This salon came highly recommended from 2 friends. Maybe this was a fluke, but you decide. Read on if you have the time -
It pains me to write this but I can't remember when I've had a worse experience. It started when I arrived and they were running behind. It happens. I wasn't in a huge hurry. As I sat waiting, my eyes began to water and my throat and lungs burned. That's when I noticed 1 of the stylists was doing a Brazilian keratin treatment in the small salon. Door open, one lone fan, clearly inadequate ventilation. In retrospect I should have asked if they do that treatment but I honestly thought this was a trend that was over. It never occurred to me. I waited outside but when they were ready for me, the treatment was still happening. To their credit, they did accommodate me with an appointment later in the afternoon.
When I got back the particulates were still in the air and they gave me a damp towel to use as a filter. Luckily by the time they were finishing it was mostly gone. But then someone came in for another treatment, they said "We need you to wait. SHE's allergic." pointing at me. (thanks, lady)
From there the stylist foiled my hair, even the under part of the back where sun would never hit. Why? No idea. She said she was avoiding my ends but they came out whiter (greyer) than before too. While she was finishing my color she found out one of her assistants had to leave for a funeral. This infuriated her and she let everyone in the salon know it. Part of the problem was she'd have to blow out my hair herself. I told her it wasn't necessary because it really wasn't and also I didn't want her to do it. She insisted.
The foils came out and the assistant put on a glaze. From there, the stylist cut me so fast I couldn't imagine how it was possible to get a decent cut. Imagine Edward Scissorhands in a bad mood. I asked for a trim, she took off close to 3". And if you've never had an angry, rushed person cut your hair and give you a blowdry, I highly don't recommend it.
When she finished the cut she began the blowdry. I asked for a heat protectant and they had to search the entire salon to find one. (Really, they don't use it?) At this point I was dying to get out of there and just said fine, do it. They did find one but she told me it was useless.
I could tell that my hair was a) much lighter than I wanted and b) had a greenish cast. Further, the cut she gave me was like an old lady style - no style really. And she blew it out like the secretary of the junior league - very big and curled up ends. (srsly WTF?) Also the air stream often blew the cuticle up resulting in frizz which I have to work against anyway. At this point I wanted to throw it up in a ponytail and see if I could make something out of it at home. I was hopeful that it looked green because of the lighting and really didn't want to be there another minute.
I got to the counter and offered my credit card to be told they only accept cash. THINGS YOU COULD HAVE TOLD ME WHEN I MADE MY APPOINTMENT. Hi! Who doesn't take cc? And I told them I was new when I made the appt. So I had to write a check (can't remember the last time I wrote a check for anything but bills). In my haste I miscalculated the math and ended up leaving a 35% tip (yes, I'm still kicking myself).
I could tell in the car that it was a disaster. So now I'm a day away from traveling to a destination wedding and I'm considering wearing a hat. That said, if you have grey hair and you like a traditional style, this may be the place for you. read more
