A great cut, a comfortable atmosphere at a reasonable price.
Pros:
-while the salon looks pristine and intimidating, everyone is super nice and friendly and is not at all snobby; the clientele varies from young hip girls to senior citizens and men of all ages
-there are a ton of stylists, so I'm sure there's someone for everyone's tastes and they seem to do a good job of matching a stylist to your needs
-a nice array of Aveda products, including sample sizes and they in no way pressure you to buy anything... the stylist doesn't even "recommend" anything she uses unless you ask her (the products I have purchased were a little on the pricey side but worked really well... and I knew they would since I had already "used" them when they stylists applied them). I'm pretty certain they will let you test anything though.
-the hair-washing station is very comfortable (the sinks at most places are awkwardly placed, but they're great here), as are the chairs
-they serve you tea/coffee while you wait (which is very rarely more than a few minutes)
-very easy to book appointments and they call you to remind you
-wide variety of services offered (nails, facials, waxing, makeup), even though I've only gone for a haircut
-they keep a good, detailed file on you so they can tell what worked before or what colour they used, etc which is helpful if you have to see someone new too
-easy, free parking
-very quiet on Mondays if you don't like a crowd
-some extended hours (up to 8:30) and even open Sundays
-you get a nice, basic scalp and neck massage while getting your hair cut
-They emailed me a coupon for 20% off if I book for the coming Monday or Tuesday and even though I had already had an appointment booked for the Monday, they still honored the coupon! They even give you a discount if you like their FaceBook page or follow them on Instagram!
-Tara is amazing! I don't have to tell her what kind of a cut I want, she just goes for it (with some basic guidelines, of course) and does a great job every time, especially making sure the cut is easy to maintain (and in no way judges that I am so delinquent in getting my hair cut!) and style at home (she gives you great tips). Her layers are not at all choppy and she does a great job styling it. She is very friendly, relaxed, but works efficiently. I cannot say enough good things about her.
-Maggie is great too. I see her when Tara is not available and while she doesn't do quite a good job on my hair (personally), she still does a lovely job. She is also very friendly and easy going. Her haircuts are much quicker and I have a bit more trouble "recreating" them at home. She charges the same amount as Tara, but I find I don't get exactly quite the "value".
Cons:
-Unfortunately Tara works limited hours and books up quickly, so you have to make an appointment a couple weeks in advance (not really a con, just an warning), but there is always someone else available and they try their best to fit you in.
-It is one long room and on busy Saturdays feels a little cramped, noisy.
-I've only ever had one mediocre haircut, when both Tara and Maggie were gone, but its hard to know if that's just a fluke and even then it wasn't terrible, just not great
-a little on the pricey side for what I was used to ($55 for a hair cut) but if you can afford it, its worth it for the convenient location, good service and great cut
I came here because it was close to my home and looked nice, took a gamble and booked with the person they recommended (Tara) and WON! That was years ago and I've been going back since! read more