“It’s the little details that make a difference” and Brecht Van Dam Salon is all about both these things. Attention to the smallest detail and making a difference to people’s lives.
The way our hair looks impacts the way we feel and is a major part of our identity. No-one understands this more than co-owner Samantha Thomas.
During a recent hair appointment I was fortunate to steal a bit of Samantha’s time to learn more about the philosophy of the salon and to gain some insights and tips.
Samantha Thomas in her element
Each visit begins with a relaxed but detailed consultation. It is the key to the whole process. Samantha explains, “If you don’t get the consultation right, you don’t get the results. Our relationship with our clients is extremely important. We like to get to know each person and a bit about their lifestyle. That way we can create a result that is perfect for each client.”
Samantha, along with co-owner Brecht Van Dam and colleagues Marthe and Justine, have become experts at interpreting client instructions. A helpful client might ask for “chocolate brown”, not realising just how many shade options there could be. Time is factored into the consultation, especially for a colour, to make sure it is exactly right. Observing details of accessories and clothes helps determine styling. “We try to encourage people not to fight their hair”, clarifies Samantha. This idea underpins discussion as part of the consultation, to determine not just what a client wants but also what they need.
Brecht Van Dam in styling mode
Colour is Samantha’s passion. Her social media feeds are full of photos, trends and examples as she constantly looks for new developments. “I’m curious”, she says, “It’s my art.” Having spoken to Samantha and seen her in action, I’d venture that it is even more than that. It’s also part of who she is and the impact of giving someone a fresh look affects her deeply. She is quite emotional whilst explaining how beautiful it is to be able to give people a new colour and really make a difference to their whole wellbeing.
Happy customer, Michiel Geluykens, shares his experience on Facebook: “Ever since I started using Brecht Van Dam, I feel an improvement in my everyday life. I am no longer unhappy, people tell me I look better and there’s a difference in my body. I feel like I have been asleep for an eternity and now am finally awake. Watch out world, here I come.”
Clearly a visit here is much more than a hair cut.
All the stylists at Brecht Van Dam Salon are very caring. They pay attention to people’s body language and comfort levels. Samantha recalled an incident she faced in a salon as a child that involved having her scalp burnt by a hairdryer and her concerns and even tears, being callously dismissed. Many of us probably have similar stories and it’s these negative experiences that Samantha and team are acutely aware of. They can cause anxiety and also can discourage clients from not saying if anything is not quite right. Samantha reassures people that they can say if it isn’t exactly how they want it. “My feelings won’t be hurt. I will be sadder if they never come back and I don’t know why”.
Thankfully that doesn’t seem to be a problem with so many recommendations attesting to the professionalism and considerate approach. If you read the reviews you will also see much love and affection for salon dog Bloem!
How could you resist this face?
Personally I’ve always considered hair colouring and styling to be a mix of art and science and it was no surprise to learn that Samantha also considers it a creative process with a very serious theory behind it. “You need to know the theory to prevent any problems and having good products is also very important”. Samantha explained about every person’s hair being different and in the colouring process, aspects such as molecule size is important. For example blue molecules are larger than yellow ones – who knew?!
I thought it a good opportunity to pick Samantha’s brain about the latest trends and I was interested to learn that although a few trends like mullets and French bobs are popular at the moment, the most influential trend is not really having a trend at all. Rather than having a particular look, hairstyles are about ease and about suiting the person’s face. A lot of women are cutting their hair shorter and also letting natural grey hair grow through. Samantha ponders the idea that it may reflect less pressure on women to look a certain way now, compared with years ago.
Spending time at Brecht Van Dam Salon is truly a pleasure. It is light and airy, friendly and of course there is the lovely Bloem to pat. There is art to view (or purchase) on rotation from Art Gallery MemoJacq. At time of visiting they were showcasing Belgian artists, Steve Jimenez and Christian de Wulf as well Italian artist Antonella Mellini.
The salon celebrated its first year in January and the experience and sensitivity of the owners shows in its success. They also have an easy to use online booking system that can be accessed from their Facebook page.
As well as Facebook, Brecht Van Dam Salon can be found on Instagram and is located at:
Rue de Louvain 34, 1000 Bruxelles: Phone 02 253 34 03
