The Evolution of Ladies’ Hair Salons: From Ancient Practices to Modern Elegance

Hairdressing

Hair care and styling have long been integral to beauty practices worldwide. From ancient Egyptian hair braiding to the elaborate wigs of 18th-century Europe, hair styling reflects cultural shifts and trends. Salons, as we know them today, began emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when hairdressing became more formalised, and women started visiting professionals for complex styling, curling, and cutting.

Modern-Day Salons

Today’s hair salons blend tradition with modern innovation, offering a wide range of services from classic cuts to advanced colour techniques. Salons such as Simi’s Hair & Beauty in Birmingham, for instance, pride themselves on a contemporary approach—merging skilled, personalised haircuts with the latest trends in colouring, like balayage and root smudging. Many salons also incorporate a holistic experience, providing luxurious environments and using top-quality products that nourish and protect the hair, revitalising clients.

Popular Services Offered at Ladies’ Hair Salons

  1. Haircuts & Styling: Classic and trendy cuts for all hair types, tailored to face shape and lifestyle.

  2. Colouring: Techniques include highlights, lowlights, balayage, ombre, and vivid colour trends.

  3. Treatments: Deep conditioning, keratin treatments, and Brazilian blowouts to enhance hair health and shine.

  4. Texturising Services: Permanent waves, relaxers, and smoothing treatments.

  5. Extensions and Special Occasion Styling: Hair extensions, updos, and bridal hairstyling.


  • Most stylists recommend a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep hair healthy, mainly if you’re growing it out. This timeframe helps remove split ends and keeps styles looking fresh.

  • Balayage is a technique where the stylist hand-paints highlights to create a natural, sun-kissed look, while ombre gradually blends one colour to another from roots to ends. Both make beautiful, dimensional effects but offer different styles of contrast.

  • Yes, keratin treatments can work on most hair types, helping to reduce frizz and smooth texture. However, those with chemically damaged or fine hair may want to consult a stylist for personalised advice.

  • A Brazilian blowout is a smoothing treatment that leaves hair more manageable and frizz-free for 3-4 months. Unlike traditional relaxers, it doesn’t permanently alter the hair structure, making it popular for anyone wanting a temporary sleek look.

  • Consider your skin tone, eye colour, and natural hair shade when selecting a colour. Warmer skin tones pair nicely with warm shades like golden blonde or auburn, while cooler tones suit ashier shades. Stylists can recommend shades that complement your unique look.

  • To maintain vibrant colour, use colour-safe shampoos, limit heat styling, and avoid washing your hair too frequently. Many salons also offer gloss treatments to revive colour between appointments.

  • Face shape is crucial in finding a flattering haircut. For example, long layers add length well to round faces, while blunt cuts complement heart-shaped faces. Discussing these details with a stylist can help pinpoint your best style.

  • Look for salons with experienced stylists, customer reviews, and a portfolio of their work. Birmingham offers several reputable salons known for high standards and expertise in various services.

  • Simi’s Beauty Salon combines traditional expertise with modern trends, offering personalised consultations to meet each client’s needs. Known for exceptional haircuts, colour services, and an emphasis on high-quality products, Simi’s provides a trusted, luxurious salon experience designed to make clients feel their best.

Haircut, Finish & Treatment

  • Straight Cut

    £15

  • Child Cut

    £10

  • Fringe Cut

    £5

Layered Cut

  • Short

    £20

  • Medium

    £25

  • Long

    £30

Wash & Blow Dry

  • Short

    £20

  • Medium

    £25

  • Long

    £30

Wash, Cut, Blow Dry & Straighten

  • Short

    £30

  • Medium

    £35

  • Long

    £40

Please note

All prices are guidelines only and WILL vary based on the length of hair & work involved.

Hair Color*

  • Roots

    £40

  • Roots Own Colour

    £20

  • Full Head Colour

    £55

  • Half Head Highlights

    £55

  • T-Section Highlight

    £30

  • Full Head Highlights

    £100

  • Full Head Colour / Highlights with Wash Cut & Blow Dry

    £150

  • Full Head Colour, Half Head Highlights with Wash Cut & Blow Dry

    £120

Please note

All prices are guidelines only and will vary based on the length/thickness and previous colour of hair & work involved.

* CONSULTATION NEEDED BEFORE TREATMENT:

All colouring clients must have a skin sensitivity test 48 hours prior to their appointment. Please call the salon for details.

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Don't just take our word for it.

  • "The make-up of my life! She made me feel like a movie star! Thank you! Highly recommended!!!"

    Stanislava

  • "Simis salon was a great experience,enjoyed having my treatments done,fantastic staff well done!!"

    Akifa

  • "A very professional business. I feel I have been looked after extremely well by the staff when ever I have visited..”

    Jas

  • "Always friendly and impressed with their work."

    Sumeet

  • "I was recommended to Simis 4 years ago to have my eyebrows threaded, and I've never been disappointed."

    Priya