I have been getting my hair done by Tad for over 15 years...my kids have grown up in his various salon locations, through the transition from Way Cool to Hair Pollution. The first thing I noticed with my first cut and style: I felt beautiful. The second thing I noticed: I hardly had to "do" my hair the next morning and it still looked SO GOOD. Third: OMG, I could actually make my hair look good MYSELF (not as good as Tad and his magic fingers, but until I can figure out a way to take my head off my shoulders when styling it myself, I'm happy); for the first time in my life I saw pictures of me and actually was pleased with how my hair looked. Fourth: head massage...if I die in that chair, I will die a happy woman. Fifth: My hair is so, so soft and silky when I leave Tad! As time went on, I continued to be a completely satisfied customer. I have always loved that Tad will do what I want, but my philosophy has typically been, "You're the hair expert...YOU figure out what will make me look good." And he does. Even when I'm going straight home to the couch after my appointment, he does it all the way...there's no way to not love it. I moved across the country for five years several years ago, and one of the best parts about moving back home was regular appointments with Tad. Even when I lived in New York, I made sure I saw Tad EVERY time I came home for a visit. I can't count how many stylists I went to back East, and none of them could measure up. I should also mention that although I'm loyal to Tad, his training process for his employees is quite vigorous. Before they are allowed to touch a client's head, they start out by sweeping the floors and answering the phones. They have to practice on him before he'll allow them to shampoo customers. They go to hair shows in New York and Europe. It's important to him that they ALL--him included--continue to learn new techniques, styles and trends. Finally, if you aren't the hippest person, don't let the comments about what a cool, artsy vibe this place has scare you off. I am probably the oldest, least cool 44-year-old you could ever meet, and my teenage daughter is a nerd to the nth degree, and we both love the place. Going there on a Saturday afternoon is like therapy...you can just be who you are. Everyone is friendly and easygoing, there's always music, and you can write on the walls of the bathroom with chalk. What more could you ask for? read more

So let me start out by saying this is the first time I have ever written a review on here which pretty much means this place has to be an amazing one of a kind type of place. Anyways I just recently moved to Phoenix, AZ from Los Angeles, CA back in July of this year. I am always so hesitant to go to a new hair artist (and yes artist is the right word to use in this case) because I have had some horror stories. I lived in Fresno for 5 years before I started to go to someone there instead of making the trip down south to LA. Anyways making the trip to LA is a whole lot harder now so needless to say I couldn't put it off for 5 years again. I called Hair Pollution and they asked what I was looking for and set me up with a consultation with Ginger first to make sure it was a good fit before they started hacking away at my hair. To me that was a good sign from the start. They got it right the first time around. Ginger is fantastic and truly is an artist. I don't have the craziest or funnest hair but I do like to change it up but am constantly hesitant and full of fears. She listened to me babble on and was able to make a recommendation that was perfect for me. Ginger also did a dry cut which I am not use to but was fantastic because you are able to see the results right away and know exactly what she is doing. I have now gone back to her three times and she just keeps getting better! I would HIGHLY recommend Ginger to anyone. My sister even started out seeing another stylist but has made the switch to Ginger. Seriously check her out! Plus you can not beat the prices. Hair Pollution is super fair, trust me, for the service you get LA would be charging MUCH more! read more

