Words by Kerene Barefield
From celebrity clients and runway models, to long-standing regulars and casual passers-by, Windle is a salon with a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere. The large table in the reception area is laid out with magazines, while the shelves are filled with Windle Lab products that are all created at the in-house laboratory with sustainability and hair health at their core.
I was excited to be meeting with one of London’s most sought-after hairdressers and founder of Windle Lab, Paul Windle – who, after my colour, would be tackling my very fine, poker straight hair and unruly side fringe. Paul is renowned for his deep rooted expertise, in-depth knowledge, and complete transparency when it comes to haircare. With over 35 years experience in the industry, Paul has built multiple cult hair care lines including Bumble and Bumble within the UK.
But first it was time to tackle my colour, which was in the hands of Takashi Kurokawa. After starting his hairdressing career in Tokyo, Japan, Takasho has now been working with Paul at Windle for over 20 years. His experience as a colourist was easy to see, I instantly felt safe in his hands and was willing to take his lead when it came to which technique we should go for on my locks.
To be honest once he got his hands on my hair I never questioned what he was doing – everything was effortless and done with such professionalism. I’ve gotten used to just having a quick all over colour, so I felt pretty spoiled as my hair was treated to a form of balayage to lighten up the ends and a permanent colour on the roots.
After a visit downstairs to the wash basins, which are housed in their own mini spa area, it was time to meet Paul and find out more about his Windle Lab range as he cut and styled my hair.
Paul saw a disconnect between brands and the manufacturing process whereby product efficacy is lost within large-scale corporate operations. From here Paul created Windle Lab, with his passion for pure ingredients and championing quality over quantity, alongside like-minded people for a no stone left unturned approach to hair care and a truly inclusive, sustainable range. Dedicated to authenticity and transparency, Paul worked with sustainable, organic skincare experts to form the basis of the Windle Lab range, creating advanced skincare technology, adapted for hair and scalp health.
From here he built the Windle Laboratory in the Lake District where the Windle Lab team and in-house chemist work to research, develop and hand-make all the Windle Lab hair care and styling ranges. Using the very best ingredients, including rich tea blends which are brewed on-site, the in-house chemist dedicates her time to researching and studying the molecular structure of the hair and scalp and carefully sourcing ingredients to feed the hair for strength and vitality, whilst addressing the importance of long-term scalp health.
As we chatted about the brand, Paul cut my hair with effortless flair, it was almost like he wasn’t concentrating yet I could see the style coming together and when it came to the blow dry he really listened to the normal issues I have when visiting a salon for the first time. So, instead of blow drying my hair poker straight he asked me to lay back on the chair and used gravity to add volume – blasting the dryer from underneath.
One thing that Paul told me was that as a salon they would watch people leave and use the first shop window they got to to adjust their hair – so they now ask clients to touch and feel their hair, make adjustments in the mirror and feel comfortable before they leave. I totally agree with this – I often leave a salon feeling like I can’t move. So it was refreshing to be able to do this in front of the stylist and chat about what I liked about the new cut and colour.
Needless to say, I was super happy with my hair. On my way Paul introduced me to some of Windle Lab products to start using at home – including the nourishing shampoo and conditioner and fortifying spray. What I love most about the products is that sustainability is at the heart of their creation and you can even pop back with your bottle and just get a refill pack, meaning that you are reducing plastic waste.
Over the last week my colour has really come through and the lighter strands that Takashi promised would lighten up have. I was super impressed with my visit and will be return as soon as I spot my first grey poking through!
Factbox
Address: Windle London, 41 – 45 Shorts Garden, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AP
Phone: 020 7497 2393
Website: windlelondon.com
Instagram: instagram.com/windlelondon/
All imagery credit: Windle
