Haircut with care instructions! (Johnston Brady Hairdressing Salon)

Member Name: clawson0810

Product:	Johnston Brady Hairdressing Salon
Date:	09/12/08 (142 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Teaches you how recreate and look after your style

Disadvantages: Probably at the top end of the price market

As you ladies will know - it is difficult to find a hairdresser that listens to what you say.
I was a regular at a well known salon and while my hairdresser did cut my hair nicely I found I was getting quite bored with the same old haircut. Anytime I asked for something different I would be handed a bunch of books and told to pick something that I fancy.
Now, I don't want that - paying in excess of £40 for a cut/wash/blow-dry - I want the professional to advise me of different options / colours / styles that would suit my hair, face etc.
So, it was time for a change. Looking round at the other salons in town I didn't see anything that inspired me (just the usual ladies walking out with neatly coiffed hair but nothing 'special').
Then, just as I was thinking I was stuck I noticed a salon by the church called Johnston Brady. Well to be more honest I noticed the girl walking out - she had a very good haircut - to the point that it was the first thing I noticed about her. Better yet - the salon was doing a 50% off if you were a new client.
Result!
So in I went and wonder of wonders I could get an appointment for the same day - albeit a bit later on in the afternoon - but no worries - lots of shops to keep me occupied for a couple of hours.
When I turned up for my appointment the receptionist was very friendly and found my details quickly. My stylist was then introduced to me.
The stylist took me over to the usual chair with a mirror in front of it and offered me a good selection of beverages - not just the usual tea, coffee or water - I could have a soft drink or red/white wine - very nice!
Whilst one of the young trainees went to get my chosen beverage my stylist pulled up a stool. None of this standing behind me - looking at me in the mirror - she sat down at eye level and asked what sort of thing I wanted.
I told her that I was rubbish with hair - generally tied it back as it was easy and half the time didn't know what would suit / or what could be done - I also didn't know whether I wanted it shorter than the current shoulder length or leave it to grow.
Well, it was if I had offered her a present - she cheerfully told me that as I needed an easy style, with my curly hair, I would need to keep it longer, certainly for the time being, but that maybe I could have some layers to even out the curl.
For about 5 minutes she discussed various options, not just for this haircut, but for going forward and subsequent cuts leaving me with lots to think about.
I opted for just the trim up and was, therefore, taken to have my hair washed ready for the cutting.
Once she started cutting she talked again about layers but as I wasn't sure she just trimmed the ends. I did ask for it to be straightened which she confirmed she could do, but then she said something I certainly wasn't expecting. She explained that she would blow dry my hair first and that, because of the type of my hair, I would look very 'big' but not to worry - she would make sure that it was straight and flat by the time she had finished.
That was a first for me - normally I stare in horror for a while until the straightening is finished as I don't understand what is happening (No - I'm not stupid - just a normal woman).
So, hair cut, she then went away and got the 'PRODUCTS'!
Again I was surprised when she came back and showed me each one explaining what it was for and the reason she was using them.
She then put a bit of the product into my hand and showed me how to use it - how to put it through my hair properly etc - again - first time I had ever been told by a professional the best way to use a product.
Once all the product was in, she blow dried (yes the hair did look 'big') and then straightened it.
Fantastic - without any exaggeration - the best straightening I had ever had.
But it wasn't over - she told me that with my hair being all one length and currently straight it would look better if she put a couple of long layers into the front to give it a bit of style and movement. (Is this a normal hair salon - the stylist actually making a suggestion after she has done most of the work)? I was that surprised that I agreed and she cut a few layers into the front - the difference was amazing - now not just straight hair but straight hair with a shape!
She then told me again that I should think about this type of layer all over my hair but that I should go away and see how I found the front layers before making a final decision.
Finally she brought over a small book and wrote down everything she had used. This was presented to me in case I enjoyed the products and wanted to purchase any either now or at a later date.

The only thing left was paying - instead of being left with the receptionist my stylist stayed there and talked to me about my next appointment and gave me a few ideas to think about before then.

Maybe I have never had a proper salon before (but my last one was a large well known chain) but I found that the service and guidance given to me was second to none at this salon.

So - 3 cheers for Johnston Brady in Nantwich - I will be back for more (or is that less?).

Summary: A salon that listens to you.