Nicky Clarke

My expectations were too high probably when I walked into this salon. The atmosphere was OK, and the haircut too (quite classic, not very creative). But this is the problem: it's just average. Why pay a premium for average service and an average haircut? Would not recommend.

I appreciate that, in his day, the guy was fantastic, but (with all due respect) I found Nicky's styling very out-dated. This is certainly a place for the more mature client these days (which is fine) but I think if he wants to be seen as cutting edge, it's probably about time he threw in the towel.

He was very pleasant to deal with but didn't seem particularly confident and appeared out of his depth. To give him his credit, perhaps he's now more of a hairdressing institution rather than someone who you'd seriously want to cut your hair.

My friend goes there regularly and his hair is absolutely gorgeous!

I had my hair cut recently this year and I am going back next month! The staff are friendly and kind and the stylist I had, Lewis, is amazing. He cut my hair to match exactly the photo I had taken in, and he was very genuine. I would say to those peple who have written poor reports for this salon, if they are expecting the outcome of a cut by Nicky himself, then maybe they should consider not settling for a junior stylist just to get a lower price.

After hearing this stylist is the next best thing to Nicky Clarke himself, I was recommended by a friend to book an appointment with Matthew for a cut and blow dry. I was very nervous at first; however, Matthew really took the time to talk with me and discuss my hair. He really is the next best thing to Nicky. I love my hair and will definitely be going back. He's changed my life. The only set-back was being charged for a coffee.

If you get a good stylist you get a really good one, but if not heaven help you! Unfortunately my usual stylist was unavailable, so I had the misfortune to book with Rupert. I was not impressed - he spent most of the time talking to other clients/staff and waving to people he knew walking past the window. The cut was okay (but certainly not worth the £200 price tag) but when I washed it at home I realised it was noticeably longer one side than the other! I returned the following week, when he re-cut it; but apart from a weak apology (this is the first time I have had to re-cut in 25 years!), not even an offer to refund my rail fare! Never again.

Went to have my hair cut for a second time by Nicky today, plus had colour. I waited 11 weeks for the appointment. He kept me waiting two hours the previous time (but the cut was fab). I was told this was abnormal, so hoped for the best today.

Well actually, after a great colour with Carl (although £350 is a bit steep!) Nicky didn't even turn up. I waited over two hours and then the lovely Gemma cut my hair. I felt really let down and didn't even feel like talking when Gemma cut my hair. She did a good job, but the edge had totally been taken off my visit and I had so been looking forward to Nicky cutting my hair again. I actually felt a bit of a pratt having had to wait so long. The staff were very friendly though, and gave me free drinks and free products to soften the blow, but it was not quite what I'd had in mind.

Yes, it's true that Nicky is always running late, but regulars just seem to factor that one in. A cut with Nicky is like nobody else. He listens very well, draws a sketch sometimes to illustrate what he is planning and talks you through your hair's capabilities. I left feeling like a million dollars and ready for the Red Carpet. The salon is in the heart of Mayfair so, yes, it's expensive. I suppose some of the staff could be a bit more disciplined, but overall the place has a buzz and feels 'quality' in my book. Try it - you'll love it. Don't do the £500 haircut deal though, because you can usually get a regular appointment with Nicky for his 'normal' price. The other staff are just regular West End prices.

I have some Nicky Clarke straighteners and they are the best. I highly recommend them to anyone with naturally curly hair.

Visit this salon at your peril. My hair has been totally ruined by a cut, blow and dash merchant. My boyfriend is horrified at the result of my visit, which has been one of the most unpleasant experiences of my life. I only hope my hair grows quickly in order to have it restyled at a more efficient and friendly hairdressers.

I love this salon. My cut was so sophisticated and feminine. I can't wait to go back!

I was amazed at the service fom this salon! No wonder they have the reputation they do!

I recently went to the salon as a first time customer. I saw Gemma, as she was recommended to me on the phone by the receptionists, who were very helpful. I wanted a re-style and she talked to me before and did a really good job. Will definitely be going back as soon as I can. Everyone was very friendly, and the reception staff seemed to care that I had a good experience.

