When i stumbled across Independent mindbodysoul I was excited by the concept - it sounded like the perfect hair salon - the kind I'm always searching for - a good mixture of luxury in spa type settings. I was particularly intrigued by the promise of "a backwash ritual including a sensory journey and Indian head massage techniques to energise or calm." So I booked a haircut and off I went, ready to be calmed. But all i got was a haircut, not the best I've ever had, but not a bad one either. Needless to say i was disappointed about the lack of sensory journey etc etc Yes, of course I should have said something, but I was struck dumb by that ridiculous British trait of being too embarrassed. So my disappointment with this salon was partly my own fault, but really they shouldn't promise things they don't give. Other than that, the salon is good. It has a good relaxed vibe, and judging by the pictures of its treatment rooms, looks like a great place to have a massage. The staff are also really friend, and maybe one day I'll go back, this time with a little more courage! read more

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This place is an Aveda hair salon and beauty spa. I usually go to the Beauty Lounge in central London to get all my bits and pieces done. I was a bit wary but I found this place pretty cool actually. The staff were super professional. I wouldn't get my hair done here or anything, I had a bit of a dodgy cut, however, I still give this place top marks for the beauty spa element. A great little beauty sanctuary in the middle of busy Balham... read more

Independent Mindbodysoul - Hair Salons Near Me - London, XGL

I had a facial here - a treat after a terrible week - and honestly didn't know what to expect. The salon is right on the high street, next door to a stinky kebab shop, and you can hear (and feel!) the tubes running underneath. However, none of that mattered once I got inside - you are taken downstairs, given a robe, and from that moment you don't want to leave. The facial was excellent, you're given lots of choice as to the oils they use, and Courtney seemed to pay real attention to what I said about my skin. I was very relaxed. Afterwards you can stay in the lounge area reading or whatever (cup of tea anyone?) for as long as you like. Sadly I couldn't linger but wouldn't have felt uncomfortable doing so. It is pricey, but perfect for a treat. The products are obviously good, being Aveda, but they don't push sales, just write a recommendation in case you want to find it yourself. I may try going there for my hair since they are so professional and it's handily local. read more

I've been to many salons in London. They tend to be over priced and pretentious and give you the hair cut they can be bothered to lift their scissors to 'create', rather than the one you request. Fortunately, Independent Mindbodysoul does not fit this stereotype. In fact, it's one of the nicest salons I've ever been to. The stylists are friendly, always listen to my ideas and can sensibly and sensitively suggest something that will work with my useless hair. I always leave pleased with the results and this is something of a feat, I can tell you! They use lovely Aveda products and are generous with freebies - the moisture shampoo, conditioner and hair mask samples they gave me on my last visit were great to use on holiday and have converted me to the range. If you're lucky you might even get a complimentary hand massage whilst you hair is being cut and styled. read more

Mind body and soul really prides itself on being an urban retreat and goes the extra mile to make everyone's visit calm and soothing! You do pay with the slightly higher than average prices though! I've only had a leg wax here, the first time the beautician was really excellent. Quick, friendly, efficient and a really good job. The second time was good but I think the wax was a bit hot and I ended up looking a bit burnt around my bikini line! The staff are always very friendly at the reception, really chatty and generally make you feel very at ease. Downstairs where you wait, really is like a sanctuary. They have sofa beds that you can relaxon while you wait and the dim lights and soft music do make you want to drift off! Worth checking out the website before you book as it sometimes has special discounts or money off vouchers. It also operates a loyalty scheme where if you book your next appointment the same day you get 10% off your next visit (for the same treatment). Pricey but good. read more

This is the best hairdressing experience I have had in London so far. The salon uses Aveda highlights and dyes, and there is a candlelit relaxation area with herbal teas, fruit, and frivolous magazines where you can sit while the colour takes effect. Tanya is a really exceptional hairdresser - a wise head on young shoulders: really attentive and great to chat to. read more

This place is a hidden oasis on the busy high street. I go here for all of my waxing and spa treatments. You are ushered downstairs to a peacefull lounge area where you're treated to tea and magazines while you wait for your therapist. I always get there a few minutes early because I like this part so much :) The wax they use at this spa is the paper free kind, which makes brazilians (almost!) pain free. The therapists are very professional and immediately put you at ease. This is a top notch spa and I think the prices are very reasonable considering the level of quality/service and the area read more

