TUMBLE DRY LOW •short hair for women • the best salons
• California • Canada • Chicago • Massachusetts • Minnesota • New York State • Utah • United Kingdom
I received one of the best hair cuts of my entire existence in Montreal recently. How do I put this gently? Anyone who cares about hair--especially short hair -- must book an appointment with Alain at Pure Salon right NOW. Here's the backstory: my husband, my little baby boy, and I were celebrating my husband's birthday in Montreal, so of course I booked myself a hair cut (with my husband's blessing). I walked into Pure Salon and did what you're not supposed to do -- I told Alain "please do whatever you want to my hair." I had given birth to my first child a few months before, I hadn't had a hair cut in way too long, and was feeling way to mom-ish. I needed inspiration and a change. Alain asked me a couple questions like, "is there anything you don't want me to do to your hair?" I bit my tongue and said "no, do whatever you want...." and Alain got to work. This hair cut was so much fun -- Alain is a true hair artist and has a great flare for the dramatic. He'd say things that made me blush, like "I guarantee you that you will receive compliments about this hair cut" or "Your head shape is inspirational!" (Every new mom needs to hear stuff like this!) Halfway through the hair cut, he paused and looked at me and said "I hope you're not conservative." I laughed nervously, thinking -- did I forget to mention I am kind of conservative? But I told myself if I made it through 30 hours of child-birthing labor, I could take on whatever sort of hair cut Alain was giving me. Alain cut my hair so precisely, with such care -- and in the end? The cut was something imaginative, with a subdued and sophisticated edgy-coolness. It was perfect. He didn't use any product (though he did use a straight iron and blow dried and blow dried, which I never will do). And I'll admit that I never got the cut to look so great as it did when he styled it. But man, I look back at photos from that Montreal weekend and think how different my life would be if I could have Alain style my hair every morning (or at least give me cuts every few months!). Know that Canadian hair salons don't have the crazy-high prices that New York or Chicago salons have, so chances are you'll be able to afford one of their top stylists. And (please) don't be turned off the blue haired woman on the Pure Salon web site (please). The days of crazy colored hair are far behind me, and I don't really understand why the web site features such avant garde cuts -- the salon was fashionable but pretty down to earth.
Of course, please note that the recommended hair stylists may no longer be working at the places below. But I've found that if a salon manages to hire one great short hair cutter, chances are they have another. Also, it's recommended that you call to confirm addresses, prices and the like, and things in this world are transient.
CALIFORNIA
Oxenrose
500 Hayes Street, San Francisco, California,
94102. 415/252-9723
Stylist: Brian. This review is from Melissa Ryan: "Brian is my man,
he instantly understood the potential puffiness of my hair and gently
reminds me of this when I speak of maybe letting it grow out a bit. I
give him general guidelines and he always comes up with something original
that suits my face and my style. I love him. He's saved my life. I used
to cut my own hair because I didn't know a capable stylist after
trying out many recommendations. He's a mensch."
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CANADA
:: Halifax :::: Montreal :: Toronto ::
1513 Birmingham Street (at Spring Garden). Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada,
B3J 2J6. 902-422-3438
Stylist: Marina. I had high hopes when I walked into Sykea. I hadn't had
a hair cut for 5 months (well, other than my own occasional 1 a.m. "adjustments").
Lots of length to work with, right? And I had just spent two weeks camping
in the woods on vacation so my style standards were temporarily relaxed.
Oak trees looked fashionable. Marina, who is a nice woman, has some ideas.
Lift the back up. Make me look "more modern." And she only uses a razor
when cutting hair - and I love the razor cut's jagged, non-bushy, dramatic
beauty. All good, right? Marina starts cutting. My hair starts falling
in a fury. And then she stops. At first I thought it a tragedy: wispy,
soft-feathery-yuck. So I left and mourned the fact that months of my hard-earned-hair
was being swept up from the floor of Sykea's salon. But then....this cut
grew out really well. Three months later it still looked good. And the
salon sold some cool new hair products I've never tried (the KMS line).
