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Okay, I understand that its the stylist and not the salon BUT>>>>
why would a highly skilled stylist work at greatclips or supercuts?
They don't. Highly skilled artists may not only work at high end salons, they may occasionally work at mid range salons as well, but if they are talented they would not be settiling for 14.95 a cut.
My thoughts exactly.
I've been going to a high-end salon for about four years now and have never left the place disappointed. Although it is VERY pricey (haircuts are usually $40 minimum, just last night I paid $60 for a trim ), it's totally worth it; the quality of the haircuts are so good that they look like they've naturally grown out that way... and even then, it's easy to maintain the style because the cut continues to grow beautifully. Also, if you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment, you have a choice of one of their complimentary services which includes either a neck/back rub, facial or a make-up touch-up.
This place hires only the best, closing the salon every third Tuesday of the month for a few hours to re-train their staff and to keep them up to date with their training. And apparently they keep files of every client - I was told that one of the ladies who did me awhile back wrote that my hair is (underlined) VERY thick and possibly needs some thinning. Haha.
As far as cheap places go, my hair grows at a glacial pace so I'm too scared of taking the risk of going to a Fantastic Sam's or Supercuts and getting my hair royally butchered. I'd rather stick to a familiar place where I know I'll walk out feeling like [I've spent] a million bucks.
I will never again go to a Hair Cuttery. EVER. The past few times I have... well, one time, the girl nearly gave me a mullet.
The best way to find a good stylist is through a referral. Ask around if you see someone with a good haircut, even if you don't know that person.
As far as what is better and what is not, yes they usually don't work at the cheap places, but sometimes you do get lucky. I found one an affordable independent place once, but I made the mistake of not asking her for her cell phone # and she left the place, she was too talented for that place, I knew it would happen eventually. They owners won't tell me where she went of course
I found my new fav stylist a few months ago, at our local beauty college actually. She's only been there a few months, and I love it cause she actually listens to me and does what I ask, instead of what she thinks looks good. She took 15 mins to cut about an inch off, but she was precise, and it looks great. She has 18 months of BC left before she can get her liscense, and whatever shop she goes to, I will follow; just cause she took her time and listened to what I wanted with my hair.
Oh, the price was perfect as well; $8 for the cut, and I gave her a $7 tip on top of it, and told her it was cause she listened.
The day before I found her, I went to Aveda, (cause they are supposed to be the best in this area) and I only wanted a 1/2"-1" trim. I have waist long straight full hair (all the same length, except for grown out bangs) and a plain boring straight across cut. Easy to trim right?
WRONG!!! I sat down in the chair at Aveda and pulled out my hair from the ez comb, and the first thing she says after I tell her I just want a small trim, is that I would look great with a longer angled bob. I got up and left, after telling her no four times, that I only wanted a tiny trim, but she insisted on doing the short haircut.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kat77
14 dollars is a joke have some respect for the Industry. Like any hard working american our time is priceless and that is what you are paying for these individuals do not get payed an hourly wage. These individuals bend over shampoo bowls all day and stand on there feet. There study and work is equal to that of any other profession. Like any other profession skill level and integrity are to be considered.
Oh gee are you serious?!
I know factory workers that stand on their feed all day, lifting 50+ lbs for 12hrs a day for $10/hr.
Sorry, but cutting hair is MUCH easier than that, and $14/hr isn't anything to scoff at in this area, especially since the median average for wages is around 23k/year.
Last edited by Cav Scout wife; 12-02-2009 at 08:23 AM..
