Daniel Galvin reviews
Had colour done by senior colourist. Is this really a top place for colouring, I wonder. The colourist was more interested in mistreating her junior assistant and rolling her eyes at the junior’s apparent lack of interest (nothing surprising there) than anything to do with my hair. Left dispirited, with bad colour, and much poorer. Will not go back.
by Mara, 03 Jan 2009
by Mara, 03 Jan 2009
I have been going to Daniel Galvin regularly for many years and have never been disappointed. I am always very happy with the results and leave feeling pampered and refreshed. Alfie is one of the only stylists I have found who can tame my frizzy hair and always recommends easy-to-manage styles which work perfectly for me and look great.
The staff are happy to help and nothing is too much hassle to arrange. I once overheard a conversation between two juniors who went out to buy a bottle of wine for a customer while she had her hair done, as she was in a rush and going to a dinner party straight after.
I would recommend Daniel Galvin to anyone. The salon is known for colour but delivers in all areas.
by Elizabeth22, 25 Nov 2008
The staff are happy to help and nothing is too much hassle to arrange. I once overheard a conversation between two juniors who went out to buy a bottle of wine for a customer while she had her hair done, as she was in a rush and going to a dinner party straight after.
I would recommend Daniel Galvin to anyone. The salon is known for colour but delivers in all areas.
by Elizabeth22, 25 Nov 2008
I would thoroughly recommend the salon. I have been going for the last year or so and now wouldn't consider going anywhere else. Lino does a great cut and 9 times out of 10 you end up sitting next to a celebrity!
by Liz Cadman, 25 Nov 2008
by Liz Cadman, 25 Nov 2008
I had my hair done at this place a few weeks ago. The colourist didn't know what she was doing and didn't suggest a single thing but instead kept asking me what I would like to have done. It took 3 HOURS to have half a head of higlights. Juniors that washed my hair rolled their eyes and complained about the state of the salon. I asked to dry my hair myself as I was going to work out afterwards and was asked to sit in the most uncomfortable place in the salon so that other customers were not aware of that option. I was given the worst hair brush, which was dirty, and a hairdrier with cold air.
When I spoke to the salon manager, I was told that next time I should book a more senior stylist and I would have a better experice - basically, if I spend more money I get better serivce. As a matter of fact, the receptionist suggested I see this stylist as she was highly recommended by the salon trainer.
Don't go to this place. It is a complete waste of money and has a very rude management team. No wonder their juniors are in such a bad mood!
Anita
by anita2, 16 Nov 2008
When I spoke to the salon manager, I was told that next time I should book a more senior stylist and I would have a better experice - basically, if I spend more money I get better serivce. As a matter of fact, the receptionist suggested I see this stylist as she was highly recommended by the salon trainer.
Don't go to this place. It is a complete waste of money and has a very rude management team. No wonder their juniors are in such a bad mood!
Anita
by anita2, 16 Nov 2008
What an amazing experience! It wasn't at all intimidating for an ordinary gal and was a really special treat. Alex the colourist was fab. I wasn't sure what I wanted but she gave me great options and I am delighted with the results. Next, on to the cut... Lino, with his assistant Ellie, were fab. Lino gave me a cut to die for, and we had a laugh. Go to him! Save up the pennies, it's really worth it.
by rachel1, 11 Oct 2008
by rachel1, 11 Oct 2008
I've had Gemma for colour for the last 2 years and always been well looked after. 5* service. Definitely the best salon in London for colour. But what do you expect from the biggest salon in Europe?
by carralex22, 01 Oct 2008
by carralex22, 01 Oct 2008
Disappointing. The colour was nothing special and, whilst everyone was friendly enough, it was all a little underwhelming given their reputation. I too sensed a certain complacency which wasn't really justified.
by sarahjaneb, 22 Sep 2008
by sarahjaneb, 22 Sep 2008
A few years ago I went to Daniel Galvin, as I understood they were the best colourists in town. I had a colour, cut and blow dry. The colour was OK but the cut was horrendous. It took me ages to grow out. I think they are past their sell by date and I have never been back. I noted with dismay that, even this year, this website shows that others are still suffering at their hands. Shocking.
