Ever asked for a classic bob and left the salon with a crew cut? Not getting what you want in the hair salon can be a frustrating thing. For the past year I have resembled a Japanese Prisoner of War because of my inability to communicate with hairdressers. In addition to this, I find the whole hair salon experience intimidating; from the cold looks of the receptionist to the reclining seats. When you're wrapped in an apron with sleeves and your feet can¹t touch the floor it's hard to be assertive about what you want.

However, word of mouth is a great thing. From a friend of a friend I heard Matthew Clulee cuts hair well. I called the salon on (01865) 765358 for an appointment and found out Matthew is usually booked up at least one week in advance which is always a good sign. During my consultation, I resembled a rabbit caught in headlights as I change banks more frequently than I change hairdressers. He listened carefully to my anxieties about how I want to grow my hair and how I don't want my fringe cut at all. Matthew explained that he cuts hair to suit the person and the shape of their head; this is personalised hairdressing. You've probably heard this before and of course, it could be yet more beauty industry jargon. To me, this meant I went in looking like a Survivor extra and came out with hair that goes floppy in all the right places but is still long enough to pull into a scrunchy. He says he only does hairstyles that are easy to maintain so you don't need to buy a gallon of gel to stick the thing together.

Salon staff don't rush the shampoo stage and give clients an effective scalp massage with an aromatherapy product. Tea is plentiful and comes in huge funky mugs. You could sit on their black leather settee reading Just 17 all day. Consultation, Haircut and Finish with Matthew costs £37.00 for women £32.00 for men so you don't have to pawn your tiara.

Matthew Clulee has obviously broken away from the main hairdressing chains of Oxford and gone it alone. His salon, on London Road - Headington, is small and service is 100% personalised. At last a hairdresser who thinks it's good to listen! Nicky Clarke be very afraid.

Lita Doolan 5/9/01