I've been a loyal customer since 2003, which is why this experience was especially disappointing. Unfortunately, the front desk person, Victoria, was not very welcoming when I called to let them know I would arrived about five minutes late due to traffic. Instead of showing understanding, I was questioned on the phone in a way that felt unnecessary and unprofessional. A little more courtesy and flexibility would go along way. That said, the hair stylist, Chloe, completely turned the experience around. She was absolutely wonderful--patient, kind, and very engaging with my 5-year-old during her appointment. She made my child feel comfortable and at ease, which I truly appreciated. Her professionalism and warm personality stood out and made the visit worthwhile. Gladys Johnson read more

It is run like a well oiled machine. Everyone that works there contributes to a great experience!

It was an horrific experience. So I switched salons based on a good friend highly recommend the salon and the colorist Morgan. I'm 48 and experiencing a bit oh graying. I recently went for my 3rd visit and said let's go bag to the original process that she did last summer , after drying my hair and $120+ $40 tip later I thought my eyes were playing tricks it seems I had more Grey than when walking into the salon. Morgan disappeared so I left hoping it would change or I could let it go. My friend seen my hair and was what the hell. She said you call them an have them fix it they have a 2 week policy. So I called and the girl on the phone said " Today would had been 2 weeks, unfortunately we will not be able to help you, but I can schedule you another appointment". I responded, " to pay another $120+tip to have it fixed???", she said, well yeah!!. I replied f$ck the hell I will, click read more

so I went to have my greys tended to and left with the grey looking more noticeable after $120 later. I am one who doesn't like to complain and decided to take it on the chin, but every time I look in the the mirror I get so mad that I had to pay someone $120 to highlight my grey. so a friend who highly recommended the salon said you need to call them to fix it cause it is horrible. so I called just to have the girl on the phone to say you had 2 week to request the fix it , today would had been 2 weeks, unfortunately we will not be able to help you, sorTy but I can schedule an appointment to have it fixed. I said so you expect me to pay to have it fix. She said yes sorry that all we can do for you. I just couldn't fathom paying them to fix their mistake. Hell no but thank you for Taking my money and f$$king my hair up and suggesting to pay to fix it. I'll just go back to my old spot with my tail between my legs pay double at least I'll walk out of there looking right. Thanks but no thanks Morgan read more

Gary Charles & Associates - It's the grey on the sides I walked in there with after it had spread further out through my hair it looks worse in person - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Not sure how this stylist could be a level 3 deva stylist. I haven't had my hair butchered this bad in years!! So bad I had to tell her to stop the cut and that I would be going home to fix it. She was just chopping away at my hair. Came in long, came out shoulder length with super short sides. I should have known better for only $71. And the only reason I'm leaving this review is because she didn't even seem to care that I was clearly not happy with how my hair turned out. Please stay away...go to a real curly hair specialist! read more

Loved my curly cut from Lauren! She was really kind throughout the entire process and talked me through everything she was doing/ explained what products she was using. Definitely will be returning again. read more

I had yelped and follow them on instagram. So, i made an appointment and asked for a balayage.i showed the hairstylist how i wanted my hair she said its $150 and i went for it because of the reviews etc. And my results look horrible! It looks like i did it myself!!!$150 to the trash! Thanks for nothing. read more

My daughter and I spent a mother daughter day here. First time for us, getting pampered and such. It's in our neighborhood, so why not? Walked in and first thing I notice is that they have wine and champagne out on ice "just because" along with cookies...pretty sweet...so I have a little glass while we wait. My daughter grabs a cookie from they tray, and we just sit....and sit....aaaand sit. Out appointment was at 2:00...at 2:45 my daughter is called back, but not me. People keep rolling in. People keep getting called back and then leaving, I'm still sitting there. After another 45 mins, I get up and ask when I'm getting called for my hair. Turns out...they forgot about me. So now they're scrambling to find someone to cut my hair. My daughter is almost done and I havent even started. I. Am. Fuming. They rush me to hair washing, which admittedly was a nice little head massage, then over to a chair. This chick cut my hair super quick, but it wasnt quite even or what I wanted. They really were making up for lost time. When it came time to pay, the woman behind the register tells me normally my daughter would be charged for an adult cut considering her hair texture and length, but they decided to do me a "favor" and put her down as a child. REALLY?! It still came out to over $100...effing robbery... and I refused to tip the girl who did my hair. They get 2 stars from me...one for my kid's hair and one for booze. read more

