I would like to give it a 2.5, however, we all know the scoring criteria....
I have been going to Carrie'l about a year now. My companion got me a significant Gift Certificate as he goes here for his massage. Truth be told, he is quite happy with the service he receives and feels that the person who does it is very good.
In my case, I go for my hair. I get it cut whenever I have time to go, so, no I don't automatically reschedule every 8 weeks like clockwork. When I first went and at the end I was asked, the person doing my hair quickly answered for me "no, she will make her own appointment" to the person at the desk. I have to admit, I wasn't sure how to take it and so I jokingly (but it is true) given my work schedule, I cannot commit 8 weeks in advance to get my haircut. This went without incident the first time, so I though, but now when I go I go through it almost every time when I leave that someone assumes that I'll be rescheduling for my next cut in 8 weeks and I need to say "no, I'll call in". In having to do this, it bothers me a bit as I have noticed that there is an almost "whatever" kind of attitude or a "oh, she is one of those" ...I could be imagining it and am over sensitive....boh, not sure.
What I haven't been crazy about is the fact that I have had to always check the sides of my hair when I get home and unfortunately had to fix it myself at least 1/3 of the time since going there. That is, literally trim it so the sides match, despite the fact that I often ask there and most times the person that does my hair does check.... That is, when she isn't in a hurry. And this is where I feel my critique kicks in. Maybe it is because I have the gift certificate and use it exclusively for my haircut or perhaps because I like to try to go in on Tuesdays (they offer 10% discount if you book on this day), I am not sure...all I do know is that I feel like perhaps I am not considered a "real" client more times than not. The person that does my hair is perfectly pleasant and does inform me of the products she is using on my hair, ect. She also makes small conversation to which I do participate. However, it doesn't lessen the feeling I have sometimes that she would rather get to the next client quicker than double (or yes, triple check) that the sides of my hair match. This last time, there was a considerable difference and once I got home I had to trim more than I ever have.
Some of you may be asking, "Why not just go back and get it taken care of?" In a word.....convenience. I already have trouble carving out the time to go and get my haircut (I work in the North End and don't get home until after 6pm) and given that, how many of you would have the will and time to call in to say, "Hi there, I would like to come in to get my hair 'corrected' since one side is longer than the other." Meanwhile, I have already left a 10-20% tip (yes, it does vary depending on the quality of my whole experience) for the original appointment.
I realize that everyone's experience is different and yes, it IS a relationship you do create with your stylist. I guess I am waiting for that to happen since I don't know how long you have to be going somewhere to feel like they realize you are a "real" client and not some "fly by night" person coming in for the sake of convenience.
Will I be returning? I am hoping to.... Hopefully, this review won't impact my next cut.... I guess we shall see ;-) read more