Warning: this is a long winded review. My husband bought me a SpaFinder giftcard, $50. I was originally going to go in for a manicure or massage but decided that since I have never had my hair professionally done, I would treat myself.
I decided on a perm. PJ's has two perm specialists. I sent them pictures of what I wanted asking them if the results were possible. Keep in mind my hair is fine and length to just above my butt so I was very weary of letting just anyone cut it. They were honest and told me the pictures I sent were not a permanent. I still wanted a perm and scheduled a consultation. I came in 15 minutes early as suggested and checked in. I was offered refreshments and everyone was very nice. The sylist came over and told me her previous appointment was running over and that I would have to wait. I did not mind at all.
When she took me back, she told me that a permanent could be done on my hair but she couldn't promise the results I wanted. I understood. We discussed that she would take around 4" off since there were bad split ends. She also suggested we layer my hair to get the fuller look I wanted. She said it would take about 3.5-4 hours because my hair was long. I was quite pleased with her knowledge and experience. The free consultation lasted around 15 minutes. She unexpectedly had an appointment slot available for the following Saturday and we scheduled an appointment.
The day of the appointment I arrived about 20 min. early a little past 12. She took me early. I showed her pictures I had found of spiral perms as suggestions. She took note and got started. She trimmed off more hair than I'd like, 8". Before permed, my hair fell to right below my breast line. I was a bit dismayed, but thought she was the professional. Even though the pictures I showed her clearly had longer perms. Maybe she thought with my hair type the curl wouldn't hold or weigh down if too long. She washed it and began rolling my hair in a spiral technique. I was extremely pleased with how she rolled. She was very skilled. It took until around 2 for it be rolled. She put the solution, put several caps over and offered refreshment again while I waited. She made sure the solution didn't burn me and periodically checked on me. It took about 20 min. She then rinsed my hair and let it air dry. She blotted each rod to ensure the neutralizer would work. She put the neutralizer on and left me to sit for 10 min. She took the rollers out with assistance as it was getting around close, 4 pm. After taking the rollers out she rinsed my hair. The curls came out well defined.
We went back to the chair, she showed me how to put curl creme in and how to blow dry. She gave me the remainder of her curl creme which I thought was nice. It was 4:05. I sat there waiting expectantly for the layering and styling. I don't think she understood or maybe she thought it looked great as is or perhaps she felt rushed. She walked over to the reception counter where four other staff members were waiting including the owner (for me to leave I am guessing as I was the last customer there).
I was a bit peeved at being rushed out without the services being complete, but went to silently check out. The price was as expected ($150), however the payment method was not (keep in mind the giftcard). I had called and asked before my appointment if giftcards can be used for the salon. I explained I was getting a perm I had a SpaFinder giftcard and would buy more to finish the cost if I could use them. I planned on getting Giant Eagle fuelperks, otherwise I would have just paid cash and kept the giftcard for a separate occasion. The woman on the phone didn't know and gave me to someone else. I explained my situation to the second woman. She told me and I quote, "Absolutely. You can use your giftcards."
Back to my actual appointment. I brought out my three giftcards for $150 at which point the receptionist said, "I'm sorry you can't use giftcards for the salon." I explained to the staff I had specifically called about it, and they had told me yes. They didn't care, including the owner. The owner told me I could use the giftcards on spa treatments, massages, manicures. So my perm just cost me $150 plus a 30% tip (well-deserved for the end-result despite the lack of layering), and I have the giftcards still. The owner just said sorry and did not acknowledge their mistake. For someone like myself who rarely indulges in spa treatments, it was excessive for me to spend $150 let alone another $150 later. I just sucked it up and left. In the end after about a week my hair looks okay. It just left a very sour taste in my mouth for their customer service. I will not be returning because I was lied to (whether inadvertently or not). I would have been glad to return and spend more money if they would have taken the giftcards as they had told me they would. read more