And the hair cut encouraged me to try razor cut my own hair, which is
actually pretty fun, as long as you don't slice open your head.
Les cours Mont-Roayl; 1455 Peel Street; 4th floor; Montreal, Quebec. 514.871.4004
Stylist: Alain. I received one of the best hair cuts of my entire existence in Montreal recently. How do I put this gently? Anyone who cares about hair--especially short hair -- must book an appointment with Alain at Pure Salon right NOW. Here's the backstory: my husband, my little baby boy, and I were celebrating my husband's birthday in Montreal, so of course I booked myself a hair cut (with my husband's blessing). I walked into Pure Salon and did what you're not supposed to do -- I told Alain "please do whatever you want to my hair." I had given birth to my first child a few months before, I hadn't had a hair cut in way too long, and was feeling way to mom-ish. I needed inspiration and a change. Alain asked me a couple questions like, "is there anything you don't want me to do to your hair?" I bit my tongue and said "no, do whatever you want...." and Alain got to work. This hair cut was so much fun -- Alain is a true hair artist and has a great flare for the dramatic. He'd say things that made me blush, like "I guarantee you that you will receive compliments about this hair cut" or "Your head shape is inspirational!" (Every new mom needs to hear stuff like this!) Halfway through the hair cut, he paused and looked at me and said "I hope you're not conservative." I laughed nervously, thinking -- did I forget to mention I am kind of conservative these days? But I told myself if I made it through 30 hours of child-birthing labor, I could take on whatever sort of hair cut Alain was giving me. Alain cut my hair so precisely, with such care -- and in the end? The cut was something imaginative, with a subdued and sophisticated edgy-coolness. It was, in a word, perfect. He didn't use any product (though he did use a straight iron and blow dried and blow dried, which I never will do). And I'll admit that I never got the cut to look so great as it did when he styled it. But man, I look back at photos from that Montreal weekend and think how different my life would be if I could have Alain style my hair every morning (or at least give me cuts every few months!). Know that Canadian hair salons don't have the crazy-high prices that New York or Chicago salons have, so chances are you'll be able to afford one of their top stylists. And (please) don't be turned off the blue haired woman on the Pure Salon web site (please). The days of crazy colored hair are far behind me, and I don't really understand why the web site features such avant garde cuts -- the salon was fashionable but pretty down to earth.
Vidal Sassoon Toronto
37 Avenue Rd. Toronto, ON M5R2G3. 416-920-1333.
Stylist: Gina. Still
recovering from the unexpected crop cut I got at the NYC Vidal Sassoon,
I went in to this salon determined to keep some of my length. Immediately
I liked the vibe of this salon: unpretentious and less slick than the
NYC Vidal. The receptionist was friendly and wore a cool short hair cut
herself! And I felt like no one was judging my clothes. And, important
since I had an early morning cut, they still made really good cappuccinos
while I was waiting. Gina is one of the nicest stylists I've met - relaxed,
friendly, and sympathetic. She listened carefully to what I told her I
wanted, looked patiently at the pictures I had cut out and brought, and
spent a lot of time on my hair. She cut the front pieces around my face
especially well, taking time with each scissor snip. The back...I might
have liked something a little crazier, but I'm rarely happy with what
the back of my head looks like. Gina gave me a great "stepping stone"
cut - one that will allow me, in a month or two, to have the long-for-me-but-still-short
hair style of my dreams! Please note that on certain days of the week,
this salon has student discounts (with a student ID card), or you can
get your hair cut by a student stylist for a really good price. Call the
salon for more info.! Random fact: at least, in Toronto, Vidal Sassoon
doesn't do razor cuts! But with the way they precision cut the hair, who
cares I suppose? (12/2003, DMU)
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Chicago
712 N. Rush St. Chicago, IL 60611. 312.751-1511
Recommended stylist: Rob Reyes.
