Century Hair, 58 Blandford Street, London W1 (020-7486 0806)

Atmosphere: Century, a gallery and shop specialising in mid to late 20th-century designer furniture, is located just off chichi Marylebone High Street in London. Spread over two floors, it is run by Andrew Weaving, who shares the space with hairdresser Ian Thomasson. The intimate salon, at the back of the ground floor, has room for just Thomasson, his colleague Sophie Schreiber and a client apiece. With fittings and furniture in the gallery available for sale, the surroundings can vary vastly between visits, making for interesting mid-cut conversation.

Staff and services: The discreet entrance through the gallery means that Century Hair relies on loyal customers and word of mouth for its marketing. Our spy has been frequenting the salon for more than ten years for its personal and friendly service – an experience more like having tea with friends than the dull chore that having one’s hair coloured can so often be. Surprisingly, for so bijou a space, there is also a beauty room, run by Claudia Fallah, who has developed her own range of organic products, including the all-natural, medically tested Herbapeel brightening facial treatment.

Highs: You can do your furniture shopping while having your hair done.

Lows: Schreiber doesn’t always work weekends.

Marks out of 5: Four and a half.

If you have a salon that you either love or hate, e-mail sarah.vine@thetimes.co.uk

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