I scheduled a first time appointment for a partial highlight and a trim. I spoke with the stylist, emphasizing that for 2.5 years, I had worked to get away from bleaching and chemical processing as my hair is extremely fragile. I explained that I wanted a few highlights with a couple of heavier chunks around my face. 4.5 hours after she began, I had platinum blonde, bleached and broken hair. At one point she had bleach on my entire head. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied, "just brightening your base." The first time I was in front of a mirror was 4 hours into it and far too late to stop her. Unfortunately, I had gone there with a friend preparing for her wedding. I had no intention of upsetting a bride-to-be by making a scene. A call and visit with the owner, Tony Jones, the next morning was equally unsatisfying. I was told that the color was "very pretty." Sure, never mind I didn't WANT TO BE BLONDE nor deal with the nightmare of maintaining blonde hair! I was also told it was an "easy fix." Funny, I wasn't aware you could UNbleach hair and put broken hair back together. Neither would she admit that the gloss she offered was only semi-permanent, and I would be working for months to just get back to ground zero. A request for a refund was denied. I was offered further service or a credit. Why on earth would I want a salon that had already ignored my requests and damaged my hair have another crack at my head? I did not.
Thank goodness I ran to Hair Reflections. I had never been there but had heard good things. By complete accident, I bumped into the owner, Rose who agreed to start work two hours early to rescue me. She did just that. Her staff was terrific and she obviously knew exactly what she was doing and understood what I wanted. Unfortunately, I'm still in the predicament of having to deal with semi-permanent color and more frequent visits to the salon than I want or can afford. The fiasco has cost me almost $500 with many more expenses in my future and a substantial amount of damage to my hair. My suggestion....go anywhere but to Jilbere's (soon to be Tonya Jones Salon Spa!)
Andrea
I loved Shaun at Sanctuary!
Before I even got to Sanctuary, I had a good experience. I called to make an appointment. The day before, I was going to have a conflict. I was picking up the phone to call and it was Sanctuary, calling to remind me of the appointment. They were happy to reschedule for the next week. No problem. And they called the day before to remind me. That was very helpful.
Sanctuary is a BEAUTIFUL salon in Homewood. It is easy to get to from Highway 31. The only trouble would be parking on a busy Saturday, but even that was no trouble when I went.
I loved the atmosphere. There were complimentary beverages and friendly staff in the front waiting area. I saw someone helping a client use the one cup coffee machine, and then sending someone else running to the grocery store to buy cream for her. That's service!
The receptionist, knowing I had not been there before, showed me where the restroom was, and where I could change into a smock and hang my jacket. This part always freaks me out a little. It has been YEARS since I've been to a "real" salon and I would have been intimidated if I hadn't experienced this before.
I met Shaun, and he really listened to me. I told him that if it was possible, I would really like just some kind of gloss on my hair to make it shinier rather than coloring. I know that chemicals have come a long way since I was young, but I saw too many people I know get stuck with a bad color and fried hair on top of it. I have always been against dying. He said he could do a gloss with a smidgen of color that I would not have to maintain. It would not look bad if it was growing out. I would not have roots issues.
Shaun took me back to the room where there are shampoo sinks and dryers. He mixed the color himself, and put that on my hair. He left instructions about how long it was to set under the heat, and then a lady came to offer me a drink and magazines. I accepted and went into my own little world while I dried. This was the nicest and hardest part about the whole trip. I was anxious (though I shouldn't have been) about how my hair would look, and nervous about having left my little one with my husband (though I shouldn't have been). But I did enjoy the opportunity to just sit.
The shampoo lady did get my back a bit wet, and when Shaun reappeared at the chair, he noted that immediately and apologized. He suggested I get a new smock. I was so grateful. I couldn't bear the thought of shivering while he cut my hair, but again, it's because I get uncomfortable that I wasn't going to say anything, and he put me at ease.
While Shaun liked the general style of my hair, he did want to shape it up. He thought I had a good length in mind, and he took my existing layers and just did a bit more with them. It was good to know that a) he wasn't going to do anything drastic and b) my stylist I had been working with for years (although she doesn't work at a fancy salon) had done pretty much what he would have done with my hair. I have thin, but naturally wavy to curly hair, further complicated by the fact that I had lost a lot of hair after my pregnancy. Shaun, who is a self-described health nut, even recommended a hair and nails vitamin to me.
