This is a really fantastic hair salon. I see Krystal, because when I was looking for a new hairdresser (last fall) BossArts had great reviews, and they had a special for Krystal where you got a free haircut with a colour. I'm guessing she's pretty new there and maybe needed to build up her client list, but trust me, the discount wasn't because she isn't good!
Krystal is really excellent. Also funny, friendly, and stylish! I basically have no idea what to do with my hair, and she a) gently advised a darker shade than I went in asking for, because I didn't realize what my natural hair colour actually is, and she was totally right, and b) gave me an AMAZING cut with pretty much no guidance from me. Not knowing how to verbalize what I want has been a problem in lesser salons, not so with Krystal. She really balances the need to tell the client the truth with respecting the client's desires - when I tentatively said she should cut my hair straight across (like my last hairdresser advised, because of thin hair), she mentioned that she thought long layers would help my volume problem more, and again, she was so right!
I also find that she only upsells products that I actually need - she doesn't try to talk me into hairspray that she knows I won't use, but did advise I get the conditioning treatment ($20) which was maybe the best $20 I've ever spent on my hair, it was a great idea. Also, she had a lot of advice for thin hair, and is the only hairdresser I've *ever* had who offered to teach me how to do my hair while she was styling it. She explained how to tease my hair properly, and when I forgot between appointments, explained it again! She has also offered to teach me how to do other things with my hair if I come in for a wash and blow dry sometime, which is really sweet.
Extra pros:
- WINE. You get a glass (or maybe two!) of free wine during your appointment, as long as it's past 11 or so
- Complimentary hand soak while your colour is setting - they give you a bowl of warm water with salts in it, and smooth stones, and I love that part!
- They have this raised bed thing, so when you get your hair washed you're actually lying down. It's kind of awkward (and the ceiling there needs some serious repair) but it feels great, much more comfortable than the weird angle you usually have to tilt to get your hair washed at a salon. (Update: They fixed the ceiling!)
- Scalp massage!
All of those things make a trip to BossArts feel like a spa visit.
Last points: I LOVE that you can book online - on the website you fill out your availability and preferred stylist, and get an email from the receptionist pretty quickly with an opening. I find it really helpful on a busy day when I just don't want to/have time to make the phone call, but also having a record of the appointment is helpful later on.
Also, re: the wine, I don't think they always offer it up front - I am usually offered water, coffee, or tea by the person who takes my coat, and Krystal will be the one to offer me wine. So, be patient, your glass of wine is coming! They may delay offering it because honestly, they may want to talk to you about your desires/expectations before you have a drink... :) or it might depend on the time of day.
So, all things said and done, this is on the pricey end of general salon services, but I think it's priced accurately for the service, assuming a generous tip. This is the most expensive salon I've gone to (as a student) but you really see the value. Always tip your stylist! read more