Destino Says...

Founded by hairdressing heavyweight, Christel Barron-Hough, STIL currently has two chic salons, one in Notting Hill and another on the Fulham Road.

Swedish-born Christel brings with her a wealth of experience: having won the British Hairdressing Awards coveted British Colour Technician of the Year three times and has worked; working with brands like WELLA and Tigi as their global brand ambassador and educator; as well as being in-demand backstage at various fashion weeks and on editorial shoots.

This means that colour is front and centre at STIL, enabling not just Christel but the whole team to be equally adept at creating a range of looks from cutting-edge editorial-style colour through to “Scandi blonde” and dreamy heads of natural looking highlights.

We headed to the Fulham Road salon, which is conveniently located a short walk from South Kensington tube and opposite the picture-postcard Pelham Crescent. Flooded with natural light, the black accents, pale wooden floors and white walls give it an elegant yet modern vibe – and if you’re lucky Christel’s adorable little dogs Bertie and Arthur may be in residence.

Expect a thorough consultation and compliment-pulling results whoever you see. Our top picks? Christel, Colour Director Anna Alford (a firm favourite with many of West-London’s blondes) and Elle Bondoc for incredible styling and beach-blowdries.