Hair: Salons and pricing
I began to look around for a new hairstylist because mine is heading towards retirement.
The sleek, serene Salon Freyja opened a block away. I consulted their web site. The site says they are "non-discriminatory, open, honest and safe."
They don't charge women more than men, which is still done at most salons here. However, they had not published their prices, just "price varies".
I went in to inquire, and the receptionist said, "I can guide you through this." I listened to a preamble about how prices were determined a) by length of hair, and b) in consultation with the stylist. She said, "I am not sure, but I am guessing your hair would be considered... short."
"No kidding", I replied, affably enough. "But", she said, "the stylist would tell you for sure."
I said, "I'm unwilling to take up a stylist's time without first knowing the price for a cut. Some of us might want to decide based on that." I might as well have said, "based on the colour of your underwear", because her eyes widened in surprise.
She conceded that would probably cost $62.50 (plus tax and tip). Does the adage, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" apply?
Thinking maybe I'm out of touch with salon culture, I checked a selection of Montréal's hippest, and found detailed price lists on both their Facebook and web sites.
I was attracted by Freja's promise of "honest"; I like a stylist who says what she thinks. But "safe"? Ending up with too-short bangs is a danger... and what else? Still, I could see myself enjoying the Scandinavian vibe; my salon visit is a mini-vacation where I bask in atmosphere and attention.
A friend's son recommended another salon just a few doors up the street, the tiny Haircuts for Anyone, a two-chair cubby whose prices are on a pay-what-you-choose scale, from $25 to $60 for a cut. I would be stretching the age envelope for their clientele, but they sound entirely cool about that, saying "All ages, genders, sexual orientations, hair types and hair lengths are welcome." They're calling a braid a braid.
Both shops have devoted clients, so I'm on the fence, and shaggier by the day.
Cost is not the determining criterion (I've paid more than Salon Freyja charge, though currently pay less) but—would you book a hair salon appointment without knowing the price?
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| Salon Freyja |
They don't charge women more than men, which is still done at most salons here. However, they had not published their prices, just "price varies".
I went in to inquire, and the receptionist said, "I can guide you through this." I listened to a preamble about how prices were determined a) by length of hair, and b) in consultation with the stylist. She said, "I am not sure, but I am guessing your hair would be considered... short."
"No kidding", I replied, affably enough. "But", she said, "the stylist would tell you for sure."
I said, "I'm unwilling to take up a stylist's time without first knowing the price for a cut. Some of us might want to decide based on that." I might as well have said, "based on the colour of your underwear", because her eyes widened in surprise.
She conceded that would probably cost $62.50 (plus tax and tip). Does the adage, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" apply?
Thinking maybe I'm out of touch with salon culture, I checked a selection of Montréal's hippest, and found detailed price lists on both their Facebook and web sites.
I was attracted by Freja's promise of "honest"; I like a stylist who says what she thinks. But "safe"? Ending up with too-short bangs is a danger... and what else? Still, I could see myself enjoying the Scandinavian vibe; my salon visit is a mini-vacation where I bask in atmosphere and attention.
 |
| Haircuts for Anyone |
A friend's son recommended another salon just a few doors up the street, the tiny Haircuts for Anyone, a two-chair cubby whose prices are on a pay-what-you-choose scale, from $25 to $60 for a cut. I would be stretching the age envelope for their clientele, but they sound entirely cool about that, saying "All ages, genders, sexual orientations, hair types and hair lengths are welcome." They're calling a braid a braid.
Both shops have devoted clients, so I'm on the fence, and shaggier by the day.
Cost is not the determining criterion (I've paid more than Salon Freyja charge, though currently pay less) but—would you book a hair salon appointment without knowing the price?
Comments
I presume safe in the context of the first salon is similar to the non-judging open of the second. I.e not gender driven. Hope not ageist,
As for prices, I have found that two stylists in the same salon charge different prices to cut my hair. This isn't based on years of experience, because the younger one usually charges around $5 more. This doesn't seem to be based on education, either. Last year one raised her price, followed a few months later by the other raising her price. Both do well with my curly hair, so I don't question their prices. However, I wouldn't make an appointment at a new salon without pinning down a price.
