Affordable haircut at The Attic

Finding a chic hair salon that doesn't go overboard with the pricing in Central is a rare thing, so when I was told that I could get an affordable premium cut at The Attic, I was sceptical.

The moment you step into the hidden salon on the 10th floor you're greeted with a spa scent and a relaxing vibe which provides an immediate contrast to the Queen's Road rush hour. With an open-space interior, the stylish salon is brightly lit, and there are mini separate rooms available if you want more privacy.

I'm seated by my stylist Kenrick, who gives my ignored long locks a quick scan, discussing length ideas, current trends and observing how dry my hair is. He tells me that their Kerasilk products — consisting of keratin and silk proteins to strengthen and soften hair — will change that.

I opt to chop off four inches into a long bob, or "lob", and here, unlike other places I've been, Kenrick preps and performs most of the cut before the wash. He explains that cutting the layers according to the wave pattern of my dry hair makes it easier to control and to see how it will look after it's dry. From the way he talks it's clear how meticulous and how much of a perfectionist he is.

Next comes the wash and massage. In a dark and comfy room with dim lights, my hair is covered and massaged with the aromatic keratin-rich shampoos and conditioners and washed several times. The best part of all, however, is the scalp massage. The 15-minute scalp treatment with serum is better than some of the massages I get at dedicated massage places, and makes the HK$400 well worth the outlay.