Also, I was embarrassed at reception because the online price, which I had luckily printed from their webpage, was at least £100 lower than the price they tried to charge me on the day! I argued and won but it was embarrassing and they handled it so badly.
by concom, 13 Sep 2008
Also, I was embarrassed at reception because the online price, which I had luckily printed from their webpage, was at least £100 lower than the price they tried to charge me on the day! I argued and won but it was embarrassing and they handled it so badly.
by concom, 13 Sep 2008
I'm very fussy about my hair and get overly anxious. Vicky is a wonderful colourist - she listens, makes you feel at ease, and alters things if they're not exactly as you want them (i.e. she spends a lot of time with you to make sure you get the hair you want).
by Hairdressers Agghhh!!, 28 Jul 2008
by Hairdressers Agghhh!!, 28 Jul 2008
Had my hair cut by one of the top stylists. The haircut is one of the worst I have ever had. I would say of my stylist that he has lost his passion for his job. I am now going to spend the next 6 months trying to grow it out and cut it again. However, not at Daniel Galvin. There are much better salons around and, as some reviewers have stated, this one is past its best.
by madge2, 17 Jul 2008
by madge2, 17 Jul 2008
I went to the salon 2 weeks ago and my hair has never looked so bad. Every hair has a different length and on the top is completely flat. The colour is equally bad. Will never go again!
by andseeger, 11 Jul 2008
by andseeger, 11 Jul 2008
Having only lived in London for a few months, I was unsure of where to go to get my hair cut. I had recently had a blunt fringe cut by my Melbourne hairdresser of 5 years' standing, in whom I trusted 100%. I was recommended to Daniel Galvin by a work colleague who is a regular client and had nothing but high praise for the salon.
Despite the great recommendation, I was still a little nervous on the day of my appointment. Angela, my stylist, introduced herself. She was a friendly and bubbly girl. I explained to her that I was a little apprehensive about having my hair - and especially my fringe - cut, as I had been going to the one hairdresser for over 5 years. Angela listened carefully to me and offered some great advice; I instantly felt at ease with her and felt confident in her hairdressing ability. I was not let down at all. She did a wonderful job of the cut, and in particular my fringe! She created a wonderful 'bouncy' blow-dry and I felt fabulous upon leaving the salon.
I will most certainly be back. Thanks DG and Angela for creating a truly wonderful experience and cut!
by alison.j.rose, 27 Jun 2008
Despite the great recommendation, I was still a little nervous on the day of my appointment. Angela, my stylist, introduced herself. She was a friendly and bubbly girl. I explained to her that I was a little apprehensive about having my hair - and especially my fringe - cut, as I had been going to the one hairdresser for over 5 years. Angela listened carefully to me and offered some great advice; I instantly felt at ease with her and felt confident in her hairdressing ability. I was not let down at all. She did a wonderful job of the cut, and in particular my fringe! She created a wonderful 'bouncy' blow-dry and I felt fabulous upon leaving the salon.
I will most certainly be back. Thanks DG and Angela for creating a truly wonderful experience and cut!
by alison.j.rose, 27 Jun 2008
I had been searching for a salon for months since moving to London from Madrid, until I found Daniel Galvin. I have dark olive skin, dark brown hair and brown/hazel eyes and decided that I wanted to be blonde, so I booked an appointment. I rang the salon and the receptionist was very friendly and extremely helpful. I explained what I wanted done and she went ahead and made my appointment with a lady called Gemma, who I was told was a senior colourist.
On the day of my appointment Gemma sat me down and listened to what I wanted. She didn't seem too sure and advised me that I would not be able to achieve the look I wanted, saying that this sort of colour change was not something that they would do. What can I say? I was disappointed and even said that I would go somewhere else. She said that that was up to me, but they would NOT make me blonde. However, after the consultation I decided to let her do what she had advised, which was to start with sun-kissed highlights that would suit my skin tone and complexion and would look more natural. After all, they are the colour experts.
It's been 3 weeks since I've had my colour done and I am over the moon! Thank god for Gemma, she really knew her stuff. I am so pleased with my colour that I have recommended all my friends to her. She was brilliant, a true professional for someone so young, and a credit to Daniel Galvin and his salon. 5-star doesn't come close.
by j_peniche, 17 Jun 2008
On the day of my appointment Gemma sat me down and listened to what I wanted. She didn't seem too sure and advised me that I would not be able to achieve the look I wanted, saying that this sort of colour change was not something that they would do. What can I say? I was disappointed and even said that I would go somewhere else. She said that that was up to me, but they would NOT make me blonde. However, after the consultation I decided to let her do what she had advised, which was to start with sun-kissed highlights that would suit my skin tone and complexion and would look more natural. After all, they are the colour experts.
It's been 3 weeks since I've had my colour done and I am over the moon! Thank god for Gemma, she really knew her stuff. I am so pleased with my colour that I have recommended all my friends to her. She was brilliant, a true professional for someone so young, and a credit to Daniel Galvin and his salon. 5-star doesn't come close.
by j_peniche, 17 Jun 2008
I would not recommend Daniel Galvin. I went there as I thought I would get a great colour and cut but was bitterly disappointed. I had half a head of highlights and this is the only place I have ever been to that doesn't do a proper half a head (they miss out a section on each side and it is more like a T-section). When I metioned this to the colourist he was very rude, saying "That's the way we do it here and no-one else has ever had a problem", instead of showing any interest in my query. His intimidating manner made me feel very upset. When I went downstairs to have the cut, I mentioned how I felt and a colourist above him said I could go back for a re-do.