I have had bad cuts at expensive salons and some truly great cuts from little cheapo places. Usually the cuts are equivalently mediocre, and I can't justify paying a higher price to get it cut somewhere snooty when I don't even get a better cut out of the deal. I keep my hair short and it grows crazy fast, so I have to get it cut quite often. The best approach I have found is to go to cheapo places and accept whoever they assign to me. If the cut is bad or mediocre its not that big a deal since it grows out so fast, and I will just take a different random stylist the next time. If they do a good job I get their name and call ahead to make sure they are there before I go to get my next cut. I was pretty thrilled with my last cut, we have just moved to a different side of town and I was dreading trying to find someone who is good with hair of my type. I walked into the local branch of my favorite cheapo chain (Great Clips), and the stylist that was assigned to me did a fantastic job both of listening to what my plans are for my hair and with the haircut itself. She cut it exactly how I wanted and it is growing out gracefully which is the true mark of a good cut. I will definitely seek her out for future cuts, and because I go places where the cut is cheap, I can afford to tip well.
The people who are working in the high end salons probably came from cheapo places...The only way to be a great hair cutter is to cut as much hair as possible...where do you think that happens? Super Cuts, BoRics etc etc. They bang out haircuts like nothing. Those bodunk places make the great haircutters.
Hair stylists need skill and talent, but they do not have the same educational requirements of other professions. You simply can not compare the level of education that a hair dresser has to a CPA, attorney, nurse, physician, architect, engineer, or teacher. They all require 2-8 years of secondary education as well as CPE units each year. Hair dressers take a six month course--often as part of their high school education.
Oh, and for the record, it's obvious that spelling and grammar aren't an integral part of a cosmetology license.
Talented hair dressers have no reason to work at $14 a hair cut places. They build a following and make a very, very good living. Poor hairdressers will end up giving $14 hair cuts. Why should they expect top grade pay if they don't have the skill and talent to offer top grade services?
Hi there. I was searching for some things involving my industry on the web and happened to come across this post. I had to respond. I just have a few things to say.
You do not need to assume that all hairdressers are uneducated. First, I'd like to say that cosmetology school is not a six month program completed in high school. In my state, cosmetologists actually require more clinic hours to complete their program than Registered Nurses. This state's board does not require the most hours either.
Personally, I completed a two year program and received a diploma. Also in my state (as well as many others), continuing education hours are required to keep your license valid. I go above and beyond. I have attended programs and schools all over the world where tuition was well over $3000.
I am a Stage Artist for a major product line and I travel all over the nation working major hair shows and teaching people how to do amazing hair. I am a certified Hair Extensions Specialist. Photos of my work and articles featuring me and my salon have been printed in several major magazines. I offer freelance work as well, where I perform hair and make-up services for music videos, concerts, album artwork, photo shoots and the theatre.
BTW, I also double majored at a four year university and hold degrees in Communications and Art.
So yes, my education and experience are very real and time with me is quite expensive. I deserve every single bit of it and stay booked 3 months out.
Plus, it's not all about the stylist. I think the atmosphere or the salon is import and the kind of product it sells.
I absolutely agree! The atmosphere of the salon is very important to me as well. Some have a variety of products and brands, but I am currently going to a Bumble & Bumble salon, and my hair has never been healthier! I love their product line and Pureology as well. I alternate between the two.
I have done both over the years with varying degrees of success. At the moment I have a lovely woman at my local Supercuts who has cut my hair for 2 years now. I used to take my chances and just go in but a couple times she was busy and I was called by someone else...big mistake. Now I just call in the morning and tell her when I'm coming in and have no problems. I want a good cut, efficiency and low price...atmosphere, coffee, champagne, products...mean nothing to me except more $$$ spent. I get my products at the drugstore and color my own hair.
I have had the worst luck in finding someone who knows how to cut straight hair without getting a bob - I mean the worst. I have been to so many salons and ones with the best referrals - horrible results. It seems that I will go to someone and they will give me a great first cut, and then, the next cut is horrible - I really don't get it.
Color is an entirely different story - I finally found the right product and a great colorist.
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), it's totally worth it; the quality of the haircuts are so good that they look like they've naturally grown out that way... and even then, it's easy to maintain the style because the cut continues to grow beautifully. Also, if you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment, you have a choice of one of their complimentary services which includes either a neck/back rub, facial or a make-up touch-up.
