Let’s be honest, our hair is ridiculously important to us. A bad hair day can set you off on the wrong foot in the morning but a bad hair cut can last an awful lot longer. So when I was asked if I’d like to experience a cut and colour at The Chapel, I couldn’t resist treating my locks to a bit of leisure time…

‘The Chapel experience’ has been on the grapevine for a while (in fact my step mum should probably be paid commission for the amount she goes on about it), so I was curious to see what all the fuss was about.

As I sunk into a velvet armchair armed with a Lemongrass and Ginger tea, one of their custom made chocolates and a magazine encased in an immaculate plastic folder, it didn’t take long to realise this wasn’t going to be like a trip to SuperCuts…

As I was slurping down my tea and reading all about Miley Cyrus (very high brow), the director, Gary, beckoned me over to the comfy sofas at the end of the clutter-less salon for a chat about my hair. Sat away from the mirrors and with the pressure off, we chatted about life, friends and routines. Before we knew it, we had digressed and Gary was expertly pinning my hair into a beautiful up-do as he demonstrated how to get myself out of the top knot rut I had found myself wedged into. Back on track (and slightly gutted we had to take it out), we started deciding on the right cut and colour.

After lots of samples and deciding whether to shock or enhance (no pink hair for me I’m afraid, folks), we found my perfect colour. The Redken colouring system used at The Chapel gives you a multi-tonal, glossy colour instead of the flat tone you get from home colouring. It’s all about depth and shine, and trust me, it makes all the difference.

With the colour applied and doing it’s thang, I settled into yet another armchair in yet another custom made area complete with footstools and a rather snazzy fire, and lost myself in my book. It would of been rude not to have a glass of wine at this point.

And another chocolate.

It’s what my hair would of wanted.

Gary soon pulled me out of the crime underworld in my favourite Martina Cole book and ushered me upstairs to have my colour washed off. The dimly lit room and massage chair only added to my relaxation.

As I was busy reading my book and hittin’ the grapes, and with no other clients booked in the middle of my appointment, Gary put together a slideshow of different hair cuts to gain a better understanding of what I wanted and no doubt to avoid my protestations that it just needed a teeny tiny trim. Hairdressers bring me out in a cold sweat at the best of times but when they suggest cutting a bob, I’ve been known to bring them down. Bring. Them. Down.

Luckily, Gary had listened to every word I’d said and we decided to chop a good inch off and frame my face with a ‘grown out’ fringe to add a bit of interest for when I wake up late and need to bundle my mane up on top of my head.

And…ta da!

I love the cut and colour and am enjoying the novelty of a semi permanent tint, knowing I can change it again in a few weeks. Although after years of hair dye abstinence, I totally forgot that your first shower quickly turns into a scene straight from Psycho. There’s nothing like a little murky red water to scare the bejesus out of you at 7am.

I fully recommend a visit if you’re after a little me time and need to escape the lure of that Inbox of yours. Luxurious yet affordable, you’ll leave without a care in the world and a spring in your step. With free WiFi, a strict Silent policy for your phone and plenty of reading material, it’s the perfect place to chill out and be looked after. Whats more, they charge in hourly blocks to give you the best price for exactly what you need.

This definitely isn’t your average hairdressers.

You can visit The Chapel in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells or Islington and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Heads up: The Chapel kindly gave me this appointment ‘on the house’ but you know me, the review is always honest!