The Experience Salon is, indeed, an experience. I first began my journey with them in 2008, when I won a certificate for a free cut and color during a hair show they hosted at Christ the King in Mount Vernon. A call and a few weeks later, I found myself in a cool black seat with Brenda over my shoulder. She ran her fingers through my mane and assessed the photo I brought as an example. My hair was too dark to achieve the lift and tone my tween fantasies hoped for in one session, but she'd go on to wrangle my hair into an appropriately edgy look regardless. The neck massage lavished on me during the hair wash was divine, and I sipped my complimentary espresso drink with glee. By my second visit I let Brenda take an idea and run with it, despite some reservations: thick, blunt-cut bangs. Toby even pitched in to get them even. They were phenomenal, and I noticed several acquaintances get the same look within weeks of the cut.
It's now been almost 10 years, and I still see Brenda every 6-8 weeks. She has been with me through ombre, bangs, bobs, and more. Over a year ago I posed for a competitive photoshoot for her and trusted her to give me a chartreuse chop. Weeks later, Toby razored it down on stage after Brenda dyed it dark hues of blue and green in front of dozens of stylists at a Paul Mitchell event on Bainbridge Island. The whole experience was a hoot. While I was working with a local nonprofit that fights poverty in the community, I also recruited several Experience stylists to participate in an event that provided free hair cuts to people experiencing homelessness. That was in 2015 and they have been participating ever since.
The whole Experience Salon crew is fantastic. It's been an absolute pleasure to see their business grow and thrive. Since that first fateful visit, I've now recruited my mom, stepmom, their friends, my friends and many others for their own "experience." If you're looking for a professional 'do on a budget, keep in mind that they often have "New Talent," or beginning-level stylists who offer less expensive services than their pros. But if you're willing and able to spend, I recommend Brenda--just be sure to plan ahead, she's booked weeks in advance! You can even make it a one-stop shop and get your waxing and makeup needs done, men's waxing included.
Still not convinced? I recommend checking out their Instagram account as proof of their amazingness: @theexperiencesalon. You might even see yours truly. ;) read more