Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with salon

Knotty Weekend in Toronto

DecemberRaine — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:44:57 -0800

Where in Toronto should I go to get awesome dreadlocks? I've decided to get dreadlocks, for practical reasons - we're heading out on a 9+-month long-distance (living in a van) road trip which will hopefully end with the purchase of a sea-faring sailboat on which to live. I can't foresee any way to enjoy this adventure and keep my natural curly, thick, brown, breastbone-length hair from matting all on its own and turning into one big mess.

I'm going to be in Toronto for a few days early next week and would like to know where I can go for some help getting things started. I want someone who will lock (not braid), preferably back combing with little product (and any products used should be natural butters or waxes). Even better if I can find the place I'm looking for and get it done with a $200 budget. I've googled but haven't come across any really shining reviews....

Good colorist in ATL

Juicylicious — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:32:29 -0800

Looking for an expert hair colorist in Atlanta. Any recommendations?

What is that? Smells like a turd covered in burnt hair.

bjork24 — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:18:43 -0800

The salon next door is leaking fumes into my projection booth. Am I going to die? Our new theater is located right next door to a high-end salon, and I'm fairly certain that our exhaust fans use the same vent escape. At various times throughout the day, the projection booth will smell like hairspray, perm solution, hair dye, or fart.

I'm assuming these aren't the most toxic fumes in the world, or else there would be a lot more dead stylists, but it's still slightly concerning. After a particularly long shift, I sometimes feel light-headed and my lungs feel cold. On the plus side, the fumes have really opened my sinuses.

I've contacted our landlord, but they haven't remedied the problem yet. Don't worry, I'll keep on them until it's fixed, but in the meantime, how harmful is it to breath in the refuse fumes of a salon for 8 to 10 hours a day?

Cut my hair... please!

You Can't Tip a Buick — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:59:18 -0800

[SeattleHaircutFilter]. I am a man in his late 20s in Seattle looking to invest in a decent, not-too-expensive, but not necessarily cheap haircut. I'm more or less looking for a place where I can go in and say "oh, I'm not sure, use your best judgment," and walk out with something better-looking than I would have known to ask for. Does anyone know of such a beast in this town?

I need a haircut!

rabbitrabbit — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:48:26 -0800

Need haircut recommendations in Portland or Beaverton, OR I'm a chick, with super-fine hair that is also not very plentiful, with a bit of wave/curl in it. I recently moved to Oregon and need to find someone to cut my hair. It can be hard to find people who know how to cut hair like mine so it doesn't just lay on my head like a dead thing. I usually end up getting a shortish bob, since that's about the easiest way to get some body without a lot of work every morning.

If anyone lives in the Portland area and knows of someone who can cut fine wavy hair, please send the recommendations to me! Prefer west side (Washington County) but anywhere in the Portland metro area is fine, I'm willing to travel to get a good cut. I've already tried Yelp and it seems like most people get manicures at salons but not haircuts.

I just want my brother to envy my money, but he’s got that hair. Why can’t I have hair and money and him nothing?

SpringAquifer — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:13:37 -0800

I've never been to a barber or salon before. How do I go about getting a haircut like this guy's? My hair type is pretty similar to that in the photo, but longer. Save for printing out the photo and showing it to the stylist (I don't have a printer with me at the moment), how do I communicate what I want? Or is something like this worth hunting down a printer for?

And what do I use to keep my hair looking like that after the haircut?

I don't do much but shave my head a few times a year, but I figure it's time for a change. Thanks!

(Additionally, I'm in the north Dallas suburbs, if anyone has any recommendations for a stylist down here.)

Where to get a men's haircut in da burgh

the druid — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:54:19 -0800

Modern haircut or salon for a guy in pittsburgh I've been to MEC barber/salon a couple of times now, but the style isn't always right. . .and I'm looking for another barber or salon that can do a men's haircut well. My hair isn't particularly complicated or outrageous, just looking for a well-styled cut for short hair in the burgh. any thoughts?

What's a nice to way to demand, "Please fix my hair so I don't look like I work at Hot Topic."