I go here regularly but only because I can't find anything better. If you happen to get a good stylist, you get a good (but not great) cut. If you get someone else, it can be a disaster. I've actually had to have a cut and highlights corrected on separate occasions, which is kind of ridiculous considering how much they charge and they're one of the so-called best salons in London. Still, they are much better than Richard Ward!

I was lucky enough to speak to Nicky Clarke and ask him which one of his stylists he thought I should book to style my hair. Obviously he said they were all good, but he recommended I see someone called Matthew. He made me feel really comfortable and spent ages checking how I wanted my hair, and advising me on what would be best for me. He was very friendly and chatty and I really enjoyed my time in the salon. I will be getting my hair styled with Matthew in the future.

Have been here once and found the whole visit lovely. Nicky himself was patient and gave me good advice. I will certainly go again. I do wonder why others who claim they've had such bad experiences did not talk to management at the time and air their grievances. They are very helpful, I found, but if they are not aware something is going wrong in their salon they cannot be expected to put it right.

I am a 26-year-old professional guy working in London who has to keep himself preened. I have been fed up with my hair for a long time and recently decided to use Nicky Clarke and pay for a Stylist Director to give me a totally new look.

Arrived at the salon (worried, having read the reveiws), was greeted and sat down. Was not offered a drink or magazine and was left to sit and wait. Had a guy they recommended for young men's cuts. To be honest, the guy didn't have a clue and was just picking up on any vague ideas I had when it was actually guidance from him I needed. Got my hair washed by a junior with zero conversation, then sat down for the cut. Half way through I was finally offered a drink (it was a hot day on Friday!)

When the haircut was finished, I have to say it was TERRIBLE. I had grown my hair for months only to get a short back and sides with an almost side parting on top! I looked like a public school boy. I was obviously not happy. The hairdresser proceeded to tell me Nicky Clarke didn't do the right hair products for my hair (why so special I don't know) and that my hair was in that 'in-between stage'. Well, it wasnt! Left the salon and was asked if everything was OK. I was polite and said "No, not really". As I passed over my credit card I got a "Sorry to hear that", had a card reader put in my hand, keyed in my pin and was sent on my way.

It was then I realised. When I was in the salon I was surrounded by wealth. Now, I am not doing badly but I am by no means super-wealthy. All the conversations with the smarmy male customers and the hairdressers hanging off them were about meeting at Claridges for drinks after work. Nicky Clarke is where you go if you know what you want and have muchos money. If you are reasonably well off and are looking for a re-style steer clear. They hate people in the salon who are not rich and they are used to cutting boring public school boy hair, hence my cut.

Sorry, but I would not recommend. (Not to be one-sided though, one of the receptionists was very nice and the decor/salon itself is lovely.)

Tito always does my hair, he is just amazing! I love the salon and the staff always go out of their way. Go here if you want a cut to remember!

I thought I'd treat myself to the best haircut I could find. Nicky Clarke's is known for being the no.1, so I booked in with a senior director. They called me the day before to ask if I could rearrange, but I had a tight schedule and said I could not. They said that was fine, but when I got to the salon the next day my hairdresser did not turn up. I was left waiting, so had a cup of tea. They then said he could not make it and suggested I went with a more junior stylist. I felt like I had no choice and had a party that night so didn't want to rearrange.

This more junior stylist was a fine stylist, but not a 1st class hair cutter. He just tidied up/trimmed my hair rather than giving me the hair cut I wanted. I kept saying I wanted a Victoria Beckham do - short at the back - but felt like he just wasn't confident to do it. Then they charged me £5 for my tea and a water. I've never been charged for refreshments in a salon before - how cheapskate!

I visited this salon for the first time last week and let me tell you, it was chaos from start to finish. I was kept waiting for 1 hour past my appointment time, the salon was very untidy, and staff were talking over my head while my stylist cut my hair. I ended up with an average cut. Staff are not friendly and they made me feel like they were doing me a favour, for which I paid almost £100 including charges for the coffee I had whilst being kept waiting! Don't go here - it's a rip off!

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