BEAUTY
OSHENS HAIR & BEAUTY, WYE
ATTRACTING CLIENTS FROM ACROSS KENT WITH THE ALLURE OF CONFIDENT TECHNIQUE, THOUGHTFUL CONSULTATIONS AND A RELAXED BOUTIQUE ENVIRONMENT, OSHENS IN WYE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF ASHFORD HAS PERFECTED THE BALANCE OF VILLAGE SALON WITH HIGH-IMPACT FINISH. SAMANTHA READY WAS READY TO BE TRANSFORMED …
AFTER
There’ s something reassuring about a hairdresser who doesn’ t just ask“ what are we doing today then?” and proceeds to hope for the best.
At Oshens, the approach feels more considered than that, with far less guesswork and more consultancy- proper conversations about colour history, texture, lifestyle and, importantly, past salon disappointments. It’ s confident, guided hairdressing backed by technical skill, continual training and elevated professional products including Italian haircare favourite Alfaparf Milano, the luxury salon brand with something of a cult celebrity following.
My appointment actually began two weeks earlier with a dedicated consultation. Colour swatches came out, inspiration pictures were dissected, old colour trauma unpacked and my long-standing fear of unwanted orange warmth finally addressed with reassuring confidence. There were patch tests, cutting discussions and a clear sense that this wasn’ t about rushing towards a result, but about actually getting it right.
The salon itself mirrors that philosophy.
Set inside a charming barn-style space in rural Wye, Oshens balances village familiarity with boutique ambition. Wooden beams strung with chandeliers, purposeful wallpaper updates and coffee served in proper china cups and saucers create an atmosphere that feels warm and elegant. Led by mother-daughter duo Christine and Victoria( who oversees day-to-day management and whose capable hands I found myself in), they have spent the last two-and-a-half years evolving the business since taking ownership. It was a process that wasn’ t about reinventing what loyal clients already loved, bearing in mind that Victoria had been at the salon before taking it over, it was about redefining it- adding those extra layers that have truly elevated its offering and set it apart.
Small but perfectly formed, the five-strong team collectively cover colour, cutting( including curl cutting), barbering, extensions and product expertise. You’ re on first-name terms quickly, but the experience still carries the confidence of a high-end salon.
On the day of my appointment, at the tail-end of May’ s glorious heatwave, the welcome was pure Oshens. Iced water appeared instantly, a drink order followed, magazines arrived and expectations were reconfirmed before any colour touched a strand of hair.
Then the technical work began. Brightening foils first, followed by a carefully blended trio of brunette shades layered with much-needed ash tones designed to finally neutralise the warm coppery notes that have plagued my hair for the better part of a decade. Treatments, conditioning masks and an excellent head massage followed before we moved to the cut.
My brief was admittedly precise( and scarred by previously dodgy finishes): keep the length, lose the weight, make it work with my natural curl but still behave when straightened. And, of course, Victoria nailed it.
The finished result was soft, dimensional balayage with delicate micro-highlights catching the evening light( with no bleach in sight!), cool brunette tones that actually complemented the first hint of summer tan rather than fighting against it, and a bouncy, hand-and-brush blowdry that, remarkably, was still holding its own four days later, heatwave still going as strong.
Aside from providing a proper salon experience underpinned with knowledge, technique and passion, what Oshens does particularly well is bridge the gap between maintenance and transformation. Whether it’ s a child’ s trim, colour refresh, extensions overhaul or major restyle, the offering feels modern, technically strong and thoughtfully delivered, and every client is treated to the same warm welcome and thoughtful approach.
There’ s also an in-chair beauty add-on now available through Shannon at Wildflower Beauty, meaning a manicure or brow tidy-up, lash tint or wax can slot neatly into processing time for those wanting to lean fully into a proper pamper session.
And yes, I left with the Alfaparf Milano conditioner Victoria pressed into my hands accompanied by the words:“ Sam, this is going to change your life.” In truth, I think she already has.
Sam’ s hair experience included balayage foil colour, long hair cut with detox and conditioning treatments, styled bouncy blow-dry and Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Smooth Smoothing Conditioner.
oshens. co. uk oshenshairbeauty www. insidekent. co. uk • 139