Non-trendy London hairdresser needed for someone (with problem thin dry hair) who hates going to hairdressers

[pearlkent]

I haven't been to a hairdresser for 3 years because I hate sitting in a "trendy" loud buzzy salon staring at myself in a mirror. I'd love to find a local-ish independent salon (where the staff don't change every 2 minutes), with a cosy discreet atmosphere instead of all the bling and noise. An understanding, kind hairdresser who could help me with my issues.

I also have "problem" hair in that it's got a lot of grey (naturally medium/dark brown) and is thin(ning) and dry. I've been using minoxidil (after seeing a dermatologist specialising in hair loss) for a couple of years, which has helped a bit with volume, but not the condition of my hair.

I need the colour sorting out, with a long term plan to manage the roots, and also a low-maintenance style.
It's currently half-way down my back, and is a straggly stringy dull mess. I (try to) colour the roots every few weeks with a semi-permanant Superdrug dye (I've stopped using permanent dye as I didn't see the point when the roots need doing every few weeks, and I felt it was damaging my hair). I'm 54.

Any tips much appreciated.

Hello. Where in London is easy for you to get to?

I'm in west London.

Also, forgot to say, if anyone has any suggestions for mobile hairdressers (as I hate salons!) that would be fantastic. Or someone that works from their own home, rather than a salon.

Peterpenny in Putney is fantastic. There are 4 stylist including the owners Peter and Penny. They only deal with one client at a time so will never abandon you or start on your hair and pass you to someone else and always run to time. They consult, wash, treat, cut and dry your hair. They are v knowledgeable and the salon atmosphere is lovely.

It is definitely the place to go if you don't like salons and need good advice.

Thanks orangeplum and that's so weird because when I was googling independent salons yesterday Peterpenny came up and I thought they sounded promising. Easy for me to get to as well.

A friend rated Percy and Reed on Great Portland Street very highly.

Bumping for any other suggestions.

Perlkent, i would like the same as you only in norwich, if anyone can help. i need highlights done, would like to try colour instead of bleach, or maybe a mixture of both, the salon i used said the light blond colour i want, i can only get with bleach, last time i had them done was last year in june, and i don't like noisy loud salons, so if any know of a mobile hair dresser or a salon the same as perlkent has said.

The London salon in soho. It's quiet and relaxing. Just off dean street and prices are reasonable

Possibly not a good location for you but Stone hair in Kingston are great. Small salon - very trendy looking but they are very friendly and I’ve seen them be absolutely lovely to an old 90 year old lady who went in. They even went and got her and brought her to the salon. The owner John Mullan ( spelling?) is a charming Irishman with a big beard who has done a lot of fashion and editorial stuff but is completely friendly and non intimidating. There are a couple of dogs in the salon too in case you find that comforting. They have excellent reviews online.