When the Canaries-born hair stylist Paco Delgado first descended on Cheltenham he had a clear mission in mind; to make his clients feel nothing short of beautiful with lashings of individual pampering. While it is, perhaps, something every stylist might hope to achieve – the real proof is of course in the pudding.

Plenty of salons have come and gone since the eponymous Paco Delgado Emporium was launched an impressive 23 years ago, and today the salon enjoys a commanding position overlooking upmarket Montpellier. On SoGlos.com’s visit it wasn’t difficult to see why the stylish salon has become a town institution, as regulars were warmly greeted by the four stylists before settling in to an afternoon of tried and tested indulgence.

Fortunate enough to have nabbed the charismatic owner himself for an hour, Paco spent plenty of time discussing the shape of my last cut and how it could work to bring out the best features of my face. And before long, quietly embracing the very concept of being a metrosexual man, I was enjoying a tingling peppermint head massage courtesy of enthusiastic trainee Mark, peering up at the blue sky painted on the ceiling overhead.

As with the sleep-inducing massage designed to moisture my scalp and give my roots a welcome boost, no expense is spared in the use of premium products, with Phyto – a well respected brand in the world of hairdressing – being used throughout.

Feeling thoroughly prepared for a long overdue cut, Paco was soon at work removing split ends and shaping bulky hair with confidence, using a razor instead of scissors and putting his wealth of styling experience into practice. And with a client list having included the likes of illustrious stars from Dame Shirley Bassey to none other than ‘Vogue’ from television show Gladiators, there was no doubt I was in safe hands.

While I could have happily spent the afternoon chatting away, enjoying the views across Montpellier and soaking up the salon’s regency charm and elegant décor, before long my new cut was complete – a transformation from its tired former self and one which ‘brings out my best features’, according to the other stylists on hand to provide plenty of flattery.

Strutting down the road and past the trendy boutiques trying not to stare at my reflection for too long, there wasn’t any question of Paco Delgado and his well-established Emporium making clients feel beautiful, only ‘when can I book my next appointment?’

James Fryer