I used to rave about independent mind body soul. I now no longer use them for waxing, and as of tonight I will not be using then for massage either. Out of the past 4 appointments I have made with them, they have messed up ( booked me in for the wrong thing) or rescheduled 3. Tonight I went (in a downpour I might add) to the spa, to be told that they 'tried to call me and email me' to tell me my appt was cancelled. They verified my email and number ( both correct) so no valid reason why they didn't contact me. To appease they offered £20 credit, however I will not be using it. Whether it be their receptionists or their booking system, they now appear to be inconsistent and unreliable. read more

I had my hair tied up in a knot (in particularly bad, post-swim, condition) on the top of my head although to my relief Shelana didn't gasp or reel with horror when I unravelled it...she consulted me on what I'd like, how I usually wear my hair, how often I get it cut etc. and what she thought would work and made me feel instantly at ease. She brushed through my hair, put it up in a twist and treated me to a thorougly relaxing neck and shoulder massage with my choice of massage oil - bliss! This was a wonderful, unexpected and very welcome touch. She washed my hair and gave it a special nourishing Aveda treatment (£10) to combat the straw-head that I'd rocked up with *embarrassed face* and set about settling me with a hot drink. The cutting was seamless and comfortable (no "move ths way" or "sit up straight please") and the conversation flowed easily. read more

I was THOROUGHLY DISAPPOINTED with my experience at IMBS. The receptionist booked me in for the WRONG massage which meant my hour long was then a 45 minute. I then had a 15/20 minute 'consultation' for what??!! to be left with a 25 minute massage. £45 for 25 minutes. The massage itself was good however, when I spoke to the MANAGER she was very RUDE, PATRONISING and unhelpful stumbling over her words and trying her best to prove me wrong - what ever happened to 'customer is always right policy?! A nice place shame about the MANAGER and her manner with her customers. I have happily cancelled all my pre-wedding appointments and will NOT RETURN! Bye, bye IMBS! read more

I have been to Independent mindbodysoul 3 times now, twice recently. I go there for Aveda massage, which I can recommend completely and is available at many Aveda salons The staff are very friendly although they are obviously busy, and the decor is relaxing feng shui with little candles. When you attend the spa you can drink Aveda tea, which is very de-stressing. My only reservation is that Aveda massages are available for different lengths of time from 45 to 75 minutes, and each time I have requested 75 minutes but been booked for 45. They always apologise profusely, but it keeps happening. I'm going again next week, so I'll let you know. If it wasn't for that it would be 5 stars from me! Clare. read more

I had been using the hair salon for some time as it is local to me and they use Aveda products which if you have not tried them you must. When you are waiting for your hair colour to develop you are escorted to a sanctuary downstairs where you can help yourself to refreshments and lie back and relax on the sofas which are quite private. If you read all the reviews you will see there was a blip in service for me some time back but this has been dealt with beyond my satisfaction which is why I have no hesitation to recommend this salon as my hair always looked great afterwards. I am planning to try some of the beauty treatments as well. I have always tried to support local business so I am really pleased to recommend this one as somewhere you should try out. They also do amazing special offers on their website so it is worth checking there too. read more

If I could give this spa no stars I would. I was given a £50 voucher as a present from my sister. I was looking forward to a massage as a relaxing treat. I am currently 5 months pregnant and have had horrendous sickness that i have only just recently recovered from. During this time the last thing on my mind was a massage. Unfortunately, during this time the voucher my sister bought me had run out. I rang the salon to explain the situation and was told that I would only get half of the value of the voucher. For a salon that describes itself as a 'mummy and baby spa' , I am appalled that they would treat a pregnant woman in this way. read more

The service I had today was brilliant. I booked two facials for myself and a friend who was visiting from out of town. At 9.30 am the treatments were cancelled as the therapist was really unwell. They then called at 1130 am to say that they had got someone in. When I got there they had us down for massages instead which we didn't want. The manager came down to speak to me and as they were still short staffed for facials, she cleared her diary to do the facials herself. They were amazing and we were given hand and foot massages too to compensate. We were given a discount snd a complimentary goody bag too. I thought the way that she handled our disappointment was brilliant and we left feeling really well looked after. read more

This is a great salon that prides itself on good customer service. I have my hair done with Caris, who I think does the best blow dry in London (and I'm fussy!) and even gave me a short massage before my most recent appointment. I have always had pedicures here too, and even though the recent one (at their Ritherdon Road salon) wasn't up to their usual standards, they did rectify it very quickly and a very nice lady from their management team called me yesterday and offered to give me a complimentary one next time. You can't ask for more than that. There is also a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary downstairs to relax between treatments. read more

