed in me and also to those who didn’t as you were the fuel to the fire that burns deep inside my heart, I needed you.
THANK YOU to everyone who sent in clothes or things to take out with me.
THANK YOU to my team who help fundraise every year and to the one’s who have been out themselves to make a change with their own hands.
LASTLY THANK YOU to my kids who stand beside me and live this every day, thank you for pushing me, helping me, attending all the fundraisers even though I know you’d love to be with your friends lol and for being the people you are as thats what allowed me to do what I do.
I sit here in my warm comfy office having just had lunch, I have a warm home to go to after work and 3 wardrobes full of clothes. I have a hot shower ever morning and evening and all the mod cons to make my life effortless, fun and happy.
Yet I long to go back out to Africa where none of that exists WHY? because Africa hold’s my heart.
We have worked with the coco’s foundation for nearly 4 years now, built 11 houses for orphaned children, raised over 15K, feed 5 families every month, provide over 200 orphaned children with breakfast and after school sandwich for 3 months, taken 30 kids to get school uniform and have met some amazing Zulu people that have changed my life forever.
The best is yet to come though as we ramp up what we do moving into 2020
If you would like to get involved in what we do and donate there are a few things you can do.
1 Go directly and donate as much or as little as you can HERE
2 Go directly a set up a monthly direct debit £2 helps provide 20 meals at school or £30 helps feed a family for a month HERE
3 Call the salon on 01843 852662 and arrange to drop off all your unwanted clothes which we take to cash for clothes and use the money to buy school uniforms out there so that orphaned children can attend school.
In advance thank YOU for getting involved and helping us change as many lives as we can in our short time on this beautiful planet even if its just that you say a little prayer to wish us well.
Till next year here are some pics to enjoy of my last trip and lets make 2020 the best fundraising year yet. 🙂
Do you hate being asked, “are you going away this year” by your hairdresser? How about “are you up to much today”? OR my fave
“Do you have any children”? (like that defines who I am)
While some of you like small chat so it’s easy and you don’t have to burn lots of brain calories (yes, that’s a thing), Some of you will love a deep and meaningful about crypto, business or the challenges of the world (we do not share our political stands here). Still, some of you will want to just sit in silence, sip fabulous coffee and watch the world go by.
The Silent haircut at obsessions salon Ramsgate allows you to do just that. Sit, wonder, dream, sip great coffee, ponder awhile, or rest those eyes.
In a world where we all have choices, we believe that you should have the option to sit in silence and just be if that’s what you fancy doing.
We have a huge uptake in silent haircuts from clients who suffer social anxiety, find it difficult to make conversation or are just shy and want a haircut without the pressure to hold a conversation they don’t feel they want to have. As someone who understands social anxiety from a family member who suffers, I wanted to make obsessions a safe space for everyone to enjoy a haircut. My family member would feel super pressured and worry themselves sick about the appointment and being made to hold long conversations that they would not book hair or beauty appointments. My aim here is to give everyone the service they want to experience in the way they want to experience it.
We also found a large demographic of busy Londoners moving to Ramsgate while commuting and wanting some quiet time to just rest and recharge, and some that just wanted to get their laptop out, kill two birds with one stone, and crack on with some work while in the chair.
The silent haircut suits all of the above and can be booked online or via our reservations team on 01843 852662
Once in the chair, we will give you a full consultation to determine what you are trying to achieve with your hair. After that, it’s entirely your time. We will take you over to the basins shampoo and condition your hair as normal but without the product info. Your whole haircut will be in silence unless you want to talk and if so, feel free to break the silence.
When finished, we will guide you over to our payment desk to take payment, book your next cut and wish you a great day.
No fuss, no pressure, just a great haircut, a great coffee and some time just for you.
If you or someone you know is suffering from social anxiety, here are some great resources that helped me understand what I could do to help.
