The best colourists treat colour as its own discipline. They consult before they mix. They plan around your base, your lifestyle, and the next two appointments, not just today's. They are honest about what your hair can and cannot do.
How to spot a real colourist
- They consult first. A real colourist will not skip the consultation, even if you say "same as last time".
- They ask about your routine. How often you wash, what shampoo you use, whether you swim, whether you blow-dry every day. All of that affects how the colour holds up.
- They give a realistic timeline. If you want to go significantly lighter from a dark base, that is two or three appointments, not one. A real colourist will tell you so.
- They use Olaplex (or equivalent) on lifting services. Bond protection is standard, not an upsell.
- They write up an aftercare plan. Specific shampoo, specific schedule, specific treatments.
Director versus Senior Stylist - what's the actual difference?
Both tiers are fully qualified. Director is reserved for our most experienced stylists, and the obvious indicator is colour correction work - if a previous colour has gone wrong somewhere, that is Director-tier work. Standard colour services are excellent at both tiers, the price difference reflects experience and demand on the diary.
Pricing benchmark
| Colour service | Director | Senior Stylist |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent full head | From £75 | From £75 |
| Permanent root touch-up | £60 | £60 |
| Organic full head | From £80 | From £80 |
| Highlights full head | £140 | £130 |
| Balayage full head | £155 | £145 |
| Colour correction | Quoted | Director-led |
* Prices accurate as of April 2026 and may have changed since. Confirm current pricing when booking.
Skin test policy
For any colour or chemical service, we require a skin (patch) test 48 hours before your appointment. This is mandatory for all new clients. It takes two minutes and protects you against allergic reactions. Book the patch test when you book the service, or call us on 0208 994 8008.
Find us
Hair @ Number 3
Bedford Corner, W4 1LD
Chiswick, London
Tel: 0208 994 8008
Email: info@hairatnumber3.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday closed. Earlybird appointments are available on request.
The salon sits on Bedford Corner, a short walk from Turnham Green tube (District line), Chiswick Park tube, and the heart of Bedford Park. We are easy to reach from Chiswick High Road, Acton (W3), Hammersmith (W6), Ealing, and the wider west London area.