The Little Sanctuary

The Stores, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QJ

About us

A unisex hair salon based in Gillingham Dorset.

Gillian and her creative team welcome you to enjoy this relaxed experience.

Let nature care for your hair.

Read more...

Opening hours

Monday 10:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 09:30 - 17:30
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:30
Thursday 09:30 - 20:00
Friday 09:30 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday Closed

Reviews

4.97
606 verified reviews
Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere
Filter by rating

Sanctuary visit

Jenny Hemingway
25th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

After seven years of happy visits to Hairdresser to have my hair cut & styled by Simon, l returned to the recently opened Sanctuary today.
The salon has been sympathetically decorated, the staff present were welcoming & efficient and the overall atmosphere was calm & pleasant.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Lily is amazing

Jessica Reynolds
22nd Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

I go to lily every time and she does an incredible job of my hair I absolutely love it 💕

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Balayage

Anonymous
20th Jun 2024
5.0

Absolutely delightful service , I left amazed with what they done , couldn’t ask for anything more , thank you

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

New experience in the New Salon

Sue Mulholland
19th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Absolutely loved the New Salon❤️ so spacious and bright, it's lovely overlooking the amazing garden, which had been so tastefully done as has the Salon. As always the lovely Clare does an amazing job on my hair❤️ 10 out of 10

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Beautiful new salon

Faith Daniel
19th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Absolutely love my hair colour. The new salon is beautiful and staff are just so lovely and very attentive. Highly recommend.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Welcome back

Jess Warr
18th Jun 2024
4.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Had a lovely appointment this morning and was really nice being back in this building - I have followed Emma since she was here the last time and she is my absolute favourite hairdresser. Amazing people skills and really makes you feel at home and comfortable. She really supports your own ideas and is pure hairdressing no sales pitching!! Will visit the spa too.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Great hair cut, lovely salon

Sarah H
14th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Lovely cut from Emma exactly how I wanted it. People dont always do what you want so that's great. Love the choice of sitting or lying down chair for washing, great when you have a bad back.Professional and relaxed atmosphere from a lovely bright salon. Thank you for my cuppa too. Look forward to my next visit

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Great place

Emma Fortescue
13th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Lovely place to be pampered. I had a great haircut by Emma who was fab and I love my cut. Everyone very friendly and a great location.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Amazing experience!

Sophia Abbott
12th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

This was my first time going to The little sanctuary Shaftesbury. I had a full head of highlights with a cut and blowdry.
My experience was lovely from start to finish! Claire was really welcoming and very knowledgeable, she has done exactly what I asked for (which was a huge task) with amazing results. The atmosphere was so nice, exactly what you would want. I even got a hand massage by the lovely apprentice! Thankyou!

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Still my favourite place

Helen Kunze
12th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Loved the new salon in Shaftesbury - so light and airy, and felt really calming and spacious! I’ve been seeing Clare and Lily for years now and they leave my hair feeling fabulous every time. 🩷

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Delighted

Denise Brockten
11th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Very pleased with colour that Becky achieved

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Lily never misses

Maddy Armstrong
11th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Lily will never ever fail to shock me with her work. She has made my hair look absolutely amazing!! New salon is gorgeous too 🤍

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Looking 10 years younger

Annette Foster
11th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

I came to the sanctuary as I had read some very good reviews on their website ,I hadn't had my hair done for quite a while & decided to have it coloured as I was quite gray but did have some natural colour to the bottom of my hair so Olivia matched the colour with foils to my natural colour & covered all my gray my hair looks amazing she also gave it a cut & gave me back a fringe which had grown out & looked a mess ,very friendly staff , lovely salon 2 cups of tea & 2 biscuits to say I was pleased is a under statement I will definitely be going back & would definitely recommend any one to have their hair done here & good vale for money ,thks Olivia so much .

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Pedicure

Suzanne Kavanagh
8th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Excellent service as always by Sophie

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Love new salon

Alison Gates
7th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

I have been using the little sanctuary for over 4 years, this is my first visit to the new salon in Shaftesbury love it, light spacious and the decor is beautiful, well done Gill and team
My hair is fab as always, thank you Claire xx

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Balayage with Lily

Anna Fitton
5th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

So pleased with my balayage. Lily is absolutely fantastic . I love the ‘new’ salon. I have been coming since you opened in Gillingham.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Biab nails

Sandra Rideout
4th Jun 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Saw my usual Sophie doing her amazing nails at little sanctuary Shaftesbury today. Absolutely beautiful surroundings. Staff and Sophie friendly and professional. Highly recommend.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Fantastic cut

Sarah Wheeler
3rd Jun 2024
Team Member: Hannah
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Hannah cuts my hair exactly as I’d like it. She’s a true perfectionist. Lovely saloon in Shaftesbury.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Cut and blow dry

Tracey Collis
1st Jun 2024
Team Member: Hannah
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Sooo lovely to see Hannah 8 years later! Very happy with my cut and dry plus a great catch up

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Just wonderful. Thoroughly recommend

Maggie Rasheva
1st Jun 2024
Team Member: Roderick
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

It was my first experience with RODY. I am usually quite loyal to my hairdressers and rarely change. However, on this occasion I didn't have much choice and I told him. My hair was a total mess because I didn't dare change my last hairdresser, but the moment I walked in he made me feel so welcome and so good! On top of it he really understands curly/wavy hair, and let me tell you, not many people do! I am quite a fussy person and this guy stole my heart. True professional, knows his craft but is also a very warm and genuine person. Couldn't recommend enough.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Hair model

Hannah Aitken
29th May 2024
Team Member: Maddison
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Was Maddison hair model for today and she done amazing let her go with what she thought was best and turnt out lovely Thankyou so much

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Excellent visit

Fin Kennett
25th May 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0

Lily gave me the best cut! Exactly how I wanted it. I would always recommend her to anyone. Great service and great atmosphere😁

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Miss

Rosie Babington
25th May 2024
Team Member: Roderick
5.0

Brilliant as always

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Bliss!!!

