I should have written this years ago, a salon like this shouldn't stand here in the corner with two stars. It is a lovely establishment hidden away on the border of Lakewood and Shore way. It's rather small but vey cozy building which shines from inside with the kindness and brilliance of the best professionals I have ever met. Now lets establish this: hairdressers are so much more than they seem. There is just something about letting someone touch your hair, like Samson and Delilah old testament deal: she cut off his hair, he lost his biblical strength. If someone wrong cuts our hair, we lose self-confidence for days if not weeks. Underpaid magicians and psychologists - that's who our hairdressers are. Anyway I rarely drop names in my reviews but this time I am letting it get personal: I was absolutely in love with Michelle, absolutely gorgeous brunette who, like no one else, knew how to mix my colors, how to cut my hair; she also knew when to chat me up, when to fall silent with me, and what to say at the time of great crisis (like me turning 30 completely single) or great joy (I.Got.Engaged!!) Truly is there anything worse that a hairdresser/stylists who is completely blind to your emotional being? And burdens you with poor knowledge of geography (Russia is like so cold! I am also half Russian, my grandma came from Serbia) and tries to sell some tickets to the local fundraiser.
Michelle was like this human liquid barometer of my mood and I could fall into her knowledgeable hands in tears or laughter: she handled me and my hair just right, making sure that I leave feeling much better. And I am aware that there were others but it always felt like it was all about me only. It took me 8 long years to find her; 8 years of being a red head and platinum blonde against my will; since every new hairdresser was totally projecting their image or fantasy of me on real me, almost throwing me into the identity crisis. It's very important that the vision of the hairdresser and your vision are in tune. And me and Michelle were in perfect harmony this way. I never noticed how time passed in this salon: the atmosphere was absolutely light, upbeat and cheerful. I never talked personally to Jason (the owner) but always liked listening to his stories. If you come at lunch time, they would always ask you if you want the sandwich from some amazing local place, making you feel included. It honestly always felt like a family visit, moderately priced and welcoming. Now I moved away very far and ended up in the very cold hands of fearful southern girls who have no idea how I am and what I am. I keep firing them every other month and strongly considering booking a ticket to go see Michelle. She is worth it. read more