What a mess! I dropped by this salon at the behest of my brother. (I'm visitng from SoCal). He had heard of the salon and said it was probably as you get in Phoenix. After reading the reviews I agreed to an afternoon at the salon. Let me tell you about my experience at salon Hair Pollution. Let me run down the high points - 1. Place smelled funny. Kind of like someone was cooking something in the back room. I later found out it was to- go food one of the stylists was eating, with her fingers, WHILE coloring someone's hair! . 2. Noisy. (I can deal with that) 3. Inappropriate behavior by stylists. The person who was working on my hair kept running to the back room every 10 minutes. They also used their cell phone while actually cutting my hair. The banter between the stylists was sleazy, (Not interesting kind of sleazy, but descriptions of bathroom and glory hole behavior. I really could have been spared the details about the stylist's genitilia). 4. Weird outbursts by one of the people I assume was running the place. Kinda of fun to watch. Person was either really hung over and touchie or suffering from Tourettes. 5. Crap haircut. (I actually had to have my brother fix the mess.) I walked out of there looking like some Flock of Seagulls groupie. 4. Price. It would have been reasonable if the stylist had actually paid attention to what was going on. I can get the same quality cut at a barber college and not have to deal with the attitude. 5. Nice decor! Give them two thumbs up for this. Go at your own risk. This was my experience. Perhaps you will have a better experience. read more

I made an appointment with Hair Pollution after reading the reviews on here. I had been growing out a short pixie cut that I had grown bored with for eight months and I was in DESPERATE need of a trim/shape-up. I requested Amber (after reading the previous review!) and I could not be more pleased with my experience! Amber is incredibly friendly and welcoming and such a good listener. She looked at my pictures, listened to all my wants and concerns and even asked relevant questions to (what I'm guessing?) better her understanding of what I wanted. And the best, most surprising part, is that she actually took note of the growth patterns in my hair - such attention to detail. She worked fast while my hair was wet (with no awkward small talk - she's really easy to talk to!) and worked so skillfully by going through and putting in the final touches. I'm always anxious before going into a hair appointment, but I got exactly what I wanted and I will be going back to Amber. Bonus - she offers free bang trims. And as for the rest of the salon, such great vibes. The walls are covered in graffiti, there's beautiful art hung up, and a cute vintage clothing section to peruse. There was also skilled stylists working on some really cool things - undercuts with designs, dreads. Made my cut seem ultra-boring in comparison. But it was fun to witness and a testament that this place can do it all! read more

Ok, let's not "beat around the bush" here..... This salon is uh...maze...ing!!! I have always had long, straight one length hair and I decided it was time to make a change. By change, I mean a drastic one. I am not one to get my hair cut often as I love my long hair, however it was time to do something different. Since I didn't have a specific salon that I went to I decided to research salons on yelp. This is where I found Hair Pollution and decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did! When I came in I was greeted right away, told the receptionist what I wanted and the stylist standing behind her jumped in and said are you ready now? With pictures in hand of what I wanted Eddie was able to cut my long boring hair to a funky short faux hawk kinda style. I absolutely love my hair and Eddie. He is so professional and listens to what you want, I was so nervous about cutting my hair short, but Eddie made the experience a good one and the compliments just keep coming. People that don't even know my hair was long tell me they love my hair style. If you are looking for a great salon, this is it! read more

I've lived in the valley for about 5 years and haven't been able to find a good salon anywhere. Until I found Hair Pollution! I called in and told her what I wanted and was matched up with Jaelen and I'm so happy I was! I recently went through a breakup so I was ready for a change. Its not so easy going from blonde to red but I was in for the challenge if Jaelen was.. and it looks so good! She refreshed my layers and helped my self-trimmed bangs and set to work, doing a fabulous blend of reds into blonde (I wanted to keep the blonde at the tips). The place had a cool vibe and the whole experience was awesome. When the color was done processing we rinsed and we could tell that the red wasn't as dark as I had wanted. I blame the years of processing my hair to a lighter blonde. I liked it, but we weren't 100% happy so we decided to do a re-do a few days later and now my hair is perfect! Jaelen was professional and sweet just great! I definitely recommend her! It has been a few weeks and I still love the red! I'll definitely be back! read more