Jean Sheppard
25th May 2024
Team Member: Roderick
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Wow wow wow!!!
What an amazing haircut !!!!
Roddy you an absolute treasure!!!!
Thank you for all the laughs and making me feel it mattered how I felt about my hair.
Also thank you to the lovely girls I met today.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Fantastic hairdresser

Tanya Sitko
24th May 2024
Team Member: Michelle
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

I’d never been to this salon before and really enjoyed my experience
Michelle made me feel very welcome and relaxed , I was very nervous due to past experiences but I walked out of the salon very happy and I will definitely be booking with Michelle again

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Amazing staff

Anonymous
24th May 2024
5.0

Maddison was amazing sorting out appointments and a lovely ambassador for the company, really welcoming and Claire (sorry didn’t catch surname) was lovely in my consultation and reassuring l. Looking forward to my next appointment.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Fabulous colour!!

Natasha Goddard
17th May 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Olivia was fantastic in completely revamping my colour. She was spot on with her colour/shade/tone recommendations and I couldn't be happier with the result! Thank you Olivia 😊

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Lois

Claire Jeffers
9th May 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

I had my 1st wet cut with Lois today and was delighted.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

First visit

Jane Middlecoat
8th May 2024
Team Member: Beth
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

The salon, the Little Sanctuary, was vibrant, friendly and buzzing. Beth listened carefully about what style I want to achieve with my hair, it will take a few cuts. She gave excellent advice about scalp and colour care. Beth cut and finished my hair very well and I will definitely make another appointment either in Gillingham Dorset, or at their new salon in Shaftesbury.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

FAB CUT AND COLOUR

Alison Gates
4th May 2024
Team Member: Claire
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Claire did a fabulous job with my hair beautiful colour and great cut, always so happy with my hair

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Happy head

Sarah Daniels
2nd May 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

The tension that leaves my body with that hair wash, head massage and the gentle combing/cutting.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Excellent

Julie/Han's Mum Lloyd
27th Apr 2024
Team Member: Hannah
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Hannah is an excellent hair dresser. The salon has such a lovely atmosphere and all the staff make everyone so welcome.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Excellent as usual

Darlene Burgess
26th Apr 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Lois gave excellent service as usual.
Fantastic haircut and she gave good advice regarding future colour treatments.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Lovely stylist

Claire Taylor
23rd Apr 2024
Team Member: Beth
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Really lovely stylist.
New exactly what I wanted and end result was perfect.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Daughter hair cut and styled

shannon byrne
20th Apr 2024
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

We had Lois, she was so so nice, 6 year old loved her hair and felt like a princess after.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Tinsel

Liz Clark
15th Apr 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0
Appointment verified by Salon Manager

Lilly is a excellent hairdresser, always professional and very helpful.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Hair with Lily

Naomi
9th Apr 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0

As always, Lily provided an excellent service. I was making a step out of my comfort zone with my hair today and Lily made me feel comfortable every step of the way. She advised me what steps to take to achieve my hair goal. Such a friendly face and lovely company. I couldn’t recommend her enough!

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

New Style - New me !!

Helen Gregory
30th Mar 2024
Team Member: Roderick
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Was soon put at ease by my stylist & took on board his knowledge, advice & suggestions for my restyle.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Excellent local hair salon

Anonymous
30th Mar 2024
Team Member: Claire
5.0

First visit and will be back.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

best hair experience

Amber Churchill
25th Mar 2024
Team Member: Maddison
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Maddison was amazing, very good for someone who’s only been training for 6 months, such a nice atmosphere and all staff are just lovely! felt like a princess x

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Really good and in

Sam Kelly
19th Mar 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Amazing experience and very helpful

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Great service

Julia
19th Mar 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0

Had Lilly do my hair and she was so lovely and kind. She gave me great advice on how to achieve my hair goals and how to maintain it. I am very pleased with my hair thank you!! X

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

5* Hair Treatment 🌟

Hayley Down
18th Mar 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

I’ve just experienced the most amazing Aveda hair treatment with Lily! The most relaxing head massage and my hair now feels like silk…🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Wash and cut

Julia
16th Mar 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0

Very good and quick. Polite

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

The best!

Olivia Short
15th Mar 2024
Team Member: Sophie
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Sophie is lovely and takes so much care, I always leave the salon with gorgeous long-lasting nails! Thank you xx

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

First class treatment

Gillian Smith
13th Mar 2024
Team Member: Sophie
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Sophie was professional, but very friendly and soon put me at ease visiting the little sanctuary for the first time. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her to family and friends.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Always a wonderful experience

Kate Saker
13th Mar 2024
Team Member: Jemma
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Thank you for the friendly service and very pleasing outcome.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Transformation

Kerry Collins
8th Mar 2024
Team Member: Lilly
5.0

I had an amazing hair transformation today from Lilly. Lilly is very professional and made me feel great. She has amazing tips and ideas for me to use at home. I look forward to my next visit. Thanks so much Lilly.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Thank you

Zoe Staite
8th Mar 2024
Team Member: Sophie
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Had an eyebrow waxing and very happy with how they look. Sophie was very welcoming and friendly! Price was also very reasonable. Thanks again, I will be back 😊

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere

Katie is a cutie

Julie Judd
7th Mar 2024
Team Member: Katie
5.0
Appointment verified by iSalon Software

Katie has not coloured and cut/styled my hair recently and I am so impressed. Excellent advice for my hair options and always so cheerful and professional. As are all the stylists and beauticians.

Service
Value
Result
Cleanliness
Atmosphere