I've been going to the same hair stylist for 20 years; however, she was "old school" and didn't keep up with current trends. Being that I'm a fairly butch female, I have never felt comfortable walking into a fancy salon.
When I first started looking for a new place, I was in the process of growing my hair from shaved, with a combover on top, to a faux hawk. Thinking that barbers would have more expertise with fade type work, I opted for the barber shop. After several disappointments with the barber's less than fair ability for shearwork, I started looking for a salon. I needed someone, anyone for God's sake, that could do great shearwork, fades, and highlights all in one!
For weeks, I researched and called around looking for someone to fit my needs at a reasonable price, while my hair grew into a hot mess! After reviewing Studio 93's website for days and contemplating, I made the call.
The lady at the front desk (sorry, I didn't catch her name) was more than pleasant to talk with. Most of the time when I called around it felt like all business, like I was being rushed or keeping them from something more important. Not this time! As you can tell from this lengthy review, I tend to go overboard with my explanations, which is what I did with her. I told her my whole story, from beginning to end. She was very patient and pleasant the entire conversation and recommended Melanie, so I booked an appointment. SHE is what got me in the door!
I am NEVER late to anything! If I'm not 10 minutes early I consider myself late. But, as luck would have it, I was late!!! Only by five minutes, but I understand how important every minute is for this type of profession. I was expecting attitude when I walked in the door and a rush job by Melanie. Boy was I ever wrong!
The same lady I spoke to on the phone greeted me with pleasure, despite the fact that she was busy with other customers. She scurried me off to put on a smock and I was immediately greeted by Melanie when I was finished (literally 10 seconds later). The salon was nice and trendy, a place I would never feel comfortable walking into, with all the "girly girls". No diss on girly girls, but I've always felt out of place, like I didn't belong, and OMG, the judgmental looks from people, especially in that part of town. I put on my big girl panties and decided to smile at everyone I made eye contact with and see what happens. Every single person I made eye contact with greeted me with a smile. The whole environment felt welcoming and comfortable for me, which says a lot, if you only knew me.
She consulted with me for about 10 minutes until she understood exactly what I wanted. I was a bit concerned at first because she was not familiar with the term faux hawk, but once I showed her pictures, she understood what I was asking for. Then I asked her how long she had been doing hair, which was just over five years. Honestly, at that point, I wanted to run! I finally got my hair close to the length I wanted on top and I was terrified of yet another bad experience!
To add fuel to the fire in my head, when she started working on the fade with the shear over comb technique. I was thinking, there is no way she is going to get it as short as I want it and it be even on both sides!!
If you are still reading this, I have to say that I could not have been happier when I left!!! I was very impressed with Melanie's ability to give me exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price. She was meticulous with my hair, checking and rechecking, and then turned me around several times to see if she was headed in the right direction. Not to mention, she started a fresh pot off coffee for me during my visit!!!
I have to apologize to Melanie for making assumptions based on her years of experience! I guess cutting all her Barbie doll's hair as a child really paid off!! ;)
The only reason this review is 4 star is because the price of the highlights seemed a bit high for the amount of product used on my hair, which I know Melanie cannot be blamed for. My previous hair stylist adjusted the price since my hair requires much less product than the average person. Despite the fact she used an old school technique of pulling my hair through a cap, my highlights always looked great and was at a very good price.
Overall, great experience, and I plan on going back! I can only hope she is as meticulous and thorough the second time around! read more