This is the fastest I've ever jumped on yelp to give a review, but this place was so wonderful I wanted to review while I still remembered every fantastic detail of my experience. I will absolutely, 100% be returning back. While I only had a haircut today, I'm excited to go through their full menu and hopefully have a place (finally!) that I can go to for all of my beauty needs.
The Details:
Outside:
They're located in the back corner of a big parking lot next to a beer mart or something. Pulling in I did get a teeny bit nervous, but the convenience of having a parking lot absolutely made up for, and was even better than having some trendy store front on a main road.
Inside:
Clean, fresh, and trendy but not at all over the top. Anyone could feel comfortable in the atmosphere they have set. There are salons that I love because they feel closed off, warm, and cozy. This is not that type of place, but it's not a bad thing. The space is very open, and bright, and I left feeling energized and ready to conquer the day. It was a great way to start my weekend. The lights while bright, aren't those harsh lights that can make you look scary while you're in front of the mirror. The wallpaper and color theme is really pretty, again, just very fresh. The one complaint I have, and I have of almost every salon I have ever been to, is the washing station. Somewhere out there, there HAS to be a chair/wash station that is actually comfortable. But again, I've never sat in a comfortable station before, so this doesn't effect my overall view of Stone Fox.
Staff/Greeting:
Walkin in, I was greeted by Dan who instead of asking how he could help me said, "Hi, you must be..." How lovely! It takes minimal effort to glance at the schedule to see the client due in next, but it seems like very few places care about those customer service pieces anymore. After the personal welcome, he shook my hand, introduced himself and then identified himself as the person I booked with the previous day. He then took my coat, showed me to the stylist who was ready for me and asked if he could bring me something to drink. This personal, thoughtful greeting was a wonderful start, and really made me feel like an appreciated customer.
Stylist:
I saw Jamie. When booking I had asked for someone who works well with thin, long hair, and she did a great job.
She first sat me down in her chair to brush through and take a look at my hair, and ask me what I was looking for. It was great to have a consultation BEFORE I got shampooed. )I always wondered how stylists could effectively asses my wet hair having never seen it dry.) She was very friendly, asked questions to make sure she understood what I asked for and then took me over to the wash station and shampooed me herself. The raspberry shampoo used smelled amazing, Jamie explained the line and that they use all natural products. It wasn't the best shampoo, which is a little disappointing because I really love a good scrub/scalp massage. She did a mini neck message but it was only about 2 min and I was so uncomfortable in the chair I couldn't relax. Her 'chair-side' manner and cutting skills make up for it though. She was very easy to keep conversation with, which is really nice to pass the time for someone like me who hates sitting in a chair for too long. She kept her focus on me, which was nice. Sometimes stylists get wrapped up in convo with co-workers, or checking out what other clients are having done. It was nice to have a stylist stay focused on me, even if I wasn't getting something exciting done. She told me about the products she was putting in my hair, and blew my hair out with no followup from heat tools. I really appreciated this. Other salons have seemed to give up on using a brush to style the ends and just go for the flat iron, which my flat, pin straight, color damaged hair does not need. She also waited to trim my side bang until my hair was dry, and did some final cutting throughout my hair when dry as well. The result was bouncy, healthy looking hair. It is almost impossible to make my hair bounce! I couldn't be happier with her cut.
Leaving:
Dan, yet again, engaged me while I paid and asked me to fill out a customer contact card. I'm sure it probably just goes into a computer, and while I hate to think of the wasted paper, it is a nice touch. It does make you feel like they really care about you as a client. Turns out Dan is an owner, which makes me appreciate his wonderful customer service even more. Walking out, I felt like I was leaving a friends house. Everyone waved good-bye! Such a friendly, wonderful salon. I cannot wait to go back! This was the best salon experience I've had since I moved to Wisconsin, and it was the cheapest! My cut was only $37 and blew away cuts I paid over $50 for.
If I can squeeze a mani-pedi into my schedule I'm going back this week. I will be back for color as well. I love this place and can't wait to go back. read more