A guide to London’s most popular beauty treatments – tried and tested

London’s beauty scene is evolving faster than ever, with new treatments, technologies and trends emerging every season. From sculpting facials to flawless manicures and blow-dries that last for days, the city is packed with options promising brighter skin, glossier hair and a much-needed dose of self-care. But with so many places claiming to be the best, it can be hard to know what actually delivers.  

So, in the name of research – and a genuine desire to separate the must-tries from the merely nice-to-haves, the HELLO! team set out to personally test some of London’s most talked-about treatments. So if you’re looking to upgrade your routine or simply treat yourself, consider this your curated insider edit of London’s most effective beauty experiences.

Blow-drys & styling

Andrew Jose Salon

With the new year in full swing, I booked an appointment at Andrew Jose Salon for a cut, colour refresh and blow-dry after noticing my hair was starting to look flat and a little grown out. I wasn’t after a dramatic change – just cleaner colour and a shape that would work better day to day. We started with a colour refresh to revive the tone and bring back some shine, and it made an immediate difference. The result was subtle but noticeable, leaving my hair looking healthier and more polished without feeling overly “done”. The cut focused on creating a shape that framed my face nicely while still feeling natural and easy to maintain. The blow-dry was the perfect finishing touch: smooth, glossy and softly bouncy, with that lasting “good hair day” feel. I left with hair that felt lighter, fresher and far more put together.

HARI’s Hair Salon

© Karen Hatch

I booked myself in at Hari’s on Fulham Road for a bit of a full hair reset: a Deluxe Blow Dry plus cut with Lewis, and a gloss colour with Francesca. First up was my colour, where we chatted through what I wanted from my colour – shine, dimension and something that felt fresh but still natural – and I was suggested a gloss to enhance my tone rather than completely change it. The whole process felt very considered, from the shade choice to how long it was left on. When it was rinsed out, my hair already looked richer and healthier, with that “expensive” shine that’s hard to achieve at home. 

Then I moved over to Lewis for my cut and Deluxe Blow Dry. He took the time to look at how my hair sits naturally and asked how I usually style it, which I really appreciated. Instead of just trimming the ends, he gave my hair shape and movement again, without taking off more length than I was comfortable with. It felt like a proper, tailored cut – the kind that falls well even when you haven’t spent ages styling it. The Deluxe Blow Dry was the perfect finishing touch: smooth and glossy with soft movement, rather than stiff curls or over-the-top volume. It framed my face beautifully and gave that swishy, “good hair day” feeling that makes you stand a bit taller walking out of the salon.

Manicures & trending nail art

BACKSTAGE Chelsea

BACKSTAGE Chelsea delivers some of the best gel manicures in London, hands down. The space itself is stylish but relaxed – one of those salons where you instantly feel looked after. I usually start with a blow-dry, and it never disappoints: glossy, bouncy, and beautifully polished without ever tipping into “overdone”.  I’ve visited a few times now, and each gel manicure has been consistently impressive. Impeccably neat, shiny and flawlessly applied, they last brilliantly and always look great. What sets BACKSTAGE apart is the meticulous attention to detail paired with exceptional service. The place is ideal if you’re short on time but still want to leave looking (and feeling) your absolute best. 

Young LDN

You can’t go wrong with a visit to Young LDN in Notting Hill – exactly what I needed when I booked in for a gel manicure that would be neat, long-lasting, and efficient. The space is bright and modern with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to switch off for a while. There’s even a cute little café inside for a caffeine fix, with some genuinely delicious vegan cakes, which makes the whole experience feel a bit more indulgent. My appointment began with careful shaping and cuticle work – nothing rushed or overly aggressive – followed by a great choice of colours, from classic neutrals to more playful shades. Alongside nail services, guests can also try treatments like the rose facial, which sounds like a lovely option if you want to turn a quick beauty appointment into more of a pampering session.