THE PERFECT SALON EXPERIENCE

Vakrat salon provides the ultimate hair and beauty destination for pure relaxation and everyday luxury

Originally a Lloyds bank built back in 1896, Vakrat is a stunning salon that draws interior inspiration from the Grade II-listed building it now occupies. “We always knew we wanted to embrace the original décor,” explains Dror Vakrat, the Founder and Creative Director of the salon. “Elements like the traditional wood panelling and the high ceilings ensure that the salon feels historic. However, it was essential to add in contemporary touches too. We tried to keep it minimalistic in terms of design and for us, a clean aesthetic was key.”

With a previous job working internationally for Sassoon, travel was an essential part of Dror’s career. In fact, it was on a work trip to Japan where he was first introduced to Takara Belmont. “I was greatly inspired by Japanese minimalist design, and when I was in Japan I visited a Takara Belmont showroom in Tokyo. I always thought how amazing it would be to have the luxury furniture I saw there in my own salon one day,” he adds.

And from that seed, a great tree grew! Vakrat is separated into specialist areas. The first floor is the salon department, then there’s a special manicure/pedicure area, a separate education room and a basement with beauty rooms which also offers aesthetic treatments – these private rooms are where the old bank vaults used to be. But it’s the backwash area that Dror admits is his favourite space. “We have our three Takara Belmont Yume shampoo systems in the former bank manager’s office. It’s the ultimate escape, it’s very tranquil and ambient in the old office, and clients love that they can fully lie down and switch off,” he describes. “Our Yumes are the best investment we have made. Clients love them and say that having their hair washed from a horizontal position is so comfortable. Think about it: a hair wash is likely to be a client’s first service in the salon, so it pays for it to be a luxurious one.”

Elsewhere in the salon, light floods in from the large, original windows and Dror has opted for Shiki styling chairs in an olive green shade. “They are so beautiful and so classically minimalist, I love how the green upholstery pairs perfectly with our wood panelling,” he says. “When it comes to salon furniture the most important things for me are client comfort and the aesthetic. I have always loved the minimalist Japanese design of the Shiki styling chair.”

At Vakrat, hair and beauty has merged magnificently into one space. “Our clients don’t need to travel to central London, now their hair and beauty needs are met on their doorstep,” states Dror. Vakrat shows how a carefully curated space can transport clients away from their normal lives and inject a little everyday luxury.

Recreate the Look

Shiki styling chair

With its elegant, delicate frame, the Shiki styling chair is quintessentially Japanese with an international outlook. The Shiki’s 360˚ lockable rotation and low backrest allow for easy access to the client’s hair. Black or champagne metalwork and hydraulic base options make this a popular choice from Takara Belmont’s Zen Collection.

Price: £970-£1,020

The Yume and Yume DX (pictured) shampoo systems

As the ultimate expression of luxury and refinement, Yume combines sublime comfort, timeless design and supreme ergonomics. Yume’s advanced electronics seamlessly manoeuvre your client into the perfect service position, as its unique gel-filled neck cushion and head pillows ensure complete comfort. Yume also gives salons the scope to incorporate head massage, beauty treatments, facials and other exclusive VIP Treatments.

Price: Yume £8,800, Yume DX £11,000