Shaun is not only a great professional, but he is also a good listener and very smart about hair. He told me all about how light is reflected and what that has to do with hair color while he was getting a stubborn piece of hair to lay down perfectly. He curled it out a bit, but fixed it to make it look "not too Marlo Thomas," which I appreciated.
The gloss with color had the benefit of covering up my gray. His goal was to make the color return to what it looked like "when I was a little girl". He took out the "muddy" and "mousy" characteristics of my hair and we were both pretty pleased.
The total service was $140 value, not counting the tip I was glad to leave. Thanks to info I read on Salonfly and at Sanctuary's website, I was prepared for this.
I am definitely pleased with the results overall.
- Laura Gallitz
Sanctuary is a BEAUTIFUL salon in Homewood. It is easy to get to from Highway 31. The only trouble would be parking on a busy Saturday, but even that was no trouble when I went.
I loved the atmosphere. There were complimentary beverages and friendly staff in the front waiting area. I saw someone helping a client use the one cup coffee machine, and then sending someone else running to the grocery store to buy cream for her. That's service!
The receptionist, knowing I had not been there before, showed me where the restroom was, and where I could change into a smock and hang my jacket. This part always freaks me out a little. It has been YEARS since I've been to a "real" salon and I would have been intimidated if I hadn't experienced this before.
I met Shaun, and he really listened to me. I told him that if it was possible, I would really like just some kind of gloss on my hair to make it shinier rather than coloring. I know that chemicals have come a long way since I was young, but I saw too many people I know get stuck with a bad color and fried hair on top of it. I have always been against dying. He said he could do a gloss with a smidgen of color that I would not have to maintain. It would not look bad if it was growing out. I would not have roots issues.
Shaun took me back to the room where there are shampoo sinks and dryers. He mixed the color himself, and put that on my hair. He left instructions about how long it was to set under the heat, and then a lady came to offer me a drink and magazines. I accepted and went into my own little world while I dried. This was the nicest and hardest part about the whole trip. I was anxious (though I shouldn't have been) about how my hair would look, and nervous about having left my little one with my husband (though I shouldn't have been). But I did enjoy the opportunity to just sit.
The shampoo lady did get my back a bit wet, and when Shaun reappeared at the chair, he noted that immediately and apologized. He suggested I get a new smock. I was so grateful. I couldn't bear the thought of shivering while he cut my hair, but again, it's because I get uncomfortable that I wasn't going to say anything, and he put me at ease.
While Shaun liked the general style of my hair, he did want to shape it up. He thought I had a good length in mind, and he took my existing layers and just did a bit more with them. It was good to know that a) he wasn't going to do anything drastic and b) my stylist I had been working with for years (although she doesn't work at a fancy salon) had done pretty much what he would have done with my hair. I have thin, but naturally wavy to curly hair, further complicated by the fact that I had lost a lot of hair after my pregnancy. Shaun, who is a self-described health nut, even recommended a hair and nails vitamin to me.
Shaun is not only a great professional, but he is also a good listener and very smart about hair. He told me all about how light is reflected and what that has to do with hair color while he was getting a stubborn piece of hair to lay down perfectly. He curled it out a bit, but fixed it to make it look "not too Marlo Thomas," which I appreciated.
The gloss with color had the benefit of covering up my gray. His goal was to make the color return to what it looked like "when I was a little girl". He took out the "muddy" and "mousy" characteristics of my hair and we were both pretty pleased.
The total service was $140 value, not counting the tip I was glad to leave. Thanks to info I read on Salonfly and at Sanctuary's website, I was prepared for this.
I am definitely pleased with the results overall.
- Laura Gallitz
Hair Centre SalonSpa (Pell City)
You cannot place a price on how they make you feel. There are a few times in my life where I have felt pretty. But today, I felt beautiful. The Hollises and company really made me shine and it was better than I dared to dream it could be. They took someone who didn't know who she could be and gave her wings.
My color is so rich and dynamic and my cut just makes me feel really vibrant. The staff come from all walks of life and nationalities and are so down to earth. I find it so interesting to talk to them and see the world through their eyes.