Gary Charles & Associates - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Hello I am writing this as I have a coworker who recently came to you for a wig. As you were highly reccomended and as you know people who lose there hair are very sensitive from day one this has looked awful she has pleaded with you for help. After spending $900.00 I feel very ripped off and would never reccomend you to anyone. The sevice was horrible and no one at the shop cares about there clients ladies beware!! read more

A little pricey but definitely worth it! I had just had a bad encounter at another salon so I decided to try this salon instead. I walked in just to see what it was like and schedule an appointment but they took me right away without an appointment. The stylist, Mary Beth, was so friendly and helped me figure out exactly what I wanted. Two people offered me a drink, and the whole time the stylist trimmed my hair we had a great conversation! Will definitely be going again and will probably recommend to a friend! read more

The hair styling portion of this salon sucks. The stylist here dont see the need to see your hair dry. Cuts have ZERO detail. No management that I can see. Snooty soccer moms at the front desk. Guess any power in the hands of the low iq gets abused. Currently seeking out a better option for the cut I have wanted for awhile. It's the details that make your cut. Cant be done in 10 min . read more

I have been going here since perms were the rage in the 80's. Luckily, the staff is always forward looking and is up for every trend and new technique! The vibe here is warm and fresh! I'm always made to feel welcome and though I'm loyal to Cathy for my haircuts, I have seen others for blowouts and makeup (thank you, Victoria!) and they do exactly as I ask so I look like my best version of me, which is what true beauty is. Fun and friendly, so accommodating, and a place I always look forward to going. You're in good hands here! read more

I come to Gary Charles often to get my hair cut or highlighted. I used the salon's services to get my hair and makeup done for my wedding. They allowed our party to use the upstairs and have mimosas, pastries, fruit, etc. during the big day. The girls doing our hair and makeup were really nice and friendly and they did a great job. My makeup and hair held up the majority of the night which was great! read more

Love it how some of these reviews are from the people that work there! Ha! Well, here's the deal-This place is way overpriced. I had some guy cut my hair that looked like he was 12. I said over and over and over again~DO Not take a razor to my hair! Did he listen? Nope. I went back to have my hair put into an updo-I even took pictures-The girl had no clue as to what she was doing. We paid a crazy amount of money for something one of my girldfriends could have done. I can't say that the staff was friendly, if I wanted that kind of treatment I would go downtown. Funny how this place is in far Norhteast Philly and they act like it's a high class establishment. It's too expensive for the kind of service they offer. No. I would never go back. read more

Charles tries to make you believe that they are a top notch Philly salon, but let's be serious, not even close. I scheduled an appointment, I sat for 20 minutes before I was seen and then sat for 10 or more minutes waiting for my colorist. The "green house" room I sat in had broken bulbs making it so dark, that I heard the colorist complain (makes you feel Real good sitting in the chair). and then a staff member cleaning around me(wait its 630, way too early to start doing your closing responsibilities) I asked for warmth, and instead I have a bald spot from bleach and no blending. Maybe it was the fact that she was doing 2 people at once and I had to see 3 different people in the process and have to tip each of these people??? My hair looks like a box job gone wrong! Now I have to pay even more to go somewhere else and get it fixed! read more

Kelly f. I couldn't agree with you more! Your exactly right! I went there for a cut and color and left with bleach spots all over my head and a cut that was uneven! I thought maybe when I got home and saw my hair in a different light it would look better, but nope, horrible! I paid $135 for this! A four year old could do a better job!I went back to show them and they were completely rude to me and acted like it was my fault! Do yourself a favor if your thinking about going to Gary Charles don't!!!!! Upscale prices for hair cuttery quality!! read more