MAKE SURE SHAUN DOES YOUR HAIR!!!! Not only is he an incredibly talented stylist, but he is also a really awesome person...and who doesn't love looking forward to a session with their stylist? I'm always getting my hair cut some someone different, and relocating always makes it even harder...you groupon, etc., but you never know what you are going to get. Now, it's Shaun all the way...thank goodness! I wear my hair short, a-line, and am pretty flexible with style and cute, etc. I was so impressed by the fact that Shaun cut my hair dry. This really helped him cut specifically to my hair...cowlicks and all! This may sound really random but I never usually like the left side of my hair because it always did something weird (cowlicks). Well, no more, my friend! Shaun totally gave me the total hair cut that I've always wanted! In other words, get your hair cut by Shaun! He is off the charts creative, and also very passionate about what he does. You will get compliments galore...and who doesn't LOVE that??? read more

I am excited to give my first Yelp review about Way Cool Hair Pollution. Way Cool Hair is such a fantastic place. To the modern art that hangs on the walls, to the salon's amazing decor, and the talented stylists that work there. From the moment you walk in the door, you enter into a world of creativity. I have never been to a salon that shows movies from a projector onto a roof of a car! Not to mention the DJ on Saturdays that makes you want to move in your seat the entire time you are getting your hair done. I have a fantastic stylist named Chris Phillips who I can not say enough about. The time and careful concern he puts into my hair makes me feel very comfortable. I have been so happy with the outcome, and my hair looks fantastic. Chris is very accomplished, and is consistently working on creating new trends and styles that work for every client. I have finally found a salon, and a color/cut specialist who listens and works magic with hair. Way Cool Hair Pollution is "as good as it gets!" read more

This is my first review on Yelp because everyone must know how awesome Way Cool Hair Pollution is.....the salon has great ambiance and is a rare find in Phoenix, you must see it for yourself, very hip and cool. The salon supports local artists and has a projector that shows movies for you to watch while you are getting your hair done! Did I happen to mention that there is a DJ on Saturdays!!! The staff is also very helpful and professional. My stylist is Chris Phillips. I can't say enough about him. He is the best! I have lived in Phoenix for 6 years and seen many different hair stylists. My friend recommended him and now I would NEVER go anywhere else. Chris is a color expert, he takes his time, listens to what you want done and is very passionate about his work! I love the way my hair looks every time I leave. I get a ton of compliments on the way my hair so I make sure to refer them to Chris:) read more

I went in to get the easiest hair style to get... A mohawk... The chick says "Oh my first haircut was a mohawk, I can do those no problem"... She finishes up and from what I can see it looks good... I get home and everybody is telling me that it's crooked and that there's a patch on one side. I go check it out in a mirror and sure enough it was crooked with and there was like a patch... Aparently she had done a good job at hiding her screw up. Fortunately I was able to fix it on my own with some clippers, a wall mirror and a small hand mirror (not the esiest thing to do) but I did a better job than she did and she's supposed to be the professional... Never going there again and surely dont recomend anybody going there. If you do end up going there then AVOID "Amber" the chick with the bright red hair. She'll mess your hair up. read more

I LOVE THIS SALON! A couple years ago, I was looking for a new place to get my hair did. My friend recommended Tad Caldwell @ Hair Pollution. WOW! The place is crazy urban cool. And Tad is clearly the most creative and skilled stylist ever to cut my precious locks. I'm one of those neurotic/obsessive guys when it comes to my hair. Tad is so thorough, so detailed, I can't ever find a problem to whine about. He knows what my style will look like before he begins. And his techniques are flawless. The way he texturizes is madness. Making my fine limp hair look great is no small feat! Love this guy. LOVE THIS SALON! Five out of FIVE STARS! Did I mention they also have the best products? Call ahead, though, they are booked up! read more

Hair Pollution is seriously the coolest place to get your hair cut/colored/dreaded, eyebrows waxed and even peruse through some vintage threads. Ginger Luke is my stylist and I don't think I'll ever be leaving her as long as we're both in Phoenix. She regularly cuts and colors my hair and it's been a super experience. She really knows her craft, has great skills and she's not afraid in experimenting with colors. She wasn't with me anyway, but that's exactly what I asked for. I think the coolest part about her is that she's her own client and I've never seen the same hair style or color on her every time I see her! She definitely knows her stuff when it comes to modern cuts, color and style - HIGHLY recommended! read more