I was so impressed with the father, Jimmy Hollis, that he remembered me from so very long ago when I had moved away. And it was just a ridiculous amount of riches in the small touches offered complimentary from a hand massage, to a back rub, to tea or whatever your poison and alas, I forgot to dive into the cake. I ask you, how exciting a place must be to distract moi' from nibbling fresh cake. LOL!Anyways, not to dissuade anyone from a commute to Birmingham. But, if you find yourself in St. Clair or surrounding counties, this place is a gift and I have truly found a home there.
Well done Hair Centre Salonspa and all my love and gratitude to the staff. I cannot stop smiling and looking at myself with awe and wonder.
Thank you for that.
Kathleen Smith
My color is so rich and dynamic and my cut just makes me feel really vibrant. The staff come from all walks of life and nationalities and are so down to earth. I find it so interesting to talk to them and see the world through their eyes.
I was so impressed with the father, Jimmy Hollis, that he remembered me from so very long ago when I had moved away. And it was just a ridiculous amount of riches in the small touches offered complimentary from a hand massage, to a back rub, to tea or whatever your poison and alas, I forgot to dive into the cake. I ask you, how exciting a place must be to distract moi' from nibbling fresh cake. LOL!Anyways, not to dissuade anyone from a commute to Birmingham. But, if you find yourself in St. Clair or surrounding counties, this place is a gift and I have truly found a home there.
Well done Hair Centre Salonspa and all my love and gratitude to the staff. I cannot stop smiling and looking at myself with awe and wonder.
Thank you for that.
Kathleen Smith
Spa Moksha (Hoover)
There are, to my knowledge, only two salons in the Birmingham area that offer threading as a hair removal method. I decided to check out Spa Moksha on 280. I called and made an appointment for the next day. The entire place is just beautiful and relaxing. The waiting area has plush chairs, hot tea or chocolate and water with lemons and limes. While I waited for my appointment I browsed around the shop which carried lots of things from nail polish, teas, candles, cosmetics, lotions, you name it.My threading was done by Surekha Arya, a Master Aesthetician. Surekha explained to me that threading is preferable to waxing because it will not cause wrinkles like waxing has the potential to from pulling on your skin repeatedly, and that it is a much more precise technique. The threading took just a little longer than a waxing did. As for pain, there was a little. If you can stand to get your eyebrows waxed, you can stand threading. I had very little redness and most importantly NO BREAKOUT in the days to follow, which was something I had been experiencing. While she was threading, she looked over my skin and we talked a little about my skincare regimen and some things that I could do. I had some time and, on a whim, decided to get the deep cleansing facial!!! My first ever (sad, I know). While she prepared the room, I went to the third floor of the building which is a nice room with muted colors and furniture and a rooftop patio, which they use to do massages on in the warmer months. It was so quiet and peaceful, I almost fell asleep drinking my tea.
When I went back to the treatment room, there were candles and music, I put on the wrap, hopped up on the heated table and she went to work on my face, cleaning, exfoliating, massaging, steaming with towels steeped in warm lavender water. It was FANTASTIC!!!! I have to say this, the only part I did not like was the extractions. They were not fun….at…all. But we got past that and there was moisturizing and some massaging around my eyes and forehead. Then she proclaimed that I was done and I reluctantly got up and got dressed; I was so relaxed. I couldn’t believe that an hour had passed so quickly. We discussed what I was using on my face. She said that what I am using for my acne prone skin seems to be working fine, but she did suggest that I use a different moisturizer and gave me two weeks worth of what she had used on me to try at home. I like the fact that she did not try to sell me a whole boatload’s worth of products.
It was good for the soul! Amanda
Caribbean Treatment at Richard Joseph SalonSpa is Amazing!
From the first time I contacted the spa for my appointment to the time when I walked out, refreshed from my treatment, I was met with courteous and friendly staff. The facility is stunning with natural stone, quiet fountains and private spaces. I was escorted to the second floor where I would be pampered. My massage therapist, Matthew, helped make me comfortable throughout the experience. From a hot oil massage, on to a salt scrub followed with a soothing specialty mud covering my body....it was heaven on earth. Then there was the cool mask, full body steam and water massage. The room was filled with ancient music, sounds of rushing water and above all else, calm. The finale included showers of alternating warm and cool water and a sensational peppermint rub. I lost track of time and forgot all worldly issues just for a time.
