I really enjoyed my experience at Alora! I saw they had good ratings, and I really wanted to get a haircut and a treatment before the next month, since I needed low maintenance hair. I got a Brazilian Blowout, which can be more of a challenging service, and they did a great job. The salon's vibe is quite calm and they didn't make me engage in any conversation more than I wanted to, since I really prefer to relax quietly at salons.
I believe I had Elizabeth and the salon owner (?) and they worked on me at the same time, so I was out of there really quickly. I wish I had been warned before sitting down that I'd have two stylists, since the Brazilian is an hourly cost appointment, but they worked quickly and efficiently and it actually cost just about what I pay at any other salon for the same service, and I got out within 2 hours, so I have no complaints.
I visit salons a lot and appreciated the cleanliness of the salon, and got a wonderful haircut, but I will say that I did feel slightly judged about the hair I came in with. I did my last haircut myself, due to my old stylist moving, and both stylists gave me slack for doing it myself, even though I was quite upfront about the poor haircut quality, and it didn't really make me feel very good about myself. I do understand that it made my hair harder to work with, and I appreciate them having the time for a trim, but I've had a lot of hair stylists show more grace and understanding of the financial times we live in.
That being said, I really enjoyed the experience overall and have made several appointments for nonhair services, too, since the haircut went so well and since I love that this is a full service salon and everything can be done in house.
As it's been a week or two since the Brazilian, I can say it is holding up wonderfully and is everything I asked for and more!
UPDATE: Mickie is, perhaps, my favorite nail artist of all time. I've seen probably 100 nail artists and over 50 shops, but Mickie did the most PERFECT job on my builder gel set. I have never had such clean cuticles or had someone pay that much attention to detail, as well as continually making sure I liked the shape and style of the french. She was so helpful in picking out colors and styles and I will continue to come back as long as Mickie is doing my nails.
She also completed a Lash Lift and Tint, and it was great! read more