I have a rather pleasant update to my ca-ca review below. While it was a stressful morning due to their unforeseen "emergency" (and I mean stressful for me b/c I had to scramble and figure out what to do, and stressful for them b/c they had to deal with a bunch of clients with last second cancelled appointments) they received my messages and fixed the problem. Jane, the stylist, called me as soon as she arrived to the salon. She had an upcoming appointment but managed to squeeze me in immediately, with minimal inconvenience to her slightly bossy other client.
Jane was super cool. Despite the pandemonium, she was very calm and patient and interested in hearing about what I was hoping to accomplish. After volleying a few ideas, I showed her a photo of a past haircut I felt worked well for me. Alas, she agreed and gave me a very similar cut and style. She was also very informative about what products work best for my type of hair and why, and how I can resolve a couple concerns I had. In the meantime, Cal himself offered me some water and some cheese appetizers. I graciously took the water and opted out on the cheese, though it was quite nice that he offered. He also later apologized for the mixup and gave me a mini-lesson on how a particular treatment works on the hair.
Overall, I was impressed with how they managed the situation. It was not ideal for any of us, and I was afraid it might be awkward. Instead, it was relatively pleasant, my appointment ultimately was only pushed back an hour with a different stylist, and I was rather pleased with the cut. If anything, I left feeling badly that they had to deal with a last second snafu and appreciative that they did it with grace.
I would go here again, mostly b/c Jane gave me a cut that works for my hair and face shape, she listened to my concerns, and she also gave a great treatment that left my hair incredibly shiny and soft.
EARLIER REVIEW (UPDATED ABOVE):
So far my review is CA-CA, and I haven't even stepped foot in the salon as of yet. I had an appointment this morning, and on my way to the salon I got a call "stylist sick, these things happen, maybe she'll be in tomorrow, sorry." For some people, that may work. For me, I'm stuck having to either find another salon, or make my way home, re-shower, re-do makeup and cut my losses on for the weekend - leaving town tomorrow - too late for me, Cal Martini. Boo hoo hoo, I guess, right? But how about "hey, let's see if someone else can squeeze you in today" or anything customer-friendly? No? Actually...no....b/c for 45 minutes, I've tried to reach a person at the salon, and no one answers. Just a machine. Sometimes, the customer is just SOL. And since I pre-paid for this one, I'm definitely SOL b/c I'm already really bummed out about being put in this position. I guess I'm used to more professional client services in other salons. Is this typical of this salon, or did I just happen upon the perfect "drizzle?" Oh, and don't shed tears for me having to wake up an hour early this morning for..squat. I love to lose an hour of sleep, so my face matches the ratty unwashed hair I'm stylin' for at least part of the day. Makes me look like a had a good night of partying, and don't you wish you were me. Good times. And nice to meet ya - Feel better soon! read more