In my humble
opinion, if you're a woman with short hair, you should move to Chicago
so Rob can cut your hair every 4-6 weeks. And if you live in Chicago...what
are you waiting for? Rob has given me three spectacular hair cuts over
the past few years that have been some of the best cuts I've ever received.
After the first visit, I trusted him enough to cut my hair the day before
my wedding (!) so that I could be a cute hipster bride. Rob recently moved to Maxine, and though I haven't
had a chance to visit him in his new location, the salon looks like a cute hip place, conviently located (for me at least) north of downtown. Here's some excerpts from a review I wrote about Rob while he was
at Art and Science: when I asked Rob if he had any ideas for my hair,
he said yes. This is a rare thing for a stylist to say these days. We
flipped through a book of hair styles - I found a few I liked, and he
suggested some ragged bangs. In the end, he was able to give me a completely
different hair cut (no easy task when working with only a few inches of
hair!). And I have to say the back of my head hasn't looked this good
in years - he actually took into account the shape of my head when cutting.
He sold me on a new hair product. He made me want to move to Chicago so
I could have regular hair appointments by a stellar stylist. UPDATE: my
friend Melissa from Minneapolis also got her hair cut by Rob. This is
what she writes: "I loved him. he spent an hour and a half with me
and cut my hair so that it's actually easy to style, but still very fun
and edgy. It's like he let the way my crazy hair grows work to my styling
advantage. what a break-through! so, thank you so much for the recommendation.
i love my hair!"
1552 N. Milwaukee. Chicago, IL 60622. 773.227.4247 .
My favorite hair stylist ever, Rob Reyes, used to work here, but moved to Kiva
(see review below) in July, 2005. And even though I've been told Art and
Science has been refusing to tell Rob's clients where he had moved to
-- let's not hold that against them. I've always liked this salon's atmosphere:
friendly and hip, just like the hair cuts. I've dragged my sister and
my husband along for hair cuts from various stylists who have always done
a lovely accurate and cool job.
210 W. Kinzie St. 2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60610. Tel: 312.644.RED7
(7337. Recommended stylist: David
Okay, Chicago -- is it really necessary to have two great places for a
woman to get her short hair cut? Can't you spread out the great stylists
a little? David is yet another reason for a short haired woman to move
to Chicago. I asked him what ideas he had for my hair, and he came up
with a 1920's bob that hits right below my ears and makes me look like
I have cheek bones. The cut I ended up with is not the bob that I wore
in my high school days either--it's a fascinating cut that has a lot of
style and movement. Also, and this is a plus, David was not phased when
I said I don't blow dry. He simply suggested that we'll limit the amount
of layers to make the hair still look good. Even so, I'll admit David's
hair cut made me wish I had the patience, time, energy, and arm muscles
to wield a blow dryer. After the cut was styled, this was probably the
most glamorous cut I've ever received: definite model hair. I tried to
put off washing my hair for as long as possible....but, in the end, you
have to shampoo, you know. I've never been able to get the cut to look
quite as fabulous as it did that first day. But, thanks to my three minute
styling regimen, I now have a cool cut that looks like me. It's worth
noting that the Red 7 Salon is one of the friendliest salons I've been
to. David even charmed my mom, who came along to observe. In the end,
for an hour, this salon made me feel like I was the center of the world,
with a complementary hand massage (yes!), good cold drinks, a hug, and
an uber-chic cut.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Jennifer's Hair Company
10 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA, 01060. 413-586-5636. Recommended hair stylist: Robin. This is a review from Carol B.: "Robin has been cutting for over ten years; very low-key, friendly, concerned that her clients get want they want, not what she wants. She took a great deal of time with me-- because of the trauma of not having a hair cut or short hair for over 36 years, I was a good candidate to freak out. And she is very good. Everyone loves the cut who sees it. I am thrilled and can't stop smiling." Robin works Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. (2/2004)
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MINNESOTA
2649 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55408. 612.813.0330.
