PRIMROSE HILL’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

Want to know Primrose Hill’s best-kept secret?

I’m not sure I should tell you. Shall I? Should I?

The women-in-the-know in Primrose Hill won’t thank me if I do.

But go on then. Since you plead so charmingly.

Here’s what you need to know: There’s a treatment room in the basement of Hackett’s, the long-standing hairdressers on Princess Road. And working away inside is Dawn Thein, holistic therapist extraordinaire. ‘I have drawn on my knowledge of beauty therapy, aromatherapy and energy work to develop my own holistic face treatments,’ she explains in her brochure. ‘My treatments support and nurture you and your skin on all levels.’

And who doesn’t need a little support and nurturing at this time of year? From Dawn’s menu, I chose ‘Relaxation,’ billed as ‘a deeply relaxing and balancing facial, ideal for reducing tension, stress and fatigue.’ And true to Dawn’s philosophy, it wasn’t just my face that benefitted. Cocooned under warmed towel and blanket, my feet were soaked in a pleasantly-hot footbath, then my back was skilfully massaged. Relaxation kicked in after moments.

Flipped over for the facial products and face massage, I was taken through a fragrant and enjoyable routine of cleansing, exfoliation, anti-oxidisation and moisturisation that left me cheerfully relaxed yet energised.

While the treatment mask was doing its work, I enjoyed a foot massage so relaxing that I didn’t want to spoil it by walking on them afterwards. But the effect has lasted, and my feet still feel springy and happy. Dawn uses Suki products, which are natural and effective; I liked them enough to buy the cleanser to bring home. The treatment room is soothing, although some of the chat from the hairdressers upstairs does break through.

I should say that I have been seeing Dawn for waxing for around eight years – before taking the Hacketts treatment room she was along the street at Beauty Eternal, in the shop that is now Cave Interiors – so it was about time that I tried her facials. I think I have started a habit….

I paid £70 for the facial, and £29.75 for the cleanser.