Two years later and I'm still a loyal customer! And I DID end up moving to the suburbs about a year ago. Still making the drive! My opinion hasn't changed. Well, actually, I have a bit of a higher opinion because I'm still getting the same quality service and treatment. Kristina and Courtney are still my go-to girls. Not a single complaint to be had; and yes I am still high maintenance with my current yearning for long, platinum locks. I've read some of the more recent reviews for GC and I have to say, I questioned whether or not we were talking about the same salon. I work in a large mental health practice, and when a therapist and client do not click, they are given a new therapist. So why not apply that same principle to your haircare needs? If you admittedly are basing your review on a bad experience with one stylist/colorist/receptionist/whatever, why not try another before condemning the place? I understand having a not-so-pleasant experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth. I saw someone different for a service because one of my regular ladies was out, and it wasn't my favorite day at GC. It was just a blowout, so no damage done. It just wasn't what I'm used to. But I'm not going to take to the internet to bash her because, in all fairness, she doesn't know me or my hair and she knew that I was going back to my old stylist and she was only filling in with me. Maybe our personalities just didn't click. And that's okay. You know why? Because there are at least 10 other stylists to choose from! Luckily, I don't have to make any changes, because my ladies have been with GC for as long as I've been a client (6+ years now). Free life lesson: if you don't like the results of a service you paid for, speak up! Most times, the business will do whatever it can to make amends. This goes for all types of businesses. In the age of Yelpers, no one wants to be the subject of one star reviews. Businesses will generally do what they can to make you a happy, returning customer if you speak to them correctly and voice your concerns. Oh and on a side note, I've never once been force-sold a product. Nor have I heard any of the colorists or stylists around me doing so. They'll tell you what they're using on you, and if you ask they'll give you recommendations. Don't want to spend money on expensive products? Don't. The beauty of free will, ladies and gentlemen! read more

Doesn't derserve a star!!! I used to go here, but are nothing but a rip off and overpriced! My hair stylist left (moved out of state) and going to the new one, she jacked on an additional $15.00 per hair cut. They charge you whatever they want. Avoid Gary Charles!!!!! read more

My stylist cancelled on me last minute and I needed to get my hair done. I had a party the next day and couldn't go with grays (the joys of aging!). In a panic I called my mom and she said, "Call Gary Charles where I go". So I did and they were able to fit me in with no trouble. Now anyone from the Fox Chase area knows GC has been in the neighborhood for years. I was a little nervous it would be a bunch of ladies my mom's age in there getting their hair did but I was quite surprised. The salon looks like it has been recently renovated and is anything but your mother's hair salon. For my hair color I saw Morgan and she was able to give me exactly what I was looking for: a deep base color and natural looking highlights. She was chatty but not too chatty and made me feel very relaxed. After my shampoo I sat with Holly who gave me a nice trim, careful to shape up my layers but not take too much off the length. I thought GC was priced comparably to area salons and left very happy with my cut and color. So happy in fact that I booked my next appointment! It's also worth mentioning the salon offers evening hours which are perfect for those of us who work later some nights. I've found my new spot! read more

I am docking some stars for poor waxing service. I have gone there semi-regularly for brows for 2 years, but the past 2 waxes were awful. I desperately wanted to call and give them a chance to right things, but how? On my last visit my sister-in-law and I had our eyebrows waxed. It was a nightmare. We left bleeding, itchy and more red than ever before. The itching and bumps didn't go away for nearly a week! I used to view them as a quality establishment, but after 2 bad waxes in a row, from different people, I will now go elsewhere. I would also advise you to do the same, at least for waxing. read more

If your looking for a colorist, I have one name for you-HEATHER. She will take your color from drab to fab and the price for a single process is around $30-$50 (if I remember correctly). Add partial highlights and the price is around $80. WAY better than many places. As for hairstylists, the girl I went to left, and the one I have gone to the past few times wasn't that great. I asked for layers and her definition of that was cutting the top portion of my hair one length and the bottom portion another. There was no integration going on. If anyone can recommend a good hair stylist please advise! read more