Recommended
hair stylist: Randi. A few great things about this place: the salon was
only 4 blocks from where I used to live in Uptown. But even more striking
perhaps - this is a hipster salon with great customer service! The longest
I had to wait is about 3 minutes, and they have very good magazines in
the reception area. Randi cut my hair for about a year. Sometimes the
cuts were incredible. Other times they worked all right, depending on
her mood. But she understood "choppy" and "I want my hair
to stick up a lot." Her hair always fascinated me as well, a constant
flood of colors and styles.
Juut SalonSpa
857 Grand Ave. Saint Paul, MN. 651- 222-4121.
Stylist:
Ame. You want a calming hair cut? Go here. You don't sit when your hair
is washed - you lay down on this bed that's at sink level. You get a scalp
massage. You have the optional hand dip into paraffin (and then you get
to sit during your hair cut with soft wax and plastic bags on your hands
- no thanks. But some enjoy it). And I got consistently pretty good cuts
here. For some reason this stylist convinced me that I should grow my
hair longer. Juut Salons seem into longer, milder hair. And after three
or four months, I realized I didn't want to do that anymore. So I was
thrust back on the streets, looking yet again for the perfect stylist.
But if you're interesting in transforming into a longer-haired, good-natured,
all natural woman, this could be the place for you.
Hair Police(::SORT OF RECOMMENDED::)
611 West Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55408. 612.824.1641.
Sort-of
recommended stylist: Cy. The great thing about Cy (I went to her for about
a year) - she's not afraid to cut hair really short. I mean, really short.
I would say "I want my hair short," and - though she never used
clippers thank goodness - I'd walk out with barely any hair on my head.
She could give me some of the greatest cuts ever and always had cool ideas
that were different every single time I walked in. But the reason I stopped
going - if she was rushed, she'd say "thank goodness short hair's
so easy to do." All my hair would be gone in 10 minutes flat and
it definitely looked like that afterwards. Another warning: this is a
true hipster salon, the kind where customers smoke in the waiting area
because that's "cool," the kind where you sometimes have to
wait 30-60 minutes past your appointment because the person getting green
hair extensions before you took a bit longer than expected. (DMU)
Curl Up & Dye (::SORT OF RECOMMENDED ::)
704 W. 22nd St. Minneapolis, MN. 612-872-4556
Sort
of recommended stylist: I can't remember her name, but she's the most
expensive one there. I can't say I was ignored at this salon. My first
and last time there began with a heart to heart talk with this stylist
about my hair and what I liked and didn't like about all hair salons .
Then, for the next hour and a half, there was an incredible amount of
female bonding. An INCREDIBLE amount. Secondary was the hair cut. I learned
about this woman's personal life, and begrudgingly told her about mine
(I was stuck in a chair with a black cape around me - what else could
I do?) She invited me to her home sometime to see her art projects. Her
other clients would stop by to give her hugs. At the end of the cut, she
gave me a big hug. It was a pretty good cut. A precision cut that grew
out pretty darn well. Almost too perfect though.....and I'm the sort of
person who likes to space out with my hair cuts. The social pressures
of this salon were too much for me to go back there again.
Aveda Institute (::NOT RECOMMENDED::)
400 Central Av. SE. Minneapolis, MN. 612-331-1400.
Stylists:
varies. I'm really torn about this place. It's cheap (about $10 when I
went) because students in the Aveda Institute are hacking away at your
hair. It's time-intensive (can take up to 2 hours) - but what better way
to spend an afternoon than in a barber chair surrounded by sweet smelling
Aveda products? You get a free scalp massage. And the first time I went,
a woman named Sabrina - who tragically I never saw again - gave me one
of my best hair cuts ever, a razor cut on my entire head. I tried going
back about 5 other times. Each time I asked for Sabrina. And each time
I was thrown to someone else (you can't ask for specific hair stylists).