Viola — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:54:01 -0800

I just spent way too much money at the salon for highlights, and after a few days I realized that I am not happy with the outcome. Is there any standard recourse or should I just fix this myself? I came into my favorite salon last week to get a color correction where I initially decided to go from dark brown to medium red. The colorist advised me against a damaging correction and suggested red highlights. I was REALLY specific about not wanting anything fake-looking. The initial process worked well for everything but a few highlights, which didn't absorb the red dye. He asked that I give my hair some time to relax and he'd put apply more color in a few days, at no extra charge.

I came back after a week and the colorist put more color all over my hair and left it on for 15 minutes. When we dried my hair, I noticed it was darker than I wanted, but I didn't want to make a fuss over what seemed like a minor concern that a couple shampoos would take care of. Now that I'm home, I realize that the bright salon lights played tricks on my eyes--my hair is a lot darker than I wanted; the red is exactly the color I told the colorist to avoid. I'm not pleased at all.

The problem is, I put on a big smile for the colorist and said I was really happy with the outcome. He's a great guy, sometimes I just swing by the salon to say hi to him and the rest of the employees because they're all so great, and he was so pleased when I said I liked the color. I can't stand the idea of trotting back to the salon and whining about my hair if I'm SOL anyways.

So, how typical is it for a customer to come back after a few days and complain about a cut/color that they initially greenlit? Did I just forgo my rights to get this taken care of affordably and in good will because I walked out of the salon when I should have had the cajones to say something? Is there a home remedy I can use that tones down burgundy overtones?

Hair straightening in Chicago

echo target — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:34:20 -0800

Where to get hair straightened in Chicago? The girlfriend and I are going to be in Chicago this weekend, and she'd like to get her hair straightened. It's fairly long - down between her shoulder blades. We'd like a place that:
1. Won't do horrible damage, and
2. Is reasonably priced.

We're going to be visiting friends in Lakeview, so bonus points if it's anywhere around there. Any experience or suggestions?

Boston Filter: Help me get a cute haircut.

grapefruitmoon — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:32:29 -0800

BostonFilter: Where can I get a cute, reasonably priced haircut in Boston? I'm kinda new in these parts and I need a haircut. I'd like to have recommendations first, so I don't just walk into a salon and end up paying a huge chunk of cash to end up looking like a springer spaniel.

I'd like to pay <$100. I don't know how much haircuts go for in these parts, I was paying ~$45 in Providence. Clearly, I am not looking for a recommendation to Super Cuts.

I'm in the Back Bay area and willing to trek to the ends of the Green Line (or anywhere else on the T) to obtain cute hair!

(I saw the recent post for a poster with wavy hair. My hair is stick straight, fine, and about chin length. I'm not looking for a new style - I've been rocking a short asymmetrical bob for a few years and it's just peachy. I just need it to look more intentional and less like I just fell asleep in a pile of hay.)

Natural-looking (read: undetectable) highlights in New York?

pearl228 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:39:33 -0800

So I am a female in my 20s, just moved to NYC, and need to find a top rate hair salon that does natural-looking highlights--which, as all we women know, requires word-of-mouth recommendations. Please, beauty junkie mefites, help! I have been going to O Salon in DC for years, having my terribly fine, medium brunette hair highlighted to a light brown/dirty blonde shade in tons of microscopic strips for about $250 a pop. The idea is that you can almost not see that it's colored, yadda yadda; there are no streaks. I also enjoy not having to touch them up for 12 weeks if I choose bc they are so subtle.

As any of you ladies who have your hair colored this way know, 98% of salons can't actually do this, despite the reviews they get on Yelp, Allure, etc.

Location, as long as it's within Manhattan, is not an issue. Price <$300 would be preferable.

Thank you much for your suggestions!

Just a trim, dammit!

Hwaet — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:16:57 -0800

Where can I get a cheap (women's) haircut in Midtown, NYC? I'm at 52nd and Madison. The faster, the cheaper, the better. My office is surrounded by glossy high-end boutique salons that will force me to pony up between $75-200 for a haircut. Google Maps is dredging up every salon south of Central Park with a Frenchy name. I just need a trim. Today, if possible. Does anyone know of a small, possibly not even listed, salon that will just spray my split ends, snip them off, and still leave me with time to grab a salad on my lunch break?