I decided to book to go back, as I was unhappy with my very drab and sparse highlights from this first visit. My new appointment was cancelled by them five times in total! I felt like they were making excuses and trying to get out of it. However, I persisted. When I did finally make it back to see another senior (very expensive) colour technician, I stated clearly that I wanted golden blonde highlights but I came out with horrible white streaks. My mum thought I had gone grey!
This salon is pretentious, outdated, severely lacking in customer service, and is playing on its well-known name. Also way, way overpriced for the service that is given. I will not be going back.
by mimi123, 11 May 2008
I decided to book to go back, as I was unhappy with my very drab and sparse highlights from this first visit. My new appointment was cancelled by them five times in total! I felt like they were making excuses and trying to get out of it. However, I persisted. When I did finally make it back to see another senior (very expensive) colour technician, I stated clearly that I wanted golden blonde highlights but I came out with horrible white streaks. My mum thought I had gone grey!
This salon is pretentious, outdated, severely lacking in customer service, and is playing on its well-known name. Also way, way overpriced for the service that is given. I will not be going back.
by mimi123, 11 May 2008
I read the excellent reviews of Daniel Galvin's salon, and since I am a big fan of going ash blonde (from my natural very dark colour) this sounded like the best place to go to in London. I booked with Gemma, who was very understanding of my wanting to be blonde, initially at least. However, she went on to explain that my hair was likely to get very dry and even break and it wasn't a risk she wanted to take. She suggested I go just two shades lighter to a medium brunette with highlights. When I said that I would prefer to try and find a salon who would be more enthusiastic to take up the gauntlet of turning me several shades lighter though, she changed her tune, saying that she was more than happy to do her best in turning my hair blonde. She then went over to Daniel Galvin (the one with the grey hair) and they had a chat whilst looking in my direction a number of times. I did see DG shake his head in the discussion but I thought nothing of it at the time.
I had a whole head of highlights and a root colour applied. The result was nothing even close to ash blonde. It was almost dark orange and at this point I really wanted to cry. Gemma could see I was upset and began to explain the ABC of how difficult it is to lift dark tones lighter and more blah blah that every colour customer knows already. She said that the best way to go lighter would be for me to come to the salon 2 or 3 more times and they could then achieve the perfect colour I was after. But why should I go to a salon 3/4 times for the same thing that other salons can do the first time (for example, my old salon in Covent Garden, who I will have to go back to now with my head hung low!)? When I made this point and couldn't help a few tears, some others came over. Then DG came over and explained pretty much the same things in different words. He then said I should look a lot better after a cut. I assumed that this was complimentary in the circumstances, but not so! After toner was applied (twice) and I'd had my hair cut (2 inches shorter!) and styled I felt a little more presentable but still a million miles from the picture I had had in my mind when I walked in of how it would look.
I do think it would be fairer if the salon asked more concretely what was desired and were more honest in saying whether they would or would not be able to achieve it. They should ask you to show them exactly which colour you are after in a salon like this one. Then they should say yes we can or no we can not. After all, in this day and age it is closer to a science than an art and one that they have plenty of time in training and experience with, so the result should be a lot more precise than it was with my hair.
I also couldn't believe that the cut and blow dry was added to the bill, although by that time I had already decided I would never want to set foot in this establishment again. The Daniel Galvin Salon is a sad example of how big hair salons use the brand name to exploit the needs of customers. The whole experience felt cheap not 'expensive'. To sum it up, it is completely hit and miss - hit with the easy stuff and complete miss with anything that's a challenge.
by bellaella (2 reviews), 09 May 2008
I had a whole head of highlights and a root colour applied. The result was nothing even close to ash blonde. It was almost dark orange and at this point I really wanted to cry. Gemma could see I was upset and began to explain the ABC of how difficult it is to lift dark tones lighter and more blah blah that every colour customer knows already. She said that the best way to go lighter would be for me to come to the salon 2 or 3 more times and they could then achieve the perfect colour I was after. But why should I go to a salon 3/4 times for the same thing that other salons can do the first time (for example, my old salon in Covent Garden, who I will have to go back to now with my head hung low!)? When I made this point and couldn't help a few tears, some others came over. Then DG came over and explained pretty much the same things in different words. He then said I should look a lot better after a cut. I assumed that this was complimentary in the circumstances, but not so! After toner was applied (twice) and I'd had my hair cut (2 inches shorter!) and styled I felt a little more presentable but still a million miles from the picture I had had in my mind when I walked in of how it would look.