By some evil streak of chance, I was turned over to students who hadn't
cut short hair before. Sure, they were excited. Sure, they had good intentions.
Usually I'd end up looking just like them, whether they were male or female.
Those were the sort of cuts I'd have to bring home to my bathroom and
cut away with my own hair scissors before collapsing in a hopeless mess
on my bed because I had no hair left on my head. This is a good place
if you have long hair and are looking for a trim. Otherwise - just cut
your hair yourself and save the heartbreak.
JUUT Advanced Training Salon (::NOT RECOMMENDED ::)
2480 N. Fairview Ave. Roseville. 651-639-0576.
Stylists: varies. First let me say I don't think JUUT salons are really
my thing - they seem into flatter, longer, gentler hair. Second, let me
say I wasn't convinced that these were advanced students. Or rather, advanced
meant wearing black, cutting hair for still only one year but having no
teacher to check over your work anymore. Sure, I had the opportunity to
dip my hands in a vat of lukewarm wax, but that didn't make up for the
hair cut I received that lacked any sort of passion and forced me to take
out my own scissors upon arriving home and cut off all my hair. Go to
a real JUUT salon if you're looking for an ordinary hair cut that relaxes
close to your head.
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NEW YORK
:: Buffalo :::: New York, NY :: Syracuse, NY ::
Buffalo, New York
1665
Hertel Avenue. Buffalo, NY. 716.836.8626.
Stylist: Amanda
Here's some praise from one Buffalo area resident who loves this place:
"My friend told me about them and they're really great. Amanda is
really cool, and has a binder full of lots of satisfied customers' pictures.
The haircuts are super cool, very hip."
New York City
294 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012. 212.941.5932.
Stylist: Cristin.
I finally had a chance to visit Cristin at Arte (I had first found her at Parlor back in early 2005) and I have to say that, hand's down, Cristin is one of the nicest stylists I've yet to encounter in my salon travels. The incredible thing about Cristin's cuts: they get better with age and
grow out wonderfully. This is a rare treat for a short haired person like
me, who is used to having my head look tragically bush-like after a few
weeks. Arte is a relaxed salon worthy of Cristin's friendliness and large-heartedness--devoid of attitude, everybody, from the shampoo folks to the clientele, looks like they're having a good time. I was impressed with how carefully Cristin listened to me describe the cut I wanted--she's also a careful haircutter, and her cuts are inherently wearable, with just the right hipster edge to them. For those who care, Cristin also happens to be a vegetarian and gives an excellent rundown of vegetarian restaurants in the city.
154 Orchard Street (between Stanton and
Rivington - 1 blk off Houston Street). NY, NY 10002. 212.677.2772.
Stylists:
Michael Giovan.
Here's what someone who actually tried this salon has to say about it:
"I've been going there for about the last 6 months to get my hair
cut. He is great. He only charges $30 ($35 if you want a wash beforehand)
and is the best hairdresser I've found in the Northeastern US. All the
other places I tried had NO idea how to cut short hair, they would puff
it all up like somebody's Grandma or slap it all down with a load of wax.
Michael does the greatest job, and super fast. I can't let enough people
know about him." Here's what else I know about it: this salon specializes in short hair cuts for women. It looks like that's
all they do. Sounds like the afterlife, right? They even do the really-short-hair-cuts,
the almost-buzz-cuts that sends some stylists quaking. I admire that.
