The world seems like an increasingly dark place by the day. With the 24 hour news cycle constantly spewing out headlines on the recent uptick in terrorism, police brutality, poor government and hate crime, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little bit down.
So why not cheer yourself up a little? How about injecting a bit of colour into a seemingly grey world? There’s NOTHING more delightful than a new ‘do! We headed over to Dalston’s brand new, queer-owned salon MODULOR for a makeover and a nose around.
First off, we caught up with salon owner, stylist, DJ and general babe Florian Dovillez, to ask a few questions, before diving headfirst into a vat of peroxide. Well, ok, Florian skilfully applied it but that sounds more fun. Though it would probably burn quite a bit. Look, just read it!
So, Florian, tell us about yourself! We know you from your Dalston Superstore party Homodrop, but you’re also a talented hair stylist, correct?
I’m hairstylist from the last 10 years. I worked in Lyon (my hometown) and then Madrid, Montreal and London. For the last 4 years I did a lot of work in fashion industry, working for big brands on shows like Balmain, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, as well as with magazines.
How did Modulor happen?
MODULOR was a project i wanted to do from long time. Actually a few years ago I named one of my headpieces collection Modulor. The salon opened two months ago, when the opportunity arose to take the space. I didn’t think much about it, I just said “Okay, let’s do it!”
It’s much more than a salon too, there’s a street art gallery, record shop and you even have events, right?
Yes there are three of us sharing the space. Gregg opened the record Shop six months ago, then Emma and myself arrived after. It’s really nice to share the space with creative people like them. Plus it’s a cool blend, mixing electronic music, and street art.
What’s coming up in terms of exhibitions & events?
From the 7th of July we have a new exhibition from an Italian artist called SKAN. I already saw the pieces and I can tell you they’re very, very nice. Also few nights coming in August and we’re launching a new magazine!
There was even a radio show happening when I was there! Is that a regular occurrence?
Yes, HOXTON FM come over twice a month to do a radio show in our space. We have everything for a DJ to play; good sound system and we’re full of records.
What’s your advice to someone considering a creative colour look for the first time?
Be yourself! It’s time to colour the world!
On a serious note, as a European citizen in London, are you concerned about the results of the recent referendum?
I am! I’ve been so surprised, as have many people, I think. In a world where everyone should be together, the opposite is happening. I don’t understand to be honest.
What do you love most about gay London?
Diversity and freedom! You can definitely express yourself as you want and as you are.
Anything else we need to know?
Come to MODULOR and I’ll tell you everything.
MY MODULOR MAKEOVER
Modulor is an awesome space, from the moment you step off of Kingsland Road, down the stairs that lead you to the regularly-updated exhibition area, then to the record shop and finally the salon, everything is filled with art and curios. I think my favourite piece was the rather glum-looking skeleton that sits between the salon and the records. Florian assured me that he wasn’t some poor soul still waiting for their appointment. I hope he’s not lying.
With regard to Florian, the guy is an absolute gent and incredibly welcoming. I usually dread having haircuts because of the small talk and long periods spent staring at your bedraggled reflection, but Florian’s enthusiasm is infectious. He’s funny and he clearly knows his shit. We spent most of the time either laughing or discussing current affairs, while we waited for my hair to lighten (or ‘lift’)
As mentioned before, I had decided to get my hair bleached. I did this myself circa 2007 with a Manic Panic bleach set I bought online. The result of this was crispy white-yellow crispy hair that made me look like an androgynous Ellen DeGeneres. I also wanted to have a crack at the pastel hair trend, because what boy doesn’t want to feel like a unicorn, am I right? Everyone does, everybody wants to be a unicorn or a mermaid.
I settled on a light lavender colour for the first wash I would try. Thankfully with pastel colours, they rinse through in one or two shampoos, so if you don’t like the shade you’ve chosen, it’ll be gone and ready for you to try a new shade in days.
Using Kevin Murphy products, Florian covered my mousy locks with the lightening misture, wrapped my head in clingfilm and we let the peroxide do it’s work for just under an hour. I looked a little bit like a mad Marge Simpson with a beard, so I tried to not look too much in the mirror. My self-esteem can’t handle an extended period of undesirability, you see.
Once that was washed off, I took a few moments to strut around with my newly-white hair. I felt like Spike from Buffy, swishing around in my long black cape. Even better, from what I could tell, me hair didn’t feel like it had been deep-fried! Result!
Florian then applied the Keving Murphy colour and we let that sit for a while, as I enjoyed a diet coke and watched the live radio show from HOXTON FM in progress opposite. After about 20 minutes that was done, so we rinsed it out and I took a peek at the results….
I WAS A TOTAL FAIRY PRINCESS! I was thrilled to bits, I honestly felt like a celestial being with my flowing lavender locks. My hair was purple, it felt gorgeously soft and I couldn’t see a chemical burn anywhere. Amazing!
Since then I’ve had lots of different shades to play with from pink, to peach, to blue to platinum white and silver. As mentioned before, the pastel shades wash out fast, so if you’re an indecdisive little madam like I am, this could be a great choice!
All in all,I was absolutely delighted with my trip to Modulor. It’s an amazing space, occupied by some really talented people. Especially the lovely Florian Dovillez! In fact from now on, I don’t think I’m going to let anybody else touch my hair.
Well, if I can get an appointment that is, this guy’s skills are in demand and we can really see why!
• Modulor is located at 129A (basement) Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB. They are open every day, from 10am to 8pm, Mon-Fri, then 10am to 6am, Sat & Sun. To book an apppintment call 020 7254 2649
STUDENTS RECEIVE 15% OFF ALL SERVICES TUESDAY TO FRIDAY (upon presentation of valid student ID)