I do think it would be fairer if the salon asked more concretely what was desired and were more honest in saying whether they would or would not be able to achieve it. They should ask you to show them exactly which colour you are after in a salon like this one. Then they should say yes we can or no we can not. After all, in this day and age it is closer to a science than an art and one that they have plenty of time in training and experience with, so the result should be a lot more precise than it was with my hair.
I also couldn't believe that the cut and blow dry was added to the bill, although by that time I had already decided I would never want to set foot in this establishment again. The Daniel Galvin Salon is a sad example of how big hair salons use the brand name to exploit the needs of customers. The whole experience felt cheap not 'expensive'. To sum it up, it is completely hit and miss - hit with the easy stuff and complete miss with anything that's a challenge.
by bellaella (2 reviews), 09 May 2008
I have been going to get my grey covered by Louise Galvin since 2005. After years of trawling through all of London's supposed best salons, I feel like I have hit the jackpot with D.G. What makes this place so special is the extras. See my pros and cons below.
The pros:
1. Louise Galvin – The woman is a genius and a true professional. She is a beautiful person, really cares about what she does and never takes her clients for granted. Once when my greys could still be seen, they were horrified and made sure I left satisfied.
2. Blissful peace and quiet! - Hair colouring takes place upstairs where there is masses of natural light to get the colour right. Cuts and blowdrys downstairs. This means upstairs is wonderfully quiet, without the manic vibe you often get at salons.
3. The free wi-fi! - I habitually sneak off work and take my laptop and work whilst my hair is being done. Add to this some yummy food and you could want for nothing more! I get my lunch, work and hair done all at the same time.
4. Nothing is too much trouble – For example, I always drive to D.G and pay and display nearby (although the meters are now all changing to pay-by-phone). If I haven’t paid enough parking the juniors always go and top up the meter. Once (due to my hair taking longer) I got a ticket. The salon rang me up at home to ask if I got a parking ticket and offered to pay!
The cons:
1. Whilst the colour by Louise Galvin is amazing, I can’t seem to settle on someone good for a cut and blow dry. Also, the shampoos are very 'functional' - it would be good to be pampered with a proper massage, as in most other places.
2. The staff at reception, as someone said, can be really irritating. When you go to pay, they invariably take ages and you have to struggle to make eye contact so that they can serve you. If this minor flaw could be sorted, I believe there is no better place in London, if not for a cut then certainly for colour.
by Evelina, 26 Mar 2008
The pros:
1. Louise Galvin – The woman is a genius and a true professional. She is a beautiful person, really cares about what she does and never takes her clients for granted. Once when my greys could still be seen, they were horrified and made sure I left satisfied.
2. Blissful peace and quiet! - Hair colouring takes place upstairs where there is masses of natural light to get the colour right. Cuts and blowdrys downstairs. This means upstairs is wonderfully quiet, without the manic vibe you often get at salons.
3. The free wi-fi! - I habitually sneak off work and take my laptop and work whilst my hair is being done. Add to this some yummy food and you could want for nothing more! I get my lunch, work and hair done all at the same time.
4. Nothing is too much trouble – For example, I always drive to D.G and pay and display nearby (although the meters are now all changing to pay-by-phone). If I haven’t paid enough parking the juniors always go and top up the meter. Once (due to my hair taking longer) I got a ticket. The salon rang me up at home to ask if I got a parking ticket and offered to pay!
The cons:
1. Whilst the colour by Louise Galvin is amazing, I can’t seem to settle on someone good for a cut and blow dry. Also, the shampoos are very 'functional' - it would be good to be pampered with a proper massage, as in most other places.
2. The staff at reception, as someone said, can be really irritating. When you go to pay, they invariably take ages and you have to struggle to make eye contact so that they can serve you. If this minor flaw could be sorted, I believe there is no better place in London, if not for a cut then certainly for colour.
by Evelina, 26 Mar 2008
Simply dreadful experience. My highlights were supposed to be light blonde but were grey - I am already greying, so the effect made me look worse than when the colourist started! The product used seeped onto my scalp and burnt my head. I was left with sores and unable to use a comb because my scalp hurt too much. When I complained, the staff manager was completely disinterested and refused to give me a refund. I would NOT recommend anyone to go there.
by Annemarie, 13 Feb 2008
by Annemarie, 13 Feb 2008
I recommend Gemma for colour and Dean for a cut - a great team! One negative point though: shampoos are not relaxing and too short - should have an option for a longer head massage shampoo, as in Asia.
by kmd, 19 Nov 2007
by kmd, 19 Nov 2007
I used to hate my hair and going to the hairdressers was such a trauma. Then I found Lino. He is the best hairdresser there is, end of story. People literally stop me in the street and ask me who does my hair. That has never ever happened before. He is amazing! Worth every penny.
by Jini77, 05 Oct 2007
by Jini77, 05 Oct 2007
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