Laicale (semi-recommended)
129 Grand Street, NY, NY, 10013. 212.219.2424
Stylist: Jeffrey
Laicale didn't have attitude so much as a chilliness, reflected in their concrete decor, their huge high ceilings, the droning repetitive music, and the cool reception. That's okay, I suppose, if you're in a chill mood -- I'm not one to need to hug every stylist I meet. Jeffrey is a perfectly competent stylist who gives aggressively physical hair cuts (the blow drying hurt! The razor cutting hurt! Beauty is pain!). I actually really liked the cut I walked out with -- but though I mentioned I don't blow dry and need something ultra-low maintenance, the cut he gives me looks out of control when left to its own devices. I tried to warn him that my hair has this irritating habit of rising off my scalp if it's not blowed dry (it's pretty thick and slightly coarse) so I requested he not cut the top too short please but...Jeffrey thought a razor cut would solve everything. However, razor cuts don't solve everything if the top layer is too short! My hair looked overgrown within 4 weeks. This was one of the quickest cuts I've had for the money (about $90), taking about an hour. There's probably potential here, but judging from the unsmiling women clientele sitting in the salon chairs, I have a feeling this is a place where long-haired women who love blow drying will feel most at home.
Parlor
Ave
B between 6th and 7th St. (East Village). NY, NY
(212) 673-5520.
Though my favorite stylist Cristin has left this salon for Arte (see above
for contact information), the atmosphere at Parlor is so low-key, welcoming,
warm, and comfortable, that I'm certain there are some good stylists for
short-haired women here (any recommendations, anyone?). Here's what I
wrote about my experience with Cristin: I would choose this salon as my
regular 4-6 week hair cut salon, if I actually lived in New York City
and didn't have to travel 5 hours to get there. The atmosphere is cozy
but cool. Cristin was quiet (which I love about a stylist) and focused.
The hair cut I emerged with was inherently wearable and felt like it fit
my head and personality (i.e. my husband recognized me when I emerged
from the salon). I mentioned I'm wearing my hair a little longer these
days (length is relative, it's still just a couple inches long), and she
didn't cut it all off, which is another plus. Cristin didn't use a straightening
iron either, how I hate those evil things whose purpose seems to waste
my time. It's been 2 months since I've been there and the cut has grown
out in a hipster fashion. Parlor is an Aveda salon, which means as an
added bonus this place makes you smell good. And pricewise, for
a New York City salon, it seemed a downright deal. (DMU, 11/2004)
101 Metropolitan Avenue. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. (718) 782-4101.
Stylists: Martin. I really love a look of this place. Serena wrote to
say "the hair salon Public in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is one of the
best I've ever been to! I saw Martin and he was wonderful." It's
not too expensive for NYC ($50-$75 for a cut), and though the web site
is spare, they have soon cool hair pictures on it.
Vidal Sassoon
730
Fifth Avenue, Second Floor. NY, NY. (212) 535-9200.
Stylists:
April (or try a student).
I have a love-hate relationship with some Vidal Sassoon salons. Often I love their precision cuts and how they can make your hair do things it usually doesn't do (like sit flat, or fly around your head in a model sort of way). Sometimes this translates into high-maintenance however, and certain Vidal Sassoon salons, like this NY location, have way too much attitude, where you feel like even the receptionist is looking down at you if you wear comfortable shoes to your appointment. Try, if you can, to get a student to cut your hair
(cuts are under $25) - check in to see when their model call is (currently
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m., or stop in any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F).
You can also ask to see if there's any student cuts available at their
downtown salon. But alas, if they have no space for you - you may just
have to pay full price (often upwards of $100). A perfect gift for a loved
one to give you. Attitude aside, the first time I went to see April, she was perfect, finally
thinking up a completely different hair cut than the one I've been wearing
for the last few years. She offered me fancy coffee drinks and took time
with my hair. I left there smelling sweet and feeling hip. And a special
note - Monday's are student discount day. Show a student ID and get 20%
off.