I certainly hope this will motivate [ you ]to give this a try. I will return and have referred everyone I know. Thank you Richard Joseph Salon and Salonfly!
- Winner of the salonfly.com Mother's Day contest, Steve Sisco
I certainly hope this will motivate [ you ]to give this a try. I will return and have referred everyone I know. Thank you Richard Joseph Salon and Salonfly!
- Winner of the salonfly.com Mother's Day contest, Steve Sisco
Sanctuary (Homewood)
In June thanks to salonfly I had a wonderful (and free) experience with Marlow at Sanctuary. I walked in expecting to be out of place (I am a rather poor grad-student) but was instantly greeted with warm smiles and a warm muffin. Marlow was wonderful, he took blonde hair that needed a true over-haul and gave me a style that looked expensive and best of all natural. I was most impressed with the amount of time and thought he put into working with a new customer. After I left I was on cloud nine thanks to my great new do, the feeling was only made better when I stopped by a friend's workplace to show off, when I was stopped by a customer and asked where I had gotten my fabulous color done! So all in all THANKS MARLOW!Kristen Lamb
Hair Group (Homewood)
On a whim, I picked the first salon I saw in Homewood. My eyebrows needed to be waxed--badly. It happened to be Hair Group on 18th Street. I walked into the small, relaxed salon and was greeted immediately. Everyone was really friendly. I didn't have to wait at all. Darnisha Jones did my service. I went from English Sheepdog to beautiful me in a matter of minutes and the price was also great at 12 dollars!Amanda, Birmingham
HairGroup
2931 South 18th Street
Homewood, AL 35209
205-870-8677
Sanctuary (Homewood)
In December I went to the Sanctuary and had my hair cut, styled, and blown dry by Shaun. He did an amazing job and I was extremely pleased with the entire experience. I even received a complimentary massage prior to my appt!
Melissa F
Melissa F
Salon U (Homewood)
I finally got a hair cut, an honest to goodness not just cut straight across the bottom by Dave haircut. I had never been to a true salon before and was more than a bit nervous about how it would go. I got an appointment with Mary at Salon U. A good friend recommended Salon U and since it is just down the street from The Bell Center, it worked out well logistically. The atmosphere was nice. The staff seems to be the pampering type. I’m not used to pampering so I just kept looking at them funny when they asked if they could get me a drink while I waited. People drink at salons? Who knew? Anyway, as I waited for my appointment time to arrive, I browsed through some hair magazines. I brought a picture with me that I thought I might like but I thought I might find something even better while I waited. I let Dave butcher my hair to make my last donation to Wigs for Kids so my hair was actually shorter than the woman in the picture I brought. While waiting, I found another pic of a woman with a shorter cut that I thought could grow into the longer cut of my picture. My time with Mary arrived. She was as sweet and normal as could be. I was so worried that I would get talked into something crazy but Mary took the time to ask me why I liked the pics I showed her and very sweetly told me that no the short cut would not grow into the long one since they were completely different styles. (Did I mention that I don’t do haircuts?) Anyway, after talking to me about the look I wanted and how it could possibly fit into my overcrowded life, she gave me a quick shampoo and scalp massage (quick only cause I was in a hurry) and then gave me a better style than either of my pictures. My head felt light but I still had oh so much hair! I began receiving compliments immediately. I’m in need of a touch-up and can’t wait to get back to Mary again!
Salon on Crescent (Homewood)
I have had so many rave reviews from my last haircut and new salon...that I am flabergasted. I have given out seven cards just to family members...(not to mention friends and others) who could not wait to meet my hair artist. Every one of my aunts (4- big Sicilian family)whom were HUGE Salon 280 mavens..quickly ran over to Salon on Crescent where Kristen Buckelew works her magic !!!! She is amazing. Kristen believes in personal service all the way!! i have had my hair cut at Oak Street and all the other "it" salons....I was even offered free hair care by Angel Hair....no way would I cheat on Kristen !!!! I followed her from A&W.....trust me it is serious...dare I say love and adoration?!
She is the best kept secret in Birmingham. I hope I have not messed up my ability to get an appointment!!
Amy Novak
She is the best kept secret in Birmingham. I hope I have not messed up my ability to get an appointment!!