ShaunZ has cut my hair several times now, and I am always pumped when I leave. He has a really calm manner, making you feel super relaxed. He's awesome about making you feel special--he's totally present with you while you're in his chair. He styles my hair better than I do, which I cannot say for any other stylist I have been to (I always want to fix how it's blown out or curled when I leave). He is also great about doing exactly what you ask for, even if you're totally vague and leave it up to him. He knows how to suggest things without being pushy, and his suggestions always turn out to be really flattering to your face shape and general style. Definitely ask for ShaunZ--he's a great guy and you won't regret it! read more

Most of the time I cut my own hair because I end up hating it after I go to a salon because no one understands what i want. Not anymore! Not only did the stylist Sierra give me the exact cut I described/wanted, she massaged my head during the wash which was soooo nice and relaxing (you think this would be normal when you are paying to have someone cut your hair..but obviously its a good customer service thing). Also she didn't insist that i needed to cut "just 4 little inches off" in order to make it look healthy, she put some silky soft deep conditioner in, and chose the cut so the the natural wave of my hair looks great with just an air-dry. 5 stars! Seriously though I'd go back just for that head massage... read more

This salon absolutely rocks- from the moment i walked in, i was captivated by the brilliant decor and the energy- chill, but with creativity pouring out of every inch of the place. My stylist was the amazing Sophie who did such a brilliant job on my very hard-to-cut hair- she listened attentively to everything i said during our consult and the result was a perfect short asymmetrical cut of the likes i haven't been so excited about in ages. It's been so long since i can say i've finally found a hair home and a perma-stylist at last, and i am so excited. Definitely loved the salon, loved Sophie and looooove my hair. read more

Shaunz is an amazing stylist and super cool guy! He recently cut my hair and retouched my layers. My hair now looks amazing no matter what I do with it - up, down, straight, curly! Not to mention, Shaunz is one of the most easy-going and caring stylists I've ever met! He really wants to get to know you as a person, not just your hair. Go see Shaunz! You won't regret it! :) Hair Pollution itself is also just a really cool place in general. I just went there last weekend for a fundraiser they held for the homeless. I'm all about supporting local business, especially local business that supports the community! read more

I recently had my hair cut and styled by jaelen and I was so pleased with how well she did my hair I wont go to anyone else from now on. My hair is very very long and I'm very particular with who can and can not cut My hair. I feel like most stylist pressure me to "chop" it off. Jaelen never did that at all, in fact she complemented my long hair many times. She is very professional, funny, charismatic, just like one of the girlfriends! The shop it's self it's like no other I've ever seen. Very different and personalized. Price was great. All-in-all. The best experience I've ever had at a salon. read more

Shaunz hooked it up like no one else. I was in town for a family affair and needed a trim. I wasn't quite sure what I was looking for but I knew I needed a new style, the whole Into The Wild look was getting old. After talking for a bit and showing me some hip men's styles he finally convinced me to take a chance and go for something new. What can I say? It was one of the best cuts I've ever gotten and he couldn't have been a nicer dude, so down to earth and hilarious! If I'm ever back in town I'll be stopping in to see him again, maybe even get a little date...eh? EH?! read more

This review is for Ginger Luke. I moved to AZ six months ago and had trouble finding a hair stylist who I trusted and did great hair (I went to Downtown Phoenix Salon prior...no bueno). Thank goodness for Ginger! She is sensitive to the needs of her clients, does great hair (and eyebrows), and is a blast to hang out. I would 100% recommend her. She is very versatile. She dyed my sister's hair blonde (from dark brown) one day and shaved and colored my mohawk the next. I love her and will not go anywhere else...ever. Go to her! You will not be disappointed. read more