The second time I went to April, she was
still nice, friendly, and down-to-earth (a welcome difference from the salon attitude). My issue is: I entered
the salon with post-bridal hair that was pretty long for me (chin length
with layers). I was excited by the potential of having all this length
to play with. I told April I needed something that would look good without
a blowdryer or a straight iron. She said "well, we'll have to cut
it all off then." And while I admire her lack of fear in cutting
my hair down to about 1-2 inches long, and for spending about 90 minutes
of intense concentration doing this, I also felt there was a certain lack
of creativity on her part. I ended up with the Standard Short Hair Cut
which I already had for several years (though this was a precision cut
and it did grow out really well). There has to be some cool styles longer
than two inches that don't require high maintenance, right? RIGHT?????
Or do all women secretly use a hair dryer?
Syracuse, NY
Matthew's Salon
5804 Bridge St. Syracuse, NY. 315-446-4800.
Stylist: Tracy. After 15 months of living here, I've finally found (thanks
to a friend's tip-off) a woman who can cut short hair! Here's what I like
about her: I'm wearing my hair a little longer these days, and when I
said "please leave some length" she left some length. When my
hairs are only a couple inches long, I'm possessive about their length.
And she did some cool undercutting razor technique on the back of my hair
that I've never seen before! I love crazy razor techniques. And she didn't
tell me to stop cutting my own hair. All good. Some downsides: it sounded
as if she was trying to make my hair look like Meg Ryan's (!). And even
though I'm a hair-product fanatic, and even though this is a nice-smelling
Aveda salon, I was way over-producted when I left (almost, I'm ashamed
to admit, poofy!). But a shower and a few minor adjustments I had to make
to my neckline left me with a haircut that I can live happily with. It's
not an edgy place, but it has some texture. If you want a mild (not messy
or wild) short hair cut, this may be the place for you.
Concept
In the Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13202.
315-423-9933.
Carole wrote in from North Carolina to recommend this salon. "The
Concept on Salina Street is owned by Billy Buchanan. He had been cutting
my hair (short) for 10 years, and I have to tell you it was the 'best'
and most complemented...by everyone....haircut I have ever, ever had.
I moved away from Syracuse in '95 and haven't had a good or even a slightly
good haircut since.The entire staff at this salon is attentive, caring,
and stays on the 'cutting' edge of the latest styles and techniques. You
have to experience the 'whole' package there. Pedicure, manicure, massage,
waxing, makeup all with Aveda products. You feel and smell soooo good
when you are ready to leave. That is if you care to!! And again.....the
best short haircut ever!~!~!~!"
Salon 120
120 Walton Street (Armory Square). Syracuse, New York. 315-472-1799. Stylist: Kristi Bitetti.
A local resident wrote this great review "For the best short
haircut in Syracuse, you must stop and see Kristi Bitetti at the 120 Salon,
120 Walton Street in Armory Square. I've been her client for 15 plus years,
following her wherever she is. I won't let anyone else snip a hair on
my head! She makes your hair work for your life with innovative techniques
and proper use of product to achieve the look you want. She is also very
committed to her continuing professional education. Kristi is really a
color specialist (I'm one of her few cut-only clients) and was a recent
3rd place winner (out of 700 entries) in a Goldwell competition. She's
just terrific! Great manicures, also!"
Salon Surreal
3410 Burnett Avenue. Syracuse, New York 13206. 315-432-8808. Stylist: Danielle.
This is the second recommendation I've received about Danielle, this
one from Jackie: "I have been going to salon surreal for the past
3 years now! And Danielle is my stylist…and she is wonderful. My
girlfriend referred me to her. Now she does most of my family. I get many
compliments on my hair and I tell them exactly where to go. There is also
a stylist named Clint who has joined her salon who is just as great!!!!!
The salon has a great atmosphere and very upbeat! I recommend anyone in
the Syracuse area to check them out! You will wont be disappointed!!!"
Industry
121 Walton St. Syracuse, New York 13202.
315.476.0015. Stylist: Tricia.
I've been
meaning to try out this salon and have heard mixed things about it from
people, though I love their sign that hangs up outside their salon...but
then my friend Ana got a very cut short pixie-ish cut here, and I loved
it! Ana said Tricia was very nice and listened well.
