LYLH Offers Stunning Styles in the Heart of Sanlitun
As hairdresser and Queer Eye icon Jonathan Van Ness recently asked on his new Netflix show, Getting Curious, “Why is hair so major?” Our hair is our crowning glory, an expression of who we are — or, more importantly, who we would like to be. And hair often becomes even more major when we’re living in a foreign country, faced with concerns about the quality of salons, stylists, and products, and whether a ‘lost in translation’ moment could lead to a disastrous do.
Enter LYLH Salon, a shiny new temple to all things hair that opened just over a month ago in Sanlitun’s Courtyard 4, the same complex that houses The Local, Q Mex, and more. LYLH has a prime second-floor space right in the centre of things with a great view over the comings and goings of the street below from its floor-to-ceiling windows.
From the moment you enter, it's clear LYLH is here to make a statement
For the moment you walk up the artfully distressed concrete stairs to the entrance, it is clear that LYLH is aiming to be a cut above the average salon — think Voss Water cooling in the Smeg fridge, house music on the stereo. The light and airy, industrial-chic space stretches over two floors, with more than 20 styling stations spread over two floors, with multiple private rooms (and even an in-house nail salon). The eminently Instagrammable interior has already attracted the attention of multiple Chinese celebrities and influencers, which has, in turn, made it something of a wanghong destination. That perhaps comes as no surprise when you know that one of the owners of LYLH also founded the popular chain In Style, which has more than 100 stores around China.
From Shiseido products to Voss Water, the little details matter at LYLH
LYLH backs up this style with substance. All of the stylists have a minimum of two years of professional experience, and many have eight to ten years. The salon offers a full slate of hair care and styling services, including colouring, perms and straightening treatments, and scalp care. Signature products all come from Japanese brand Shiseido Professional, specifically, the Sublimic range, which supports the self-restorative functions of hair and scalp, restarting your body's own ability to regenerate its original state of beautiful hair and scalp. Beyond their utility, the sculptural, pastel-coloured bottles also complement the salon's overall aesthetic. The Shiseido range is complemented by selected products from L'Oréal and Kérastase.
Sculptural design elements set LYLH apart from other salons
Prices vary depending on the level of stylist you choose or the length of your hair; cuts range from RMB 180-680, L'Oréal Pro hair colouring ranges from RMB 980-1,380, for example. Overall, the prices are more than reasonable for central Sanlitun. It is worth noting that not all of the hairstylists speak English, but they are happy to work from a photo or, if necessary, you can scan the QR code at the bottom of this article to add owner He Jingqiao, who speaks some English, on WeChat.
I visited for a wash and blow-dry and was impressed by the careful, detailed approach the hairstylist took. He stopped frequently and asked how I felt about the hairstyle as it was progressing. The hair wash was also a highlight, thanks to motorised recliners that tilt back with you as you lie down with your hair over the basin, alleviating any strain on your back and neck. I'll be back to try a scalp treatment and massage — a treat for anyone whose hair struggles with Beijing's dry air and mineral-heavy hard water — which you can enjoy in a space-age massage chair with a built-in sink.
Sink into a comfy stylish chair and get your perfect hair cut
Home to queue-attracting second-hand shopping, hugely popular restaurants, and now a destination hair salon, Courtyard 4 is increasingly becoming one of Beijing's coolest destinations. So make yourself an appointment at LYLH Salon and get those tresses ready for a day out in Sanlitun.
Scan the QR code below to add salon owner He Jingqiao on WeChat for more information and for English-language support
The Beijinger readers can experience a signature LYLH Salon scalp care treatment for the special price of RMB 298 (limited to one per person). Simply mention the Beijinger when making an appointment.
LYLH Salon
105, Building 80, 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路4号院80幢105
010 6598 0204
Daily 10am-10pm
This article is paid for by LYLH Salon.
Images: LYLH Salon, Robynne Tindall
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