It sure seems like every salon in LA solicits their customers to hop on Yelp and give them a good…read morereview.
Never written a review before? NO PROBLEM! Just sign up and write a 5 star review, thankyouverymuch.
The result of this "campaign system" is that Yelp has become one of the worst, unreliable places to find a hair stylist. I almost never trust salon reviews - far too many places have perfect ratings (and are thus totally unhelpful). It appears that the only people reviewing salons are irate or in love. They either liked it enough to join Yelp and write their first review, or they hated it so much they joined Yelp and wrote their first review. Either way, it never seems like a fair census.
So... what am I doing reviewing Slash on Yelp?
In the spirit of a healthy Yelp environment, filled with unsolicited opinions and honest "word of mouth" recommendations, I am reviewing Slash because I review almost any business I patronize that makes an impression (good or bad) on me.
As for the rating, I take 5 stars pretty seriously - especially in the world of salons. This rating is not given lightly. But Carla and her assistant Oliver are truly fantastic at what they do... from your warm greeting to your shampoo (Oliver could just open a shampoo salon and give head massages all day. OMG I am not kidding) to your haircut to your color - everything makes me sure that 5 stars is the only fair rating for Slash.
I wish I were exaggerating when I say my hair is a staple of my identity. We cut off almost 10 inches most recently and I still have long hair.* I don't go around trusting these locks to everyone, but Carla is a practitioner worthy of my (and your) hair. Before going to Slash, I had hair that would have terrified most stylists, but my cut and color are damn near flawless.
On top of looking great - which is certainly priority #1 - my experience at the salon was amazing. Carla is bright, witty, and communicative. Also HUGELY important is that she's with you 100% (mentally and physically)!!! I didn't even realize this was important to me anymore because I hadn't experienced it in years.
Slash is not a "hot potato" salon where you see the person cutting your hair for only 10 minutes (and $300). Of course, Carla didn't shampoo my hair - nor would you want her to... remember Oliver rocks - but she brushed it out, blow dried it, colored it, checked it, cut it some more, and in total spent almost 3.5 hours with me.
I mean, do you know how rare it is to get 3 and a half hours of solo time with a stylist of her caliber?! I was frankly shocked. That cut, were it even offered, would cost you over $600 at Andy Lecompte easily. Carla is less than half that price.
In Summary, this is what makes Slash special:
-The interior of the salon is decorated well and amazingly peaceful - a true oasis.
- I was one of three clients, so it's not a "get em out, get em in" cattle farm like some high end salons.
- I was Carla's ONLY CLIENT THE ENTIRE TIME!!!
- You won't feel less important because you aren't a movie star. (thanks, LA)
- Carla is very communicative and will work with you on whatever you want, explaining every step of the way.
- Carla has the experience to cut difficult hair that would challenge less seasoned professionals, but she has all the humor and youth of someone just starting to make a name for herself.
- Oliver gives the best shampoo and head/ neck/ face massage ever. Genius.
- You are not passed around from stylist to intern to technician to colorist! It is so refreshing and really rare nowadays.
- Parking is easy. Use the lot by the public library.
Still undecided about where to take your hair?!
I sure hope you can consider my review with as much sincerity as word of mouth from a friend. I've been active on Yelp for 7 years and Elite for 6 years because I believe in honesty, accountability, and the power of a sincere recommendation. And of course, you can always feel free to message me with questions!
Happy Grooming!
*Pictures included.
