£49 Haircut, Half Head of Highlights and Finish with Top Stylist

I have never been so happy with a haircut as I was after a trip to Burlingtons. Having received a Wahanda voucher for Chistmas I decided to spend it on a much needed chop, and Burlingtons was nearby and accepted the voucher so I booked in not knowing what to expect.

It didn't start well. Burlingtons has the 'new ID' studios downstairs where you can have makeovers, and this is where I was sent to sit until my hairdresser was ready. It was 6.30pm on a Friday night, and luckily I didn't have plans...lucky because I sat down there for over an hour. Because I was out of sight, I was apparently out of mind, or my hairdresser hadn't been told I had arrived... eventually a very nice trainee noticed and took me straight up - they were very apologetic and had had a nightmare client before me (who had over-run on time anyway).

The fact that they had kept me waiting made me brave enough to - shock horror - actually ask for what I did and didn't want. I have never had a good experience at hairdressers - I either don't feel I can take time to ask questions about styles or what I want, or I tell them and they proceed do what they like. Marianne was different. She listened to what I wanted, what I definitely didn't want, and then gave me advice on what would work best for the look I was after. She chatted away during the haircut but not so much that you think she's not paying enough attention, and was very quick (good considering it was now about half eight and I was starving).

I was so pleased with my haircut, all was forgiven. She had given me more volume - exactly what I wanted - without just using a hair dryer. The fringe was exactly how I'd asked and she'd shaped the back (I had a graduated bob) perfectly. Marianne is also a senior stylist so it was a £60 haircut, but seeing as I paid with the voucher this was fine for me and is expected in London. I told her there and then that she is my hairdresser from now on!

The salon is bright, airy and has loads of gorgeous products for sale. All the staff were really helpful and despite the fact that they forgot me, I'm sure that's not normal practice and I will absolutely be sticking to them from now on. It's been just over a month and the haircut has kept it's shape, is easy to manage and I'm going to pop back this month for a tidy up.