I've had two very different experiences... but didn't leave unhappy! (Toni & Guy)

Member Name: jelibaby

Product:	Toni & Guy
Date:	21/07/09 (641 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: professional practices, can get good price deals, show you pictures and listen to requests

Disadvantages: maybe the training or rules are a bit closed- they have to conform to certain styles?

By the sounds of these review and my own experiences, it seems safe to say that you can't trust the 'label' of a salon as each stylist is different. They can train everyone the same but in the end everyone has different skills and ideas of how hair will turn out. I have had some very different experiences and am not sure I would go to Toni and Guy again but some may suit it...

First was when I needed my hair styled for an even at the Hilton in London. I booked for my makeup to be done by MAC (amazing results- check out my review!) and thought why not go for a safe salon that had a well-known name- Toni and Guy. I was about fifteen minutes late for my appointment, as I couldn't find the Covent Garden salon- my map failed! They didn't mind and I had a quick consult with a stylist. I was quite open with my description, I just wanted to look nice and knew the professionals know better than me!

The stylist listened and brought out a book with a picture in, which I said sure. My hair was washed by someone who I assume was a junior stylist or trainee because after five minutes, my stylist said she wasn't happy with the wash as there was still shampoo or conditioner in my hair and rewashed it quickly herself. I don't mind this as I'd rather a job was done great even if she had to wash it twenty times, but I guess this was something that could have been avoided if the wash was better the first time.

Then she styled my hair for about an hour but didn't talk to me and sometimes nudged me with the hairdryer by accident. She needed tension so did have to pull my hair taught, but it was quite rough! I was sitting there thinking about what I'd say to my friends later but at the end of the style, my hair was AMAZING. This was the best style ever, it really suited me and she was a total pro. I've deparately tried to find the card she gave with her name but it was almost a year ago. She wasn't English, maybe Spanish? Her name may have began with a 'Ch' maybe. My style lasted for almost a week and the lady was so sweet at the end and wished me a great night. Also the other stylists were coming over to compliment my MAC makeup, it was a great experience! I would hesitate to go back to that salon!!

At Easter I needed a haircut and was going out on the evening so thought it was a good opportunity. I went to a salon in Birmingham and I might of had a more senior stylist before, as I had to stay in the downstairs, street-level bit, whereas I think the people paying extra for the senior stylists go to go upstairs. I had a young guy and it seemed everyone on my floor was a cool, young guy. I discussed what I wanted and had brought some pictures but was a little too embarrassed to show them!

I had my hair washed by a seriously young looking boy, maybe 16 or 17! He was great, maybe not so confident but it seems he was just started out so you can't blame that! Aww! So my stylist was fine, I mentioned what I'd had done before as he was doing something similar, and he said 'ah, did you like the result?' and tweaked what he was doing, which was very thoughtful and observant. He did cut a lot off though, which is always quite unnerving! I even said to him half-way through, 'wow, that's short!'. Hairdressers should know that most women, unless they ask for the certain amount cut off, will be sad when they walk out and leave so much hair behind! I can't speak for everyone, but I always seem to come out thinking 'ohhh it's so short! Can't wait 'til it grows!'. The cut seemed quite generic to me. Not as catered for or as personal as my first style. He did talk me through what would work best for the style I had and then reassured me that my hair wasn't any shorter than the receptionist, who had gorgeous waist length hair. Overall, I was pleased about my style but wasn't 'wowed'. Then again, my style was less the £30, with student discount, so I think I got a good deal!

Therefore, I believe Toni and Guy have quite regimented training. They don't have much space to be totally creative as they are essentially a chain. I would pay the extra for one of the senior stylists, as they will have this freedom. I had two good experiences but would still shop around to find the perfect hairdressers.

Summary: My Covent Garden experience was incredible, but locally I would still shop around.