Photographer Alastair Hilton Gets 'Dapper'ed
And comes out looking 20 years younger
I didn't know that I needed a makeover until it was suggested that I should! Good to know who your friends are. Thinking that I'd be having a quick haircut and maybe a beard trim, I agreed. Turned out that the good people at Dapper in Ealing had more ambitious plans to transform me.
Having worn a suit and tie for many years, my past few years as a photographer have seen my dress sense and general appearance move towards what may be described as the rugged artist look. The grey in my hair was starting to become more prominent than the brown and the beard wasn't a fashion statement so much as a not bothering to shave decision. My clothes were more loved in than fashionable too.
Upon walking into Dapper, I was greeted with a great smile and enthusiasm by Johannes. It's always a real test of any business how they greet a new client and they got it spot on. Certainly my appearance upon entering their very smart and fashionable salon on Ealing Broadway was in sharp contrast to their immaculate staff and other clientele. They didn't let it show though and there was none of the looking down on me attitude that I have experienced in certain other upmarket salons.
I was introduced to all of the staff, the lady who would style my hair, the gentleman that would sort out my beard, the lady who'd give me my relaxing massage and facial treatments and the doctor who would give me my Botox and filler. Did they just say Botox and filler?! Oh blimey, this really is going to be a full makeover! Never, ever had I considered having this treatment. This was going to be an interesting day.
For the next few hours I was treated with total professionalism by all of the staff. Professional yet friendly. Just the right balance. Time flew by. My hair was cut and styled, then dyed. My beard was trimmed and I relaxed in the massage room. Really relaxed. Trying to get me to sit still and relax for more than a minute is an achievement, so Shaheem really must be good.then came the Botox and filler. I was nervous, to say the least.
I needn't have been. No, it didn't hurt. Genuinely, it didn't.
My makeover was now complete. The only thing remaining was for me to look at myself n the mirror. When I did I was confused. I thought their mirror must be broken. Having established that their mirror was, in fact, working, I couldn't recognise the chap in it that I saw. I mean really couldn't recognise him. He was twenty years younger than me and a lot smarter and more fashionable.
The reactions to my new appearance have been many! People I've known for years actually had to double take to know it was me. One person genuinely asked me if I had a twin brother who was rather scruffier than the new me.
Dapper showed to me that they know their stuff. If you're looking for a full makeover, or any grooming, then you should certainly go and see them. After all, if they can make me look not only twenty years younger, but presentable and fashionable, they'll have a far easier job with you.
Alastair Hilton
http://londonw4photographer.com
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March 29, 2017