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UTAH
Bleach Graffiti
801-390-6519. Ogden, Utah.
Stylist:
Corey V. Rating: 10 by Lynn
Here's Lynn's review of this salon: "[Corey V.] is great with short
hair and always has new inventive ways to do my hair. I've moved away
from her, so when I decide to get a haircut i I have to factor in a driving
time of 45 minutes. I got bored one day and decided to get a trim at a
local salon. Oh, what a mistake that was. I showed her a picture of Meg
Ryan's hair, bobish & when she was through with me, it didn't look anything
like the picture. I asked the woman if she thought it looked even close
but her reply was, I thought this looked better. She basically took chunks
out the side of my hair, leaving the back long -- a bad mullet if you'd
ask me. I went home crying to my boyfriend. I went to work the next day
with a scarf around my head, ashamed that I even thought about going to
another stylist. I lasted about two days before I called Corey and confessed
what I had done. I was crying for help!!! She squeezed me in later that
night & worked on my hair till 10 p.m."
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UNITED KINGDOM
Glasgow, UK
Vidal Sassoon, Glasgow
Princes Square,
46 Buchanan St.
Glasgow G1 3JN. +44 (0) 141 226 4484>
Recommended stylist: Charlie
Is it wrong when one of the highlights of a 2-week vacation to Scotland was getting my hair cut? But it wasn't just any haircut--it was the fabulous, fabulous cut of my dreams, given by Charlie at Vidal Sassoon in Glasgow. If you're traveling to the UK, really, make a trip to see her! My husband and I traveled to Scotland in September to hike the West Highland Way, a 100 mile trail, so I left my hair products behind (gasp!), brought only hiking boots and mildly unfashionable hi-tech hiking clothing, and was feeling rather blah as we wandered around urban Glasgow before the hike. Then, as if it were fate, we stumbled across Glasgow's Vidal Sassoon in the Prince's Square shops. Somehow, Charlie gave me a cut that looked cool and subtly hipster, even during the week-long hike. It probably sounds as if I'm talking about a miracle cut, but it needed no product, no blow-drying, and it was super fun to play with too. Charlie and the salon were also free of attitude and very nice to overlook my hiking boots and make me feel welcome, even in my nylon pants. Charlie even compiled a list of vegetarian restaurants in town for me. The only down-side: this cut made me want to move to Glasgow, or at least fly there every months for a trim, an idea which made my husband ask "wouldn't it be nice if you could get your hair cut where you actually live?"
London, UK
8/10
Neil's Yard. Covent Gardens. London WC2 9DP. 020 7497 0776.
Stylist: varies. I'll admit I haven't been here for a couple years - but
seriously, this place was almost good enough to make it worth the trip
across the Atlantic for a hair cut. And more good news - this place was
pretty darn cheap. I had my hair cut by a couple people, my favorite a
French man who was trained in Paris. The cuts took about 15 minutes but
ended up somehow turning out great. It's a hip place so they know what
to do with your head. If you're within a thousand mile radius, check it
out.
Three locations:
• School of Hairdressing. 56 Davies Mews. London, W1Y 1 A7. telephone: 7 318 5205.
• Creative School. 17 Queen Street. London, W1X 7JP. Telephone: 7 318 5205.
• Advanced Academy. 20 Grosvenor Street. London, W1X 9FD. Telephone: 7 318 5205
Stylists: varies. Even if they're students - and even if hair cuts may take 90 minutes - Vidal Sassoon salons certainly know how to cut short hair. I went to the School of Hairdressing twice and received a great cut both times - one of my favorites. They even had the foresight to cut my bangs very short to my hairline a year before everyone else was doing it. If you have special (i.e. long?) hair, you may be chosen for the Advanced Academy. That's where my friend got to go and came out looking very cool and dramatic. More good news about this place: it's pretty darn cheap.
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