Daniel Galvin Hair Salon London (Marylebone)

My friends have been saying for years to go to this institution, and finally I ventured. I had a colour and cut with a senior stylist. Not a major change but it was more about the experience than just a transformed look. The salon itself is huge and you can't help feeling like you're in a school, which kind of leaves you feeling a bit cold. The team were not very friendly and the girl who cut my hair seemed vacant and not very attentive or enthusiastic. All in all, a very average experience - I wasn't wowed. OK for a cut but don't expect to feel better when you leave.

by melsbells, 01 Mar 2010

I have been seeing Louise Galvin for my colour for over five years now and am always thrilled with the results. My mousey grey locks are now a luscious gold, which knocks years off me. The Galvin salon have a philosophy of 'bottle before the knife' to roll back the years - and boy, does it work! Louise is always professional and attentive despite having a very packed client list. It is wonderful to see Daniel (the man himself) in the salon, which really adds to the five star experience.

The previous writer comments Louise's highlights start at £350. Never could I recommend money being better spent. She has saved me thousands on Botox and surgery over the years, and she truly understands the need for working girls to have low-maintenance colour that looks shiny and healthy.

The young team downstairs are also excellent, with superb (lasting) blow dries. There's a fantastic 'shopping' area too, where you can buy all the necessary hair products to keep hair looking great. This really is 5 star hairdressing as it should be.

by thrilled-to-bits-with-my-hair, 23 Feb 2010

I must confess at first, when I went there some years ago, I felt the atmosphere to be snobby (this was before it moved). I did not feel comfortable with this but the results were better than other salons I’d been to, which for myself was important. I resented paying Louise Galvin £200 then for half a head of highlights which came out orangey. She corrected it at my expense - having to return to the salon, pay the fare etc whilst I could have been doing more important things. This was not appreciated and I still had to pay for a cup of tea there.
I decided a less senior person would be more suitable and the result was the same - I was not overly satisfied, but felt safer there than at other salons I’d been to.

I have been there on and off for some years but have come to the conclusion in 2010 that they are so outdated and arrogant, and having read other reviews I shall never ever return. The colour is never as I want it, I have to be forceful in insisting what I want, and since reading the reviews I have found a far better salon in London. (By the way, Louise Galvin now charges £350 for half a head of highights.)

by cleyreloup, 17 Jan 2010

I had a vegetable colour done at this salon a while ago. It washed out after 2 weeks! I complained to the manager, who said I could come back to have it corrected. I did this, only to have the receptionist try to charge me for the pleasure! When I protested, I found the staff to be very rude. At any rate, the second colouring washed out just as quickly as the first. I would really not recommend this place. Try Cobella instead!

by maria0, 22 Sep 2009

I have been going to Daniel Galvin for a year or so now, and have always found the staff nice, friendly and always willing to help. I have Karen to colour my hair - she is faultless and does a brilliant job. I used to go to Alfie for the cut and no one has ever done such a good job. Unfortunately he has left now and I have for the last couple of visits had Bobby. All in all I'd say Daniel's is a top class salon and worth every penny.

by lovemyhair.com, 04 Sep 2009

I don't normally do this sort of thing but since it was this website that persuaded me to give the salon a go, I felt it only fair to tell you about my experience...

I've always dreamed of going to a top-notch salon, but have always been put off by the price. All I can say is my visit was worth every penny - and in fact, wasn't as expensive as I'd envisaged it would be. I decided to push the boat out and have the £50 consultation with the man himself, Daniel, and what an insight it was! The advice he gave was priceless. I've never been so happy with my hair, it's changed my whole outlook. I've even been out and treated myself to some new clothes - I'm just bursting with confidence! And having just passed the big '4-0' I soooo needed it!

The salon is just wonderful - modern but comfortable - and I just couldn't fault the service. From the professional but very friendly receptionists to the bar staff (yes, they have a bar/cafe!), everyone is so glamorous and friendly. I chose a lady called Nicole - so knowledgeable, and she gave such valuable advice, but so down to earth. I'm definitely going back!

by denise68, 31 Jul 2009

What utter rubbish! I have just read the criticism aimed at Lino, and am frankly amazed! Lino has been my (only) hairdresser since 1995. He takes a lot of care, listens to what I ask him to do, and is also happy to spend time considering new options. He is extremely professional, very charming and has always given me exceptional service. I cannot believe anyone would say this about him. Is this a rival hairdresser deliberately trying to do him down? Lino styles some of the most famous women in the world - would they use him if this was true?

Also, from what I understand, he has to wear his protective glove because I think he suffers an allergic reaction to some hair products or colourants. It has never bothered me. People should get the facts before they say such silly things. I will never give up being looked after by Lino, he makes me feel like a woman.

by Maria Boyle, 30 Jul 2009

I visited Daniel Galvin for the first time earlier this month, having been with my previous hairdresser for a number of years (she has gone on maternity leave). From the time I called to book the appointment to when I visited the salon, it was nothing but a pleasure. Everyone is so friendly and professional. I love my colour and the new style and don't know what I will do when my old colourist returns to work. I think my previous loyalty will be severely tested as I love the new look.

by lucyhound, 17 Jul 2009

Whatever you do, don't go to this salon. My wife went as a treat and came away a touch under £500 lighter with what can only be described as a messy looking dog on top of her head. I read all the reviews here with an open mind and decided that it's mainly people who have a bad experience that write reviews. So I was looking forward to writing something positive. But the only good thing I can say is the staff were very kind and polite, they made my wife feel very welcome. But then you could always stay in a top hotel for a night and stick your head out the window on a windy day to achieve the same result. If you're thinking about going here and haven't been before, JUST DON'T!!

by The_bad_hair_family, 06 Jun 2009

I have read a few mixed reviews about Daniel Galvin and decided to test it for myself. From calling up to make my appointment, up to paying my bill, the whole experience was brilliant. Everyone is so friendly yet so professional, I felt very comfortable.

Attention to detail is clearly something they prioritise, as my consultation with both the colourist and stylist was superb. After my appointment, I even received an email to ensure I was happy with the service I was given and they made it clear that they welcome feedback.

I would definitely recommend Daniel Galvin. Amazing surroundings to be in too! A top class salon.

by bellalisa17, 16 Feb 2009

I have been going to Lino at Daniel Galvin for 7 yrs. He and his current assistant, Ellie, always do a marvellous job. He cuts it, she spends a great deal of effort in drying and styling. They are also both good fun.

by john.mcgowan19, 27 Jan 2009

I had my hair done at Daniel Galvin before Christmas and I loved the experience and thought it was good value for money. There was a graduate offer, so a couple of recently graduated staff did my highlights then cut and blow dried my hair all for £100. I was a bit nervous but actually they were both brilliant and did exactly what I asked. I wanted my hair to look like a photo I bought in of Kate Moss and it was as close as they could get with what they had to work with (just got the face and body to worry about now!!). So thanks Charlotte and Bobby (I hope I remembered your names right), I'll be back in Feb (I hope the deal is still on!).

by HeatherS (2 reviews), 21 Jan 2009

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

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

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

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

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

The colour - not good. The cut - average. Enough said.

by Liz H (5 reviews), 03 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

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

Daniel Galvin

Add your review

Daniel Galvin reviews

» Hair

My lists