insideKENT Magazine Issue 84 - March 2019 | Page 79

FASHION+BEAUTY EXCEPTIONAL STYLING, CUTTING-EDGE COLOUR TECHNIQUE, AND A UNIQUE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE – WELCOME TO THE WONDER OF Jerome Hillion Hair and Make Up AT THE WALPOLE BAY HOTEL by Samantha Ready Since setting up shop, quite literally, on the third floor of the quirky Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate in 2013, award-winning hairdresser Jerome Hillion’s unique salon-cum-personal stylist experience has continued to go from strength to strength. His ‘unique one-to-one salon experience’ concept is still beautifully simple. A dedicated space where you are able to obtain the best cut, colour and styling, but in a salon that is dedicated just to you – the decadence of your own personal hairstylist! And make no mistake, this is a salon, from the wash bowl in the corner and rows of professional hair care and colour options, to the somewhat less traditional chair in front of the mirror, but it is so much more than that. This is hairdressing theatre, glamour and sophistication – a place where you are truly the star of the show, front and centre in the lights of the full- size gilt mirror. And more than that, this salon is eco conscious, environmentally aware and vegan friendly, driven out of the passion and vision of Jerome himself, which is why this new year seemed like the perfect time to give the intimate hairdressing space a fresh new makeover. Arrival is still through the main Edwardian hotel, where salon visitors ride in the 1927 Otis trellis gated lift to the 3rd floor before the door opens to the beautifully refurbished bijou salon. Still front and centre is the beautiful Hollywood mirror where all attention is placed, as Jerome weaves his colour and cutting magic; but attention is also now drawn to the bold geometric, yet classically simple wallpaper, offset with leather armchair seating, and the greenery of selected pot plants. The result is masculine, yet soft; updated and modern yet still traditionally stylish and reflects the humble yet sophisticated nature of Jerome and the hairstyles that he creates. Strategically placed are the products that he has carefully selected, rigorously tested and enthusiastically demonstrate; true natural, vegan hair colour systems that have lasted longer, been kinder to my hair (and sensitive scalp!) and produced glossier, more sustainable colour than any other brand I’ve ever had applied. The divine Windle and Moodie shampoos, conditioners and styling products were so good I took them home, where they have been just as brilliant under my own hand as they were when used by the the master to create my swishing, gleaming finished ‘do’; which I should add is still the best colour and cut I’ve had in two decades! Just the right level of tone and colour, just the right mix of edgy but still ‘me’ and just the right result of ‘oooh I love your hair’, which come straight from the superb colour knowledge and expert cutting that Jerome has honed. I love this dynamic (and very affordable) hair concept, and I am not the only one. There is still the pilgrimage of his regular clients from London, a loyal band of East Kent regulars and now an expanding cohort of Kent hair aficionados clamouring to secure a sought-after appointment. They, like I, won’t be disappointed. Jerome Hillion Hair and Make Up at The Walpole Bay Hotel 5th Avenue Cliftonville Margate CT9 2JJ 07971 324 347 www.jeromehillionhairandmakeup.co.uk JHillionH jeromehillionhairandmakeup 79