Bad haircut plus dry and damaged hair. What should I do?

likeapen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:43:06 -0800

Bad haircut plus dry and damaged hair. What should I do? So i have armpit length, wavy, frizzy, coarse hair and a lot of it. I have been growing out my hair for the past year because of an awful haircut. Parted in the middle, the two sides do not pair up still. I want to keep it long so I am letting the one side catch up. I have only cut the ends every couple of months. I have colored my hair once this year. I always blowdry my hair or use a straightening iron. I like keeping my hair straight and sleek. Now it's dry, damaged and limp and it's screaming for help.

Does anyone know or recommend the following,

1) a treatment, conditioner anything to give my hair moisture and shininess, it can be a product or something I can make at home

2) a salon, hairstylist in New York City or Hoboken so I can get my hair cut and straightened. Max $125. That's my budget. I plan on cutting the ends only and possibly fixing the cut so it can look decent.

Plus any tips on how to keep it from getting worse or suggestions on fixing the haircut, should I style it now or let it grow til both sides are even?. Thank you.

How do I switch stylists within a salon?

Joey Buttafoucault — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:06:10 -0800

So what's the protocol on switching stylists within a salon? I've been getting my hair cut by J for about 6 months now, and I'm a pretty big fan of what he does, but this week I had to make a last minute appointment and the receptionist said "J is booked, would you like to see S?," and so I did. I'm not sure they conveyed to J that I tried to make an appointment with him, because when I went in it seemed like he was trying to avoid talking to me. Turns out, I like S better and I would kind of like to switch to her permanently. Is this kosher? Is there a protocol? What can I do to be nice about it instead of coming off like an asshole?

salons in savannah

pinkkitty — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:28:20 -0800

I need salon/spa recommendations in Savannah or Richmond Hill GA. Specifically, I'm looking for a place to get a brazilian wax and also looking for a new hair stylist. Bonus if I can find them in one location or close together. Super-bonus if there's a bit of interesting shopping near by.

Where to get the best mens haircut in Toronto?

RyanB — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:37:01 -0800

Looking for a good mens haircut in the Toronto area. Theres been a little talk regarding this subject but not enough to really land a decision. Ive read past posts but i want to see what people have to say now.

Im in need of a good haircut, dont mind spending the $, i drive. After being to a few high-end salons in TO I've found the cuts a rather hit/miss, each time getting the feeling they rather be working with womens hair. Im trying to find someone who really knows their way around a guys haircut. I have medium-length hair, caucasian.

Rather than playing roulette with the scissors im wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction?

Make my mom feel like a princess

caitlinb — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:01:18 -0800

Recommend a place for mani-pedi in Seattle? Bellevue even better! My mom has never been and thinks she wouldn't enjoy it by herself, but she'd like to make a trip of it. I said I'd figure out where to go, but I haven't lived around there for over a decade now. We're going around her birthday, so a little splashy is in order. I think I'm looking for someplace with a Gene Juarez (Nordstrom) vibe, but don't know what else is out there. What can you recommend?

Good hairdressers in Vancouver?

SoftRain — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:57:26 -0800

Please recommend a good, affordable hair salon for ladies in Vancouver. I have lived in Vancouver for over a year, but I lack a hair stylist! I need to remedy this. The max I'd like to spend for a cut is around $50. I am a young woman (24), so I'm looking for somewhere that caters to same. Location isn't a huge deal, but somewhere easily bus-able in Vancouver proper is preferred.

Is going to a tanning salon a good idea before a tropical vacation?

browse — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:30:29 -0800

Is going to a tanning salon a good idea before a tropical vacation? I'm the kind of pale white boy with reddish hair who gets sunburned really easily. Very easily.

And I'm making plans to go to Cabo with a girl in mid-February. Yes, I will slather on the sunscreen religiously. And wear dorky hats with really big brims. But aside from all that...

Would it make sense for me to start visiting a tanning salon between now and then, to build up a little tolerance for the dreaded UV rays? Any and all advice would be most welcome.