Amy Novak
More about MOP (Homewood)
When I first walked into Mop, I instantly feel in love with the atmosphere--elegant but not stuffy. The chandeliers, wallpaper, and tall framed mirrors could sway to the formal side but instead come off as hip and tasteful. The place is tiny (there's just enough room for the stylists and a small seating area) and cozy, just right for some well deserved pampering. My stylist was Kara, and she looked polished and professional, dressed in black from head-to-toe. (I asked, and all the stylists coordinate what color they will wear for different days of the week/seasons.) My angular bob from my last cut had grown out a bit and was looking shaggy, so I asked for that to be reshaped and for a bang trim. Kara took time with the cut, and although my bangs turned out shorter than I would have liked, she worked with them until I was satisfied. I love the bob (better than my first!) and the styling products Mop uses are not overly perfume-y and worked great. I had a 50% off coupon (thanks salonfly!), and the total came to $38, so I would guess that Kara usually charges $70+ for a woman's shampoo, cut, and style. ( P.S. If you like my 'do and decide to give Mop and Kara a try, tell them I sent you--for every three referrals you earn a free hair cut!)Shannon F
Casi Vaughn (Hair Reflections)
Three of my friends recommended Casi so I sent in my daughter and husband first. She changed my husband's hair style and took off some years in the process. They were happy so I went. When I left the wild salon ( they were in the process of shooting a commercial when I was there) I left with the best hair cut I'd ever had. The only downer was that my husband was out of town so I couldn't show it off to him. I would highly recommend Casi Vaughn of Hair Reflections.Teresa Traylor
Salon Mop (Homewood)
Personal Touch (Columbiana)
Yes, this one is in Columbiana. Where's that? Why would I want to drive all the way out there? Just read on...(review courtesy of SupaFly Melissa A.)Ok, so I have always gone to expensive salons and thought that the more expensive, the better (or the more "uppity the salon, the better stylist you have"). I have paid as much as $300 in the recent past for pretty simple highlights and a cut that I didn't like. After reeling from this experience, I complimented someone's hair and asked where she went. (She was a gorgeous pharmaceutical sales rep with perfect hair). She told me that she too, had tried all of the expensive salons but she found someone she loved in Columbiana and now I too love how she does my hair. The place is called "Personal Touch". The building is anything but posh and you will be surprised when you walk in - it looks like a typical small-town, Southern "beauty-shop" but Wendy (Bolan) does an excellent job! The price is amazing - I cannot believe all I get done for under $100 (usually it's between $75-$85 for a foil - two colors, cut, style, and eyebrow wax). My pharmaceutical sales rep friend said that many of her doctor clients have started sending their wives there as well :)
Personal Touch
120 Old Highway 25 W
Columbiana, AL 35051
(205) 669-9284
Sanctuary stylist Richard Blair (Homewood)
Lots of praise for Sanctuary's newest addition - Richard Blair! Check out these testimonials...My appointment was last Saturday and it was WONDERFUL! Richard was marvelous--great conversation, great personality, I completely felt comfortable with him and trusted him with my "do"! He added some color to my sad, natural brown I was sportin'. I feel much more professional, stylish and ready for the summer! Oh, btw, Richard wanted to make sure everyone knows he's not one of those "froo-froo stylists" just because he's from NY. :) He was very down to earth and personable. I will definitely be returning to him for my next visit to the salon. Taylor P.
I went and saw Richard a few weeks ago - he was fabulous and so is Sanctuary! He updated my 'do exactly how I wanted it, and I plan on going back to see him in a few weeks. The staff seemed very friendly and the salon has a wonderfully hip, but laid back, atmosphere - very comfortable! Rose K.
I got a cut and highlights, and Richard did a fab job. The atmosphere is great at Sanctuary, they serve juice and water, which is nice. I would love to have a glass of wine while waiting and getting my hair cut/highlighted, though. It is just a nice feeling being pampered and relaxing! Thank you very much! I am a beautiful young woman again! Brandy G.
I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you for introducing me to Richard at Sanctuary. I bounded in two weeks ago with my gift certificate in hand and had a wonderful experience! The salon itself, as you know, is beautiful and everyone was very friendly. I met Richard and he immediately consulted with me on what we were to do with my short locks. The was definitely work to be done to correct the problem I had going on in the back of my hair from having the "Locks of Love" pony tail cut off! I even let him color my naturally blonde (though dull from winter) locks for the first time in my life and it was fabulous! Jennifer S.