I had a terrible experience at this salon and would not recommend it to anyone. I wish I could give it no stars. I decided to have my hair coloured at the salon as the Aveda colour is all natural and I am pregnant. I had a consultation with a senior stylist to have my hair coloured and highlighted and took photos etc to show her exactly what I wanted and booked in to have it done that weekend. On the day my stylist wasn't feeling well which I am sympathetic to but as a result the whole process was rushed and done poorly. I was never asked if I wanted a drink or a magazine and my hair looked nothing like I asked for - I was left with a few thick, obvious looking gingery highlights. After she had finished I raised my unhappiness with the stylist and she just dismissed my comments and said she didn't know what I was talking about. At this point I was quite embarrassed so decided to leave and take it up with the manager by phone later. I got in touch on Monday to be told that the manager only works part time and so I eventually ended up discussing my complaint with the reception manager. She was very unhelpful and somewhat rude and told me I had handled it all incorrectly and should have told reception about my unhappiness on the day rather than the stylist? She was very argumentative but did say I could go back to the salon and they would try and correct it. We discussed a few appointment times but by this point I didn't really feel comfortable going back to the salon as everyone seemed to know about my complaint and they were all quite rude to me over numerous phone calls. Plus, it would have meant I had to take time off work to have it done anytime soon as they had no evening appointments and I just wanted to get it corrected as soon as possible. I advised I was going to have the colour corrected elsewhere and I wanted to speak to the manager when she was next working as I wanted a refund. I advised if it was going to be a problem to get my hair corrected elsewhere they needed to call me before my appointment at lunchtime the following day. One minute before my appointment the following day they called me back to say I wouldn't be able to get a refund and they needed to correct it. At this stage I was on my way to the hairdressers and I said I couldn't believe they had left it so late to call me. At this point the manager had still not called me herself. After discussing again with the salon that I would have to take time off work to come and have them fix it as they had no evening appointments for over a week (I was going to a salon near work to have it corrected) I decided to go ahead and have it corrected elsewhere but I said I still wanted to talk to the manager about a refund. Finally she called me the next day and I explained what had happened to her and that I wanted a refund. After a long discussion she eventually told me that not only would she not give me a refund but I was not welcome in the salon again (I had also used the salon for beauty treatments in the past)! I actually could not believe the utter lack of care regarding my complaint and the rudeness of the staff from the moment I raised my unhappiness. So essentially I paid over £150 for a terrible service and ended up having to pay a similar amount to have it corrected a few days later. I accept mistakes happen and my stylist was unwell but their treatment of the complaint from start to finish was awful and to actually tell me I would not be welcome in the salon again just because I complained and didn't accept being fobbed off by a receptionist and wanted to speak to the manager defies belief. AVOID! read more

I had the worst haircut of my life here yesterday. A few months ago I took advantage of a special offer and had a brilliant cut - my frizz was all tamed, and I came out looking and feeling like a million dollars. It was very sleek and glossy and even though it wasn't as easy to replicate myself, I still managed to look pretty good. So I went back yesterday for a wash, cut and blow dry. Probably not a good idea to go for a 5.30 appointment as it felt rushed - I honestly feel as though the stylist - a senior stylist at that - was just doing a quick job without really caring how I looked. The whole thing was done in 35 minutes. She didn't cut off as much at the back as I'd have liked and although I said I wanted it less straightened out than last time (I showed her a pic), she just gave me a few limp waves - which, of course, didn't hold for more than about two hours. In terms of cut, it was dreadful. My hair now has very little shape and looks as bad as it did before I went in there. In fact, it looks like me on a really, really bad hair day. What a waste of £54!! The frizz has returned - this didn't happen last time. In fact, last time I went out dancing 3 nights after having the cut and it still looked fantastic. The cut I had this week is frumpy, old-fashioned and about as far away from stylish and attractive as you can get. What's more, when I went to pay, the woman on reception starting charging me more - eventually she realised she was mixing me up with another customer. I am so, so disappointed. Having my hair cut here was a pre-holiday treat as it's an expensive place to go. Now I think I'll just have to wear a hat to cover it up. Don't waste your money. It was a rushed experience, with no sense of the famous holistic/spa element. I'm sure IMBS is great for beauty treatments but it's haircuts, depending on who does them, are appalling. Be warned... read more