A Little Beauty Help for an African Queen?

mynameismandab — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:14:30 -0800

Manchester, NH: Where can I find beauty salons that cater to African hair (braids, weaves, extensions, texture)? I'm helping someone who is moving to Manchester, New Hampshire. She's black and looking for salons that can do black hair. So far my google-fu and superpages are coming up short. Is there anyone who can help?

She doesn't know her way around, so names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, would be really helpful. If you know their hours, even better.

The Art Of Conversation

kaizen — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:35:30 -0800

How can I cultivate / find deeper conversations with people? In university it was always easy to find people ready to talk about philosophy, politics, psychology, etc. But now, as I have gotten older and supplanted myself into the corporate world, the art of conversation seems to have been lost. It would appear that most people are resigned to talking about kids, jobs, and pop culture. Am I just in the wrong social circles or does this type of small talk permeate our culture? I long to attend a French salon or dinner party whose primary purpose is the art of conversation. Where can I find groups of people who like engaging, face-to-face conversation? How can I steer people away from talking about what they saw on CNN and towards something with a little more substance?

What cheap software or webapps can I recommend to help my friend manage her small business?

abkadefgee — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:04:09 -0800

What free or cheap software, or webapps, can I recommend to help my friend manage and build her small business, a salon? Although there is software out there specifically made for this purpose, it seems out of her price range and shares a lot in common with more general software. I've recommended using Google Calendar to manage her appointments and suggested that her basic inventory needs can be tracked with Excel. However, it would also be helpful for her to be able to track the contact information for her clients and what type of services they receive at each appointment, and perhaps including pictures would be helpful as well.

I would think that someone who has experience in managing a business might have some suggestions for software without having specific knowledge about the salon world. Any advice would be helpful.

Good place for a haircut in Naperville.

Becko — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 21:06:51 -0800

Help me find a salon that will cut men's hair for a reasonable price. I'm new to the Chicago suburbs, Naperville specifically. I'm looking for a salon for a hair cut, but all the ones I am finding through Google are $40 and up. I don't want a place like Cost Cutters, I'm fine with $25-$30ish for the haircut.

The general surrounding areas are also acceptable, but I don't want to drive into Chicago for this haircut. Anywhere within say, 20 minutes is fair game.

Where is a good place to get a men's hair cut?

What do I wear under the salon robe?

unknowncommand — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:18:25 -0800

What do I wear under the cape/robe at the fancy hair salon? I grew up going to Supercuts, where they just velcro the sucker on you. Then I went to a place that had fancy robe/capes, but there was never anyone else there, so it didn't even occur to me to change(?), and I just put it on over my clothes.

This evening, I have a haircut at a fancy AND popular place. Last time, there was a weird closet, and places to leave your clothes and maybe there was a lady you were supposed to tip? And you get your robe from her? And all the other women in the salon are wearing these robes, and obviously you can't tell what to wear underneath because they're wearing robes. They look...naked. But that's weird, right?

What do I do? I tried to do what someone else did, last time, but I felt awkward just staring at her, waiting to see how far she stripped down. And it's similarly awkward to say to the robe girl, "Do I just get naked, or what?" And if I do have to deal with the robe girl, how much do I tip her?

I suppose I could just wear it over my clothes, but I'm curious anyway. I feel like I'm Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" and it's scary.

Covering my grey in a healthy way

greta simone — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:44:20 -0800

The most natural way to cover my grey? So, it's time to start dyeing my hair. I have naturally very dark hair (of the caucasian variety, in case this matters), but the grey's are starting to take over like weeds. I've never dyed my hair before because I've always loved the color and didn't want to ruin the texture. Because of this, I want to figure out the most natural way to cover grey that will do the least bit of damage, in both the short- and the long-term. I will be going to a salon most likely, because I'm lazy.

I want to look for a salon that carries the most natural products and uses the most natural process. Thing is, when I call to research a salon, I don't know what to ask for. Henna? Aveda products? Some other organic brand? Semi- or demi- or permanent? Let me know everything I should know to cover my grey but to keep my hair healthy--
Thanks!