Richard was amazing. When I had gotten to Sanctuary, he was waiting on me and came and sat down beside me to talk. I had an idea about what I wanted but then he sat and started flipping through a magazine and we found the look. I got a haircut like Courtney Cox's, tapered edge look. He was VERY thorough and did both wet and dry cutting. I would recommend him to anyone! He shared some very neat styling tips with me too! I already have two upcoming appointments with him. Thanks for giving me this opportunity. I am very pleased with my cut and my new stylist. Laura S.
SO NICE I WENT TWICE. My stylist, Richard Blair, and the other Sanctuary staff make a salon visit very pleasant. Two weeks after my haircut, I went back for more services and plan to schedule the next visit soon. Tania A.
This past Saturday, I went for a cut and style with Richard at Sanctuary. While I am still adjusting to the cut (shorter than anything I’ve had since 2nd grade, and I still cannot style it like he did, despite his showing me more than once,) I really liked Richard. He is down to earth and really listens to what you have to say; he will do what is right for you, not just what he likes to do. Because I was the last appointment of the day, he truly spent time with me and tried to show me how to style my hair, (despite my telling him I knew I couldn’t replicate it.)
It was a great experience! the stuff there was very nice, they offered something to drink, the shampooing was combined with a massage of the head... absolutely great! And the haircut as well is fantastic - i really love it! Richard is really worth the money - of course this time I got it for free, but I'll definitely stay his client... forever!!! Actually, i already send my husband to him last week - with the same result: a great haircut received in a great atmosphere. Nicole H.
Sanctuary stylist Shaun Thomas (Homewood)
We sent a few folks to Shaun at Sanctuary in Homewood and received some nice feedback...
The people there were so nice.... the salon was down to earth and it was like a piece of heaven dropped right down here in Alabama
My experience at the Sanctuary with Shaun was wonderful....What a great salon...No doubt I will be returning to him for many years to come...I have already recommended him to everyone I know...I now have a great new stylist....What a relief! Erin S.
The people there were so nice.... the salon was down to earth and it was like a piece of heaven dropped right down here in Blue Velvet Salon (Mountain Brook)
Some stylists just know. They know you really don't have any idea what you hair "should" look like - and they know that what you're used to is all wrong.Unfortunately, most of the time your stylist says "trust me", you're headed for big trouble. But, if you're lucky, you might be sitting in the chair of a stylist who actually does know better. If this happens, hang on to that stylist like your life depended on it. Because it does - bad hair leads to premature death (seriously, I read that somewhere...on the Internet).
Cherie at Blue Velvet Salon is one of those in "the know".
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
We need your story. Tell us about your best (or worst) salon experience. It doesn't matter where it happened - we just want to know what you've liked (and what you wish you could forget).Why share? The five best stories will be awarded a gift certificate for services at a local Birmingham salon or spa. They will also be published in an upcoming issue of Birmingham Magazine.
Email your experience to jason@salonfly.com or enter via salonfly.com (starting June 1st). We'll be accepting submissions until July 1.
Triple Platinum Salon (Lakeview area)
A few reasons to visit Triple Platinum Salon:
1) Cool name
2) The owner has a sweet car (which we've since learned is a Lotus Elise)
3) It's close to your home / work (salon is on Clairmont within a few miles of UAB)
4) Mike Hale gives a solid cut (at least men's cut) in less than 20 minutes
Have anything you'd like to ad to this list? Just post a comment.
Triple Platinum Salon
3020 Clairmont Ave
Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 324-9224
FYI - Mike Hale only takes cash or check
1) Cool name2) The owner has a sweet car (which we've since learned is a Lotus Elise)
3) It's close to your home / work (salon is on Clairmont within a few miles of UAB)
4) Mike Hale gives a solid cut (at least men's cut) in less than 20 minutes
Have anything you'd like to ad to this list? Just post a comment.
