Shrine Salon & Spa

Man oh man, it’s been five years since I had my hair cut here? Crazy how time flies when you’re having life. (And fun. There’s been tons of that.) So, I’ve been back recently, but for a somewhat different brand of hair cut… The waxing kind! (I am a loyal customer to another hairdresser, so I shan’t stray — although I’m sure Shrine are still rocking the barnets.)
I’ve had three waxes here and am quite pleased with the service. It’s around £20, depending on what you want, and they offer the usual hot wax or the extra-​new-​spesh Lycon option. I have to warn you, the Lycon is (my opinion) a little more painful. I think that’s because it takes a bit longer to do and somehow captures more hair. That being said, the finish was much better and lasted longer — I am a wuss, mind, and not into making this last any longer than it needs to. If you’re a little hardier then this should be what you go for.
I’ve had two different ladies and I’ll say I preferred one to the other — I am terrible with names, so I’ll be as polite as I can and say the more experienced lady was better! The younger lass left a bit of wax and missed a few spots, which didn’t happen with the other lady, so it was a little disappointing. However, my first two appointments were very good, quick, and professional!
It is the nearest salon to where I live, so convenience definitely plays a part. Might go back to indulge in a pedi next time!

Just a quick note to say superb. Defo recommend.

My knowledge of beauty-​related outlets in Leeds is, admittedly, limited but I’ve cycled passed The Shrine repeatedly on my way to town. A few things drew my attention to it. First, the large silhouetted Buddha on the window and then the name: being into yoga I am familiar with the idea that the body is one’s temple. I think this is probably what the marketing department of this company had in mind when choosing these potent motifs and I willingly fell for it.
Having had hand-​knotted messy dreadlocks and an undercut for 3 years it was a big step deciding to go to pay someone to give me a proper hair cut. After diligently chopping and brushing out the accumulated dirt until my hair was chin length, I decided the final stages of rescue had to be tackled by a professional. So off I popped to the salon that had most prominently stuck in my mind.
As an in-​experienced salon visitor I was a little nervous but all the staff were very friendly when I explained my desperate need for a hair cut. I had an idea that I wanted something asymmetrical and started making hand gestures around my head that probably made no sense. But my stylist — a young Leeds lady — seemed to catch my drift and explained the options. More importantly she explained that, even though I might want a random shaved bit on one side, it all had to make sense as a whole cut. She talked about how it would look when it grew out, probably realising that I would not become a frequent customer. I didn’t feel in any way uncomfortable, as I had imagined I would — the space and the banter pleasant to be part of. As the Buddha suggested in the window it had a calm atmosphere. Best of all I didn’t feel pressured into anything I didn’t really want. As I left I took them up on the offer of being put on their mailing list for future money-​saving offers — even though I haven’t yet returned it would be my first port of call in a future hair-​cutting event, especially as it wasn’t overpriced — only £33 for a whole restyle! Some people didn’t even recognise me.
I would even consider visiting for another beauty treatment as their hair removing and massage treatments were also reasonably priced.

Shrine Salon & Spa genuinely treat customers as individuals and as a customer you will receive a personal consultation to find out exactly what you want and to avoid those horrible and embarrassing situations where you don’t like your haircut and run home crying. They offer many different treatments, not just for hair. These include, facials, massages, nail treatments, tanning, holistic therapies using hot stones, and hair removal by waxing. They are one of the only spa’s in North England to use Lycon waxing which is supposed to be a much more comfortable waxing experience. They do also do traditional waxing treatments if you prefer, Lycon comes at £5 more than traditional waxing treatments.
I am not a fan of tanning, and I don’t think anyone should be either, you are a human not a steak, cooking yourself is BAD… but each to their own. The other treatments do look very interesting though, I would definitely try the massage, and the interior and décor looks very peaceful, unlike many salons full of luminous pink accessories, fake breasts and lots of women who have been majorly tangoed. This is the higher end of the realm of beauty salons.
They also do Worship Wednesdays where students receive 25% off hair treatments and 20% of beauty spa treatments. Damn! I wish I was still a student!

The Shrine Salon has been open just over a year now and I’ve become a regular. The stylists are friendly whilst still professional and the spa therapists are good and professional too. Regular cutsomers are rewarded with special offers, so it’s well worth signing up to their newsletter to be kept infomed of thwie monthly deals. There prices are very good value too