I Tried London’s First Hair Health-Focused Salon, AEVUM

As a self-confessed highlights addict, I must admit I’ve long neglected my hair health in pursuit of being blonde. Over time, years of bleach has turned my once thick and shiny locks fine and dry – despite recently cutting down on the colour top-ups. So naturally my interest was piqued when I got word of AEVUM: a next-gen salon focused around hair regeneration. Could this be the answer to my long-standing woes? I booked an appointment to find out.

Tried & Tested: Hair Health Session At AEVUM

Located on a pretty cobbled mews in the heart of Bloomsbury, AEVUM is the brainchild of celebrity hair stylist Tom Smith alongside his husband and fellow hair expert Chris Donohue – who together have 30 years of experience in the industry. After years of having clients come to them with over-processed, damaged hair, they set out to create their own concept which provided ‘a solution from the roots up, preventing and reversing damage in every stage of life.’ Its name is derived from the Latin for ‘lifetime’, which embodies the salon’s focus on hair longevity and wellbeing as opposed to just surface level aesthetics. 

Upon arrival, my first thought was how calming the space felt, with whitewashed walls, reclaimed wooden floors and a towering fig tree perched in the centre – plus the signature Tom Smith candle adding a dreamy aroma with notes of neroli, eucalyptus and sandalwood. 

Thoughtful extra touches set this salon apart: the tree trunk, for instance, is surrounded by a circular colour treatment station which also functions as a laptop area where you can sit and work while waiting for your colour to set (with the option to remove the mirrors if you’d rather not look at yourself for hours). Seats at the wash stations feature heated neck rests and lymphatic massage functions, and wet hair is wrapped in eucalyptus fibre towels which are kinder on the hair. The drinks menu, meanwhile, includes collagen-infused wellness drinks from Ancient & Brave (or a glass of wine if that’s more your vibe), and bathrooms are decked out with Loewe products.

After a consultation with Tom we decided to go for a mix of two treatments: The Hair Repair Session, which focuses on hair that’s already grown, and The Hair Health Session, which works on the quality of the hair before it comes out of your head. First up was a deep cleanse to remove metals, minerals and pollutants, ahead of a bond and peptide chain repair treatment, followed by a nourishing top cleanse for silkiness and hydration. While the treatments were working their magic I was given a red-light therapy eye mask to wear, which works to boost collagen and alleviate puffiness while also adding an extra level of zen to the experience.

Next it was my hair that went under the red light (a Current Body LED mask). Scientific studies have found red-light therapy penetrates the skin and stimulates follicle growth – and when used consistently over a few months, it can help regrow thinning hair. And finally, Tom applied Calecim Advanced Hair System, a non-invasive stem-cell-derived treatment which helps boost hair density and promote regrowth by activating follicles, applied using a derma stamper. Tom tells me this can be beneficial for people who feel like their hair was once stronger, but you need to maintain it for six weeks for the full effect (I was sent home with the kit).

For a more intense treatment the salon also offers doctor-led regenerative injectables to supercharge hair growth, delivered in a private treatment room. A range of wellness sessions are also on offer here, such as acupuncture, shiatsu massage and reflexology designed to both reset the nervous system and support circulation and healthy hair growth. 

All the classic cutting and colouring services are available to book too – but added touches ensure hair health remains the focus (each haircut, for example, begins with a deep cleanse and ends with a personalised conditioning treatment). 

The Results

While my hair was being blow-dried, I could immediately see it looked shinier. But – crucially – it felt stronger and thicker too. Tom recommended a couple of products to continue using at home: the K18 Damage Shield Shampoo and the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, which are proving effective so far. Since my appointment, I’ve noticed my hair is breaking less and lasting longer between washes, and it feels distinctly glossier than before. But I’ve also felt inspired to take more care with my hair routine, adopting Tom’s top tip of taking time to properly shampoo by massaging gently into the scalp, as well as making heat protect spray and serum a non-negotiable. After all, as the AEVUM team are keen to stress, healthy hair isn’t about quick fixes but adopting key habits that will benefit your locks for life.

BOOK

27 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JA, aevumsalon.com