New salon Lemuria, in the heart of the city centre, is hoping to make a name for itself. Alison Jones reports.

A new salon that has opened on Birmingham’s Colmore Row is hoping to follow the example of its name and become legendary.

Lemuria is named after a mystical underwater world, an ancient civilization that existed as a continent before Atlantis somewhere underneath the Pacific. A “highly evolved yet spiritual place”.

Lemuria Retreat is positioned just beneath the historic Grand Hotel, well placed for the city’s business district but also acting as an urban escape where clients can relax as they get their hair trimmed and styled. There is a chill out lounge at the back of the salon with television, free wi-fi, magazines and a range of refreshments.

The salon is the second to be opened within the Willenhall-based Athena School of Natural Therapies group and its basement, which is complete with period features, is soon to be transformed into a holistic haven offering beauty and alternative health treatments – from massages to relaxing reiki therapy.

The salon had a soft opening in February and business has been bouyant for the new start up.

Managing director Raman Jagpal said: “It could have ben difficult but we have seen client numbers rise steadily as the salon establishes itself in the heart of the central business district.

“It seems that even in these times men and women still want those affordable luxuries to ensure they maintain their welbeing, ready to face the world with an inbuilt confidence.

“We have received excellent feedback since Lemuria opened and clients are coming back for more.”

To cater to busy execs, the salon includes a blow dry bar offering express services and continental-style breakfast from 8am, Monday to Friday. The appointment-only service is aimed at commuters and city workers to give them a head start for important meetings.

There is also a hidden VIP room, which gives total privacy for client who request it, at no extra cost.

The salon is also acting as an informal art gallery – displaying prints of drawings by local artist Steve Blundell on the walls.

Lemuria Retreat is very much a family affair. Raman’s sister Rita Jagpal-Mohan is the creative director and has a loyal band of clients who have been keen to support her in her new venture.

One of them was Victoria Pearson, who acted as a model at the launch event.

“I have been a client of Rita’s for a couple of years. She was the first hairdresser I came back to more than once. I am quite fussy so to me that was very important.

“I have quite big, thick hair and I had not met anyone who could handle it before. I am a natural redhead and I had never put any colour on it but now I think we have gone through the spectrum of reds. I pretty much let her do what she wants, I trust her.

“I come here after work and the salon is very relaxing and friendly, no pressure, Even having my hair done in front of all these people tonight, I’m not bothered.”

Lemuria is running an opening offer with 20 per cent off all hair services for the client’s first visit. Vouchers are available from the salon, The discount expires on September 30. For details call 0121 233 0556 or look up www.lemuriaurbanretreat.co.uk