Renaissance hair and beauty ★9.7

About the salon

Renaissance has been on Albion Place, in the middle of Leeds, since 2011, and it states its priority plainly: the health of the hair comes before the effect. In practice that means long consultations before colour work and a willingness to say that a requested change should be done in stages. The building has grown into a small cluster of independent beauty businesses under one roof.

Services

• Cutting for women and men
• Colour, from bold vivid tones to subtle blends
• Bespoke hair extensions
• Bridal hair, hair-ups and occasion styling
• KeraStraight smoothing treatments
• Makeup application and lash extensions

Technology and brands

The salon has taken its product policy further than most: around ninety-eight per cent of what it uses is vegan and the whole range is cruelty free, and it has swapped conventional salon towels for biodegradable bamboo ones. KeraStraight is the smoothing system of choice, used to loosen frizz and cut drying time rather than to force hair permanently straight. Extensions are fitted bespoke, matched to the client’s own hair rather than sold as a fixed package.

Team and stylists

Around ten stylists work the floor, which is a large team for a city-centre salon. The consultation is treated as the part of the appointment that determines everything else.

The Space

Renaissance occupies several floors of an Albion Place building, and shares it with independent specialists: a beauty and waxing studio, an aesthetics practice and a tattoo studio. The effect is closer to a small beauty quarter than a single salon.

Who it’s for

It suits people growing out damage or planning a big colour change and wanting an honest assessment first, brides looking for hair and makeup from one team, and anyone who cares that the products used on them are vegan and cruelty free.

Questions and answers

Can I book online? Yes, through the salon website; note that the salon is closed on Mondays and Sundays, and that late appointments run midweek.

How long does an appointment take? A cut and blow-dry takes about an hour, colour two to three hours, KeraStraight around two to three hours, and extensions considerably longer depending on the volume fitted.

Do you look after men and children? Yes, men’s cutting is part of the standard menu, and children’s cuts can be arranged when booked in advance.

Can I combine several treatments in one visit? Yes, and the shared building makes it easier than most: hair here, then waxing or a beauty treatment with one of the resident specialists.

Do you sell gift vouchers? Yes, gift vouchers are available for hair and beauty services.

Opening hours