Triple Platinum Salon
3020 Clairmont Ave
Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 324-9224
FYI - Mike Hale only takes cash or check
Logan's Village Salon on SoHo (Homewood)
Who in the heck is Lamar? Today, I (Jason) met with Logan Greene at his salon (Logan's Village Salon on SoHo) to discuss getting listed with salonfly. Unfortunately, when he answered the door, I cheerfully greeted him with "Hey, Lamar".No, that's not his name (and no, he didn't think it was funny). Sorry, Amy, I think I blew that sales call.
So who is Lamar? And what's he doing in my head? I don't have a bloody clue. At first, I thought it might be the PBS Reading Rainbow guy - turns out his name is actually "LeVar" (and that he's also the Star Trek guy with the weird sunglasses). So I'm stumped. Lamar, if you're out there, post a comment so I can move on with life.
And oh yeah, Logan's salon was a funky little place. And the owner is definitely an interesting dude. If you've been, please post a comment - I'd love to hear about your experience.
Logan's Village Salon on SoHo
1820 28th Avenue South
Homewood, AL 35209
(205) 868-0818
Stylist pages
We get three types of calls at salonfly:1) Who can cut curly hair?
2) Where did my stylist go?
3) Can I move into your house and become your house-boy?
For #1 and #2, check out our growing stylist pages. For #3, not-so-much.
Experience Diary
What the heck is "diamond-tip" microdermabrasion? How do I get rid of these greys? And why has Bert (yes, Sesame Street "Bert") waited so long to get a brow wax?All intriguing...and all answered in salonfly's experience diary (click here).
Salon M Squared (Inverness)
Salon M2 (pronounced M-squared) was just profiled in Birmingham Magazine's "Style Guy" column (click here to view). The folks at M2 are some of the nicest we've met in the industry. If you've recently been, and would like to share your experience, just post a comment.If you're planning on checking them out, click here for some great promotional offers.
Salon M2
5299 Valleydale Road
Hoover, AL 35242
(205) 995-6123
Sweet and Sassy (Hoover)
Sorry, but we're suckers for cute since having a baby girl. She's still a bit young for a trip to the salon, but we suspect that Sweet & Sassy will be a favorite. If you've been, post a comment and let us know how it went.Sweet & Sassy (salon . spa . celebrations)
Patton Creek Shopping Center
(205) 682-8868
Hair Impressions - Vestavia Hills (City Center)
Last Wednesday, Amy and I were treated to a tour of Hair Impressions - a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon in the Vestavia Hills City Center. It's only been open a few months (since Nov '06) so we haven't yet gotten any feedback regarding service. If anyone reading this has sat in one of their
chairs - let us know about your experience by posting a comment.
The owners definitely put a lot of energy into this salon - my favorite perk...small, flat screen televisions positioned for every hair station.
chairs - let us know about your experience by posting a comment.The owners definitely put a lot of energy into this salon - my favorite perk...small, flat screen televisions positioned for every hair station.
Orbit Salon, 5 Points - Southside
I've been cut at a number of places over the past few months, but I keep going back to Lisa Cordes at Orbit Salon. And I'm going to recommend this place to all the dudes out there that are too cool (i.e., nervous) about going to a salon, as well as the ladies in their life that wish they'd stop going to Supercuts (sorry, Supercuts, but it just ain't so).Why will Orbit work for dudes? Number one, it's a bit gritty. No, not gritty like a bus station...I mean gritty as in authentic and unpolished. You will not find bubbling fountains or calming Musak (or any other cliches which dudes fear). Orbit is urban and vibrant - much like Southside. If you feel comfortable in 5 Points, you'll never feel out-of-place in Orbit.
What else? Oh yeah, it's cheap. I know "cheap" isn't the best way to say it, but sorry, $20 for a wash and haircut is just plain cheap! Now I'm sure it costs a bit more to sit with the owner, but a wash and cut with Lisa is only $20. And Lisa is good. I'm fairly prissy about my hair and she has never disappointed. Actually, it's rumored that my exact hair style has its own Hindu god - that's a lot of pressure to put on any one stylist. Lisa has been consistently up to the challenge. Remember to tip.
Here's the contact info:
Orbit Salon
2030 11th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 918-0333
One final note...I am aware of the fact that there are places in Birmingham that will "cut" your hair for $10 or less. And I am further aware that the men who frequent these establishments are quite proud of their discount cuts. Gentlemen, I say this not out of arrogance, but with deep concern for your well being...you're not 12 years old anymore, grow up and get a real haircut.
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