Up until recently, I had no hair salon loyalty to speak of. However my bestie finally talked me into trying Gary Charles, and now I can't imagine going anywhere else. The last salon I frequented did a nice job, but it took 8+ hours and was crazy expensive. I have none of those complaints at Gary Charles. My hair looks amazing after, at the most, two hours in the chair. I happen to really like the two person set up, where one person colors and the other cuts and styles. For coloring, I have been seeing Holly, and she does an absolutely amazing job. I just got my summer highlights (albeit a bit early!) and have gotten loads of compliments. A few admirers are even giving the salon a try after checking out my new look. It amazes me that it only takes her a fraction of the time it has taken other colorists, and looks every bit as good, if not better. Duffy has been cutting my hair and she does a fabulous job as well. I love that she tells me what will and won't work for my super thin hair, and gives me just what I ask for. She also does extensions which look gorgeous, and I'm seriously considering! The rest of the salon has an upscale feel which I love. They have cute boutique items available for purchase, and carry wonderful hair products as well. I always treat myself to a new product when I get my hair done. I'm absolutely loving this salon and the results I've had thus far! read more

Drove almost an hour to go here. My daughter raved about her hair so I came. Impressed by their ability to hear correctly what I wanted and to then give me the color n cut I wanted. Great with problem issues like thin hair for my daughter and helping me with incoming gray hair. Also everyone was friendly and kind read more

BRIDGET BRADLEY! Two words best haircut.. will definitely be back hun! Place give out little candies can't beat it!! Mind as well join it !!! read more

The staff are super friendly. The salon is cop-esthetic and clean. They have a very versatile list of services and products. They sell everything from jewelry to hair tools. I always have Megan cut my hair and she does an amazing job! read more

I can see I am not the first person to have a very negative experience with this salon. I had my hair and makeup done here for a recent wedding w/ a wedding party. It was an absolute waste of money and time. I was quoted at $85 for hair and makeup and ended up spending $125. We were told to be at the salon with clean hair with very little product in it. This means they will not be washing and blow drying your hair - you did most of the work for them. They spent 10 minutes curling my hair, and the curls fell out 3 hours later. That cost me $75 dollars. The makeup cost made me look like a Casper the Ghost meets Vegas showgirl that cost me $50. Had I known they could charge me extra for using their Clinique makeup, I would have just opened my purse and had them use my own, which I brought just in case. I ended up taking most of it off and redoing it myself. The makeup artists were trying to sell me on their own line of makeup "they make themselves." When I said if it was made in house, they said no. When I asked where it was manufactured and if it was made locally they had absolutely no idea. They put out some cheese and crackers for us while we were waiting which was nice. I assume the extra $40 I was charged on top of my quote covered the Cracker Barrel and Ritz . read more

Beautiful salon and they offer a lot of beauty services. The only strange things to me was, I was the oddball in the room for sure and one of the receptionist ladies was a little too firm with me. I would give the place another shot because I liked it but if I feel "strange again" wouldn't subject myself moving forward. Hairstylist Bridget hooked me up though. I love the way she did my hair. Exactly what I wanted. I would go see her again. read more

This location is not for everyone, my daughter has natural beautiful curly hair, after being there for 5 hours and having them schedule me a second appointment because I never mentioned she had curly hair. I was told she should have came in with her hair washed and straighten. To make matters worst she wanted Hollywood waves on her hair, she even showed them the pics and walked out with somewhat curls on her hair. They put so much spray on her hair it just looked dry and dirty. I would not recommend this location for anyone with curly hair. This was for my daughters junior prom, as a mom I wanted everything to be nothing but perfect and it would have been had we not had this horrible experience. read more

Dude! My hair sucks! Or it used to anyway... Until I discovered the glory of Gary Charles a few years back, my hair and I had never been friends. I've gone to four stylists here: Tony, Joan, Jordan and Kendall. They've all given me AMAZING cuts that work great if i leave my hair curly or blow it out/straighten it. Since the renovation, it may seem even more intimidating, but I assure you this place is staffed with the friendliest people ever! Things to keep in mind: If you've never been here and cost is a factor for you, check with the "level" of stylist you're booking with. the higher the level, the higher the price. (but all well worth it, in my opinion!) Also, they recently stopped allowing you to put additional money for tips on your credit or debit card. They have an ATM now, but it charges a fee, so you may want to make sure you have cash on hand for tipping. Waxing: if your brows need a little help, try going upstairs for a quick fixup. there's hardly ever a wait, so even if it's last minute, you'll be good to go. they do a great job and it's really affordable. if you have sensitive skin or are afraid of walking around with a red face for a while after you leave, ask for the milder wax. Interesting factoid: some of the stylists have stage names. if you're out and about and run into someone who's washed/cut/colored your hair & you yell out to them with no response, don't be offended. it's probably not his/her real name! i found this out a while ago because (sadly) kendall's name isn't really kendall. i thought it was cool to have the same name, but it turns out we don't. they do this to avoid confusion with the tip envelopes. if there are 2 jens who work there, the most recent hire will be asked to pick a stage name to make sure everyone gets the right tips. read more

$44 for just a TRIM WITHOUT BLOWDRY by "Master Stylist" who did not listen to what i asked for. Ridiculous !!!

