Autumn is approaching, and I'm going to beat the impending winter blues by indulging in a spot of self-pampering at Marylebone's funky hair and beauty clinic Public Image.

Shimmering tin tiles, mosaic patchworks, decorative lights, and sequined garnets adorn the scarlet walls of this eccentric one-stop beauty shop. The Chinese brothel-inspired hair, health, and cosmetics clinic in Marylebone's bustling quarter is a creative haven of scents and colours, and is a welcome contrast to the stark salon style made popular by hair giants like Toni & Guy.

One of London's best kept secrets, Public Image is the work of creative mind Barry Cresswell, who established the salon in 1986 and has never advertised, seeing the place thrive over two decades by word of mouth alone. “A lot of salons are quite clinical in their appearance, with their staff in black uniforms and several people dealing with you at once. We like to offer a one-to-one service in a creative environment so you don't feel like you're on a conveyor belt”.

The store's innovative interior is Barry's own artistic handiwork and he likes to update the salon's décor every five to six years. He imported the silver ceiling tiles from Missouri which, along with hanging chandeliers, gives the place a nineteenth century opium den feel.

A disco ball suspends from above and a circular retro art instillation fills the shop-front window while The Magic Numbers permeate the air with folky ballads. It's hard not to feel relaxed in such environs.

Assistant Sara welcomes clients with a vigorous head wash and massage while stylists Piet, Heather, and Sophie work their magic alongside Barry to groom the tresses with advanced products such as strawberry-scented American brand Alterna. And when your mane is tamed you can head downstairs to Claudia for a beauty treatment.

Claudia Fallah has 21 years experience as a beauty therapist, specialising in a natural herbal peeling technique called 'Herbapeel'.

She arrived in London in 1997 with five hundred pounds to her name and has since built a beauty empire which includes her own skin care range using unique herbal ingredients from her native Germany.

A calming natural green theme is prevalent throughout the treatment room, where one can indulge in a detoxifying facial, reflexology, aromatherapy, an Indian head massage or a lotus body polish amongst other luxuries.

The perfect place to pamper mind, body, and soul.

By Abbey Stirling/MOLI