16/09/2008

Recently, I decided to prove my fearless attitude towards life and try a new hairstyle. The result was a long sleepless night in which nightmares of my hair falling off kept shivering me into a cold sweat. The morning after, I approached my bathroom mirror in anxious fear, thinking that there was a real possibility that a new haircut could change the feelings that my own reflection ignite within me. I had cut my bangs and darkened my hair the day before, a supposed huge mistake for those of us who suffer from the anomaly of having curly hair. As I stared at my mirror reflection, I realised how ridiculous my hair-trauma anxiety was. I mean, in the end, what you see when you look in the mirror depends on the most important relationship you have in life, the relationship you have with yourself. Plus, global market rules have developed all sorts of gels, baretes, hair clips, and mousses to help you tame any hair-error you might make. So, why all the insanity? Asking my friends, I realised I am not the only fool that has fallen victim to post hairdresser nausea. Horror stories of all sorts, “I told him light highlights not peroxide skunk stripes,” ventured out, and so I have decided that the fear of a bad hair experience is a justified enough anxiety, that I will dedicate this week’s trip diary effort to prevent my Esmadrid readers from facing that sad end. Because we all have a right to some selp-pampering, and regular expressions of, self-love might be a necessary ingredient for peace on Earth, because a little bit of vanity is healthy, and because we have the right to love in a city that doesn’t force us to look at a those terrible mullet type hairdos, here is a list of my favorite hair salons in Madrid.

Denis Juguet. calle Argensola, 9. +34 91 308 69 35…Small, personalized attention, and a hairdresser that listens, and respects that we know ourselves better than anyone else. Great for even hairstyling as well.
Lorena Morlote Capilart. Calle Don Ramon de la Cruz, 56 +34 914 011 949 Hairdresser to Spanish stars, Lorena Morlote has created a great space with the latest imported hair novelties. Best place for permanent straightening, color, and extensions. Great personalised service.
Cheska.C/ Velázquez 61, Madrid - +34 914 316 638 This is another star studded luxurious place, whith an extremely experienced staff. The great thing about Cheska is that the hairdressers seem to really enjoy what they do, and even though they seems classic, they are willing to try any wild do.
Juan por Dios C/ Pérez Galdós 3, Madrid –+34 915 233 649
This is the trendy creative spot for those of you wo want to experience with individuality. If you’re going to dye your hair blue, this is the place where they’ll help you get the right hue. Also known for adding a little touch of specuial to the more normal requests.
Juan por Dios C/ Manuela Malasaña 26, Madrid - +34 915 917 602 Both salons are great. Check out their web page www.juanpordios.com
Aguilar Delgado C/ Barbara De Braganza 2, Madrid - +34 913 105 283 This long time standing traditional Spanish hairdressing team is known as the official royal family and society wedding coiffeurs. But a great city tip is to go to them for regular non even related hairstyle, cut or color.
Metodo Rossano Ferreti c/Jorge Juan, 31 +34 915753817 .With a team imported from Italy, the great thing about the Rossano Ferreti method is that it believes what Lenny’s Mama Said, “it’s good to be natural”. Vegetable dyes, and personalised cuts, this is the place for a soft natural healthy hair.
Llongueras C/ Lagasca 38, Madrid - +34 914 317 402 Has a somewhat tacky appearance, but it’s franchises have well trained professionals, that get great results, have fantastic service, and don’t require appointments. A great place for a great price. And if you’re not yet 25 you can get a discount, like me, hahem…There are many to choose from.
Masajes a 1000 C/ Lagasca 90, Madrid - +34 915 754 405 If you find yourself with a dire need on a Sunday, when everyone else is closed, Masajes a 1000 is open. A massage parlour that offers beauty salon treatments everyday of the year, weekends and holidays included, which is very helpful in Spain. No appointment necessary. There are many in the city.


According to the Judaic tradition hair is an energy connection circuit, never underestimate the importance of feeling hairhappy. As the Chinese proverb says: You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.