So I came here on a Groupon. I've heard about them from a friend before for an event they had with Craft, but I am not keen on driving out of my neighborhood unless I really need to, but hey, I had a Groupon already, so I said what the heck.
First off, it's ok to park on the street on either side (Dunlavy) as long as it's before Fairview, I was told. (I was just worried from a towing incident I had before where my husband didn't see the no-parking sign...aah) I also realized too late that they have a parking lot at the back, but you have to turn on Fairview to see it, FYI. I also like that since they're on Dunlavy not far from the cafe Brasil and Domy Books, so if my husband is having a cut done, I can just pop by there and wait. There's also a fixed gear bike shop next door, so that's another thing to look at.
Based on Yelp reviews, I went with the stylist Austin. There are good reviews for Cara (of course!), Lola and Dakota too, but I'm not sure Dakota works here anymore. I will say right now that Austin works well, is charming and is speedy, which is an awesome combo! Plus when he was done working on me, I felt like a bombshell with my sexy hair and strutted to my car accordingly: that's a priceless feeling I'll pay for!
Their service right from the get-go was great, very welcoming and I was immediately put at ease: I didn't feel judged at all. The layout is a flat expanse of concrete, with a sofa area in the middle. Since I was rushing, I went straight ahead to my appointment, but I will keep this is mind for next time. The magazines are also located in this area, but their magazines are a bit more...esoteric...than the usual People magazine. So you'll have the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Glamour, some hair style magazines...I do like reading trashy magazines at the salon, though! Oh well. They offer beverages, too, so maybe next time.
The color and cut themselves were done very well, and it was fun talking to Austin, which is a welcome contrast to my stylist from the other salon who though efficient is quite cold! He recommended a few products after from Kevin Murphy, and ok they were a bit pricy ($25 for shampoo!), but hey, if it works...
The only thing I didn't really like was the bathroom. It's pretty clean and very neat, though there was water on the floor by the toilet and the air smelled chemical-y. At least it wasn't worse than that, but still.
I like another salon besides this one, but this is definitely another option to consider and most possibly come back to.
Also, Groupon users, please remember the policy of tipping for the regular price, not Groupon price! Sure we paid $99, but the real value was for about $200, so tip accordingly, and make good relationships with your stylist who just spent 2 hours making you look good! I think that's just fair :) read more