Just to start, I know there's often a stigma around going to Hair Cuttery instead of a high-end…read moresalon, but I've never had a bad experience here before. In fact, I've always felt comfortable and well taken care of, until now.
I scheduled a haircut with Nancy, who had previously given me one of my all-time favorite cuts. Because of that, I felt confident and trusted her completely. I only get my hair cut about once a year, so this was something I was really looking forward to.
From the start, something felt off. The wash was unusually rushed, but I brushed it off. Maybe she just needed to get my hair damp? I showed her photos of what I was looking for: shaggy layers and a bang cleanup. I made it clear I wasn't expecting an exact replica, I understand those photos are often styled, but I was hoping for something inspired by them. She looked at the photos for maybe 30 seconds, asked one or two quick questions about length, said "okay," and began cutting. No deeper conversation, no confirmation of the look. It felt cold and fast, like she was upset or checked out. I told myself, "She's been doing this for years. She knows what she's doing." I should've spoken up right then and walked away with just the wash.
The entire cut took maybe 10 minutes. I looked at it briefly and, trying to be polite, said, "Oh, I like it," even though I could already feel something was wrong. I paid, tipped 30%, and even asked if I could pre-book a trim in a few months. She said "sure," but didn't follow through or engage. At that point, I already knew I wouldn't be returning.
When I got home and let my hair fully dry... I cried.
What I ended up with what looked like a bowl cut. The bangs were thick and helmet-like, pulled from the apex of my head. The "face-framing" went almost ear to ear, with none of the shape or texture I'd shown in the photos. I might as well put a bowl on my head and cut it myself at home. There was no easy fix--maybe thinning it would help, but the damage was done.
I called back to ask if someone else could help correct it, and the person who answered the phone sounded frazzled. I could hear Nancy in the background, sounding irritated. I asked if I could come in on another day, when Nancy wasn't there, to have a different stylist help soften the cut... because at that point, I didn't feel safe having Nancy near my hair again. I was told only she could fix it. I felt defeated, thanked them, and hung up.
Maybe it sounds small to some people, but this truly broke me. It was my birthday. I was celebrating it alone. I'm grieving the loss of my Mom. Obviously, Nancy couldn't have known that. But when you work in a profession that asks people to be vulnerable, like sitting in a chair and letting someone shape how they present themselves, basic kindness and presence should be part of the service. I didn't feel either.
So thank you for the haircut. I'm still glad I tipped 30%, because I genuinely believe your industry deserves better pay. But please, be kinder to the people who sit in your chair. You don't know what they're carrying. And if you don't have the energy for a client, or you're not confident in the type of cut they're asking for, say so. Be honest. Offer alternatives. Don't rush them, dismiss them, or make them feel like an inconvenience.
I won't be returning. And I won't be recommending this location to anyone again.
I sincerely hope Nancy, and this salon, has a better day than the one you gave me.
TL;DR: I came in trusting a stylist I'd seen before, asked for shaggy layers and a light bang trim, and left with a rushed 10-minute bowl cut that made me cry on my birthday. I called to ask for help and was told only the same stylist, who seemed upset and dismissive, could fix it. No kindness, no support, just damage I now have to grow out. I won't be returning.
