SMH I can't help but feel like I've been had whenever I think of this place and my experience with…read moreTasha, the stylist/daughter of the owner.
I went there through a deal from RI Monthly: $30 Hair Cut, Treatment, Scalp Massage, Blowout & Style. Sounds great! Well, never again will I sacrifice my hair for the lure of a deal unless I read of good reviews on a place. Shame on me, being a Yelper at that.
Anyhoo, I called 3X over a period of 1.5 weeks, leaving voice mails to set up an appointment. At one point, I even expressed fear in my message over this place already being closed for business. Laugh not. This has happened several times with a few of the other deals I've bought.
Finally I get a call back from Tasha herself who sounded very nice and accommodating. She had no problems booking me on a weekday at 10AM after my DMV appointment. Fabulous.
On the day of, I realized I was running 15 mins. late so I called for a heads up, prepared that I would have to be re-scheduled. This I can respect. You can imagine how appreciative I was that she said it was all right and not to worry.
I arrived at the place which is located in a residential neighborhood. It looked like it's been there a while. Had to search for parking. I see Tasha taking care of a teenage client (more like standing by as the latter was drying her hair the way she wants). Red flag.
She gets to me and starts a friendly chat. I did note the lady in perm while Tasha 'took care' of me. She's been involved in this place for about 5 years now, she says. and has decided to participate in the RI Monthly deal to get fresh clients in. The salon itself has been in this location over 15 years as owned by her mother -- Cheryl Ann.
First awful part: I have layered hair. She commented on my cut being uneven at the back and proceeded to convince me that she just needs to trim and make them even so she does a regular cut. She obviously didn't know how to handle layers well because before I can even say "no razor", she uses it to "fringe" my hair on the sides. Razor thinning and layering is great for short hair. My hair is about 5 inches below the shoulder. I've had layered hair for over 20 years and whenever someone razors it (the lazy cut, I call it), nothing good comes out of it. The edges stick and dry out. This is how I know the stylist is not great at layered hair. When s/he cannot use scissors to angle, texture and shape -- that is BAD.
Second awful part: She dries my hair and I wonder what happened to my treatment. There was no "styling"; it was just drying and then a straightening iron on the sides which made my hair so flat. After all was said and done and I asked about the treatment, she told me I was in a hurry. Wait...what? It's my fault? Besides, she has a customer in perm waiting to be rinsed.
Note: She never asked me! At no time did she say that because I was running late, she'd have to hold off on the treatment which I would've understood. Anyway, I still tipped her and she tells me that I can come back anytime for it.
I left not being happy with the cut and feeling misled. I slept on whether I'd go back or not (that treatment is probably worth just $10-15). I emailed RI Monthly -- 3X, for assistance and not necessarily a refund. (RI Monthly does not have any Customer Service, just FYI - but that's another review!) When RI Monthly finally responds, they basically said I am on my own as this place has already been prepaid for the deal. So they do not vet their merchants!
I reached out to Tasha for the treatment -- had to do this 2X before she responds -- just to see what she has to say. She tells me I can come in for the treatment but she'll have to charge me $25 for shampoo and blow dry. If no blow dry, less $10. Or, I can come in for another hair cut and get the treatment free. Her regular hair cut service costs $35.00.
Hmm...did I not just pay $30 for the deal with treatment? So that means, I did not really get a deal but $10 off if I had that treatment, if my Math is correct.
Bottom-line: Nope, not coming back. Place looks old and needs to be spruced up. Neighborhood is not so great. Hairstylist is like one of those walk in $12 and up salons whose stylists need an upgrade in skills. $35? For that kind of cut? Seriously.
I say go and take a risk if you dare. I did and I regret it.