Usually, a salon does not permit a junior stylist to charge more than a senior one. Personally I have found some junior stylists way better than senior ones, so one has to make one's own assessment. And having curly hair too, I'd add some just can't cut it well, no matter what their training or experience.
I am unforgiving when it comes to my hair. I lived in another state for a few years and found the best stylist of my life. When I moved back to my home state to be close to my elderly mom, I had a hard time finding a stylist I liked and treated myself to a trip back to my great stylist for cut and color and I decided my happiness was worth keeping doing this, so I head back for a 3 day weekend 4 times a year, visit friends and get my hair done. It's a cheap hour's flight, it keeps me connected to a place and people I love and my happiness is worth it. I'm still working full time so the cost isn't an issue but I don't see myself giving this up. It's pretty bougie but I'm worth it. Finding a new stylist you love is so stressful!
Marla: I have had friends who travelled for their hairstylist. That seems like a good idea, when you combine it with visits with old friends, and a getaway.
Frugal: Embarrassemnt, yes. Abuse from this establishment seems to me unlikely as they know the client would give them adverse publicity. I too like to see the prices in the window of French shops. (One sales woman told me, "It keeps the people who can't afford to shop here out.")
Mary: Wait; seven levels? I had fun trying to name them. Apprentice, Senior Apprentice, Staff Stylist, Senior stylist, Stylist to the Stars- that's only five.
I absolutely have to book an appointment with my hairdresser, who is on Jean-Talon just east of Christophe-Colomb (a short walk northeast). https://coiffure-2000-nuances.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral A very strange name; most of the staff are from Latin American countries. A Susanfriend and I count on Claudio, who is from Argentina. He is cool, but I'm sure he's over 50. Last time I went it was $30 and I give him a generous tip. Susanfriend has hair opposite mine: very fine and straight, originally blonde or "dirty blonde". He has also done our hair (basic but flattering cuts). Friend's late husband went there too; he had balded quite a bit but was fussy about remaining hair and added a bit of subtle colour to head hair, brows and moustache to avoid the "invisible" look some people of age get.
I also went into Haircuts for everyone. Love their orientation, but fear it might be too punky for me. I don't want to look "madame" but not desperate to be younger either.
Livia has the most beautiful fur and only has to lick it and have me brush and comb her!
Jane in London
Jane in London: Lucky you need your cut only seasonally! understand paying tippy top rates once you have an exceptional person, and I am aware of London prices.
http://www.nancyfalaise.com/ Very close to my bicycle mechanic!
And NO, I will not go or shop anywhere the management is not up front about the price.
Very jealous to read about all the affordable haircuts people are describing! In my city a salon haircut, fairly basic short hair, seems to be at least $50-60.
Love the idea of salons publishing a price list and displaying it prominently. Having to ask how much personal services cost feels so awkward to me.......even though I know it shouldn't.
Gauss: Ha! Not safe for wallet! If you have a reputable hairdressing school, you could try them. For some years I went to the Aveda Institute where a student did my cut/colour under the close eye of a teacher. It was extremely reasonable and I had only good experiences. Of course I had to keep switching stylists, as they graduated, but it was fine; they were all so eager to please.
Those $50-$80 cuts are not found in main street or upscale neighbourhoods, or in the hip salons; usually the reasonably-priced stylists tend to be on side streets or suburban locations. Some cut out of their homes. A stylist my retiring one recommended (he trained her) is in a cool salon and after tax and tip I would be paying just over double to see her.
Adele: Isn't it bizarre that we can be reluctant to ask prices? (I am always annoyed when waitstaff announce specials but do not give the prices. A friend ended up paying $45 for one glass of wine he ordered that way!)
Some stylists treat the colour as an annuity and will never advise a client quit, while others are enthusiastic. Years ago, I asked mine (not the current one) what I would look like with grey hair, and he sniffed, "Practical."
Mary: I checked it out , and thought, what is the point of that? (Perhaps, with a staff of 90, there need to be levels to which staff can aspire.) I also noticed the significant differential between men and women. One stylist told me this was the "fuss tax"' women are pickier. I can see charging more for a complicated up-do or complete re-design of the hair, but just based on gender is not valid, IMO. However, I did like their willingness to do a free consultation.
I tried the owner of the salon where my now-retired stylist cut my hair, and she did an excellent job. She is kind enough to charge me the same rate he did, too. With tip it is $48.