The contrast between local hairdressers and West End salons used to be huge. The former would be called Fringe Benefits and lack any semblance of what would be called cool. The latter would be very expensive and offer the services of a 'hair advisor' from Rotherham called Philippe. But in the last few years, neighbourhood salons have been sharpening up their act, most recently prompted by Guy Healy and Claire Taverner, formerly of the Soho basement salon Jack's. Uniting their funds, the pair have brought some of their West End know-how to laid back EC1, opening a salon simply named The Hairdressers. Located in one of the street's elegant Georgian townhouses, it has the air of a stylish front room. While you wait, you can sit at a wooden table and nibble on delicious homemade biscuits and cakes.

Highbury-dwelling Healy, who trained at Vidal Sassoon, and Newington Green resident Taverner, who cut her teeth at Toni & Guy, decided they wanted to open up as centrally as possible without actually being in W1. So far, so good: the laid-back friendliness of the salon fits in perfectly with Amwell Street's sleepy vibe; their old clients from Soho are happy to make the trip up Rosebery Avenue and the local residents are chuffed to finally have somewhere hip to have their hair cut.

I always get my hair cut at this small independent salon, run by Guy Healy and Claire Taverner. It has an easy-going, unpretentious vibe, and discerning clientele. It always has decent music and most importantly, free biscuits. In fact, it's almost like sitting in your own living room — only with scissors and hairdryers.

Alyson Walsh (of fashion blog That's Not My Age)

This lovely neighbourhood salon, complete with kitchen table and cafetieres, offers blow dries in just 15 minutes (allow at least half an hour if you've got thick, long or curly hair). Haircuts take a bit longer as the staff don't like to skimp on quality.

A recent addition to the London hairdressing scene, the Hairdressers are Guy and Claire, friends who used to work at Jack's in Soho until deciding to go it alone in early 2006. Bringing their cutting skills and a relaxed attitude, the salon has a suitably homely and personal feel with books on the shelves and only four chairs. Part of this attitude comes from Guy who when working from home at his Shoreditch loft noticed how much his clients used to like getting their hair done in that environment. With the basement rented out to a theatre and opera designer, there's also a creative frisson, especially as many of Guy and Claire's regulars come from the world of theatre and the arts.

...designer Gilles Cadle shaped and moulded the salon into a homely living room-like space with a twist. Character features such as a graffiti covered desk, a pew and a coat stand add to the relaxed and unusual atmosphere. The reception area consists of a simple school desk and the waiting area homes a second-hand dining table with chairs. Guy says: "The table is in the middle of the salon and people can read, drink coffee and be sociable while they wait."

Bright and light is the theme throughout the salon and its decor is simple and minimalist. The walls, ceilings and wooden beams are all white-washed to reflect the abundance of natural light which floods into the salon through large windows at the front and rear of the building....

...Guy and Claire describe their salon as approachable and friendly. "It's a lovely place to work, and an attractive salon to visit."