I'm sure they cut and color well judging from these other review, but I wen't in to just get my hair styled for a wedding and I paid too much for something that i could have just done myself. Although, theire customer service wasn't bad. read more

Monica is always amazing when it comes to color! She is the only colorist I will see there. She always gives me consistent results and listens to what I'm looking for. For cuts I highly recommend Bridget, Kendall or Alyssa. All three are awesome stylists! read more

I've been getting my hair cut here for 4 years or so. I come from DC to see Tony who always gives me a great cut. Sometimes i come in with a picture and other times I just tell him to go crazy and I'm always happy with what I come out with. They've done some renovations lately and the place looks great. I can't speak to color or other services but the place is always bustling. read more

Amazing haircut from Lauren who does the Devacut! Best haircut I've ever had. Wish I had before and after pics bc my hair was an unruly frizzy mess, and now it is so curly and moisturized. Looks and feels so good! I will be back! read more

The salon is out of control. The last several times I had my hair trimmed by their Diva stylist the price changed, BUT NO ONE SAID ANYTHING. When I noticed that it had literally DOUBLED, they said the earlier prices were a mistake. Now they charge $60 for a 5 minute dry trim with no washing or styling. Occasionally I've had to trim to even it out after the Diva cut. They also charge me for more services than I get, WITHOUT EXPLAINING THE BILL ITEMIZATION. When I talked to the manager about this as a courtesy before going online to paste a complaint, she said management wouldn't budge. read more

Kendall was awesome! As an artist, I am super picky with my hair but Kendall did such a great job; I loved how my hair turned out!

Let me start by saying that I have been to Gary Charles only a few times just for blow outs. I went in there today to get my bangs trimmed because I did not have the time to travel go to my stylist so I called and scheduled an appt with Joan. She walked out and yells BANG TRIM? Didn't even introduce herself. That should have been the 1 red flag. She sits me down I part my hair for her and she begins to cut my bangs. She takes them above my eyebrows . I have side bangs and my hair is long with layers. They are not even blended I have bangs and just a harsh line. My bangs were down to my chin when I walked in there and now they are up to my eyebrows. I was told she has been a stylist for 35 years. I cant even pull them back into a pony without putting pins and hairspray in my hair. HORRIBLE just absolutely HORRIBLE and the icing on the cake is I start a new position at work in 2 weeks . Yea its hair, and yes it does grow back however I will never ever go back to that place . Top notch salon? My ass! She was rude and didn't even hold a consultation with me as new client. The girls at the front desk were extremely understanding and I didn't have to pay but that is the ONLY good thing about this place. So many red flags and I ignored them. Joan you should have your scissors taken away from you. You need 35 more years of training and should have your license burned. read more

I have been going to Gary Charles for years and I love the stylists. Kendal does my hair cuts and she listens to what I want, and also tells me what she thinks will work best for my hair and my face. I have never had a bad hair cut from her. Gina does my color, and she has great energy and has good suggestions, but also listens to what I WANT. Which is what I need in a stylist. read more

The staff is so RUDE ! I felt so uncomfortable I walked out before my appointment even started.

I just got back from getting color done by Christina - she was wonderful! I came in with a picture of what I wanted, noting a slight change and asking for her opinion. She recommended something a bit different based on my skin tone and it turned out perfect. I loved that she took a consultative approach - I've found that so many stylists don't have much to offer there, and are sometimes timid about sharing their thoughts for fear they will scare you off or something. She made me feel comfortable and that I could trust her thoughts. I was in and out in about an hour, and the pricing was very reasonable. Good stuff - will definitely go back when a touch up is needed. read more