Discussions

Can anyone recommend an awesome hairstylist? By awesome I don't mean how friendly they are. I am talking professionally where they don't get defensive if you have to go back to them because your hair isn't working quite right. I want the stylist to give me the same haircut everytime and the same colouring. I want them to care about the job they do and make sure I'm happy when I leave there as $200 for every appointment should be worth that. So I don't want to hear what a wonderful person they are. That's not the kind of recommendation I want. I want to know who's a top notch professional who goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect every time with no ego.

I have the same questions as you! I am especially looking for a stylist who will give me the same haircut every time.

Tera Henuset at Evolve . She is fabulous . She has been doing my hair for years . Great cuts always . Makes sure that you are happy with your hair . I think I went back to her once for a quick fix post haircut . Very professional

Sarah rankin who moved with leave salon in with vivid salon on 26 th street. Super professional, master certified colourist and very particular about her work. Very professional with a good chair side manner.

Bev has done 3 generations of my family!  
Hard to believe as she is young!  
Always friendly and professional.  
Will do whatever the customer wants.

but Ocenblue, you don’t sound like a stylists “most wanted” client. You want the same “let me speak to the manager” hair cut, take a picture each time after you get it done. dont just say, “Cut my hair just like you did last time.” The average time between appointments is six to eight weeks. Most decent stylist have many clients. How are they supposed to remember exactly how they did your hair the last time? If you want a carbon copy of a cut and style you loved, take a picture. As far as cost; you get what you pay for.

"As far as cost: you get what you pay." Really?  
 
So when I spent nearly $250 at a 'reputable' hair salon here in Brandon, I deserving paid for her to fry my hair? And it was the first time I colored my hair in years, and it was just a few shades darker than my natural color. So it wasn't a drastic color change in which that should of occurred. I even remember her stating I have such healthy hair, well not so much in the end.  
I also paid $65 for a simple maintenance trim so my hair looks more kept and healthy as I have really long hair. She was very pleasant but a talker, so much so that I didn't even realize until I got home that she never even trimmed my long hair, only around my face. I called her back and told her and she realized what she did and yes she take me back to do it but it was another appointment. I kinda see the humor in this but still it was a little annoying. She had one job. lol. So, are you saying that I didn't pay enough for a 15 minute trim that she couldn't have the mindset to pay attention to what she was doing? What do you think is a fair price then for a hair trim to do ALL my hair? $70, $90, or more?  
 
I have lived here for over 20 years and have almost never gone back to a stylist twice, with the exception of one but then she moved to another province. And I truly am an easy-going person. I rarely ever color my hair, and just look for someone to cut and layer my long hair that fits my personality, age, and facial structure. This apparently is a lot harder for some stylists in this town that one would think. So I completely 100% understand where Oceanblue is coming from. It is a lot of money they charge. I'm not saying they don't deserve it for what they do, but trying to find someone who knows how to style and cut hair to a person's likes is difficult because they really don't know us or our style. I have even brought in pictures so they get an idea and I realize it is never going to look exactly like the picture but sometimes it wasn't even in the ballpark.  
 
I could go on with other disappointing experiences. The thing is I find so many stylists in town all offer the same style. If you think I'm full of it - find out some stylists in town from the more higher-end ones and take a look at their IG accounts. So many of them literally offer the same cut and style to everyone. It's actually really hilarious in one way. All females with long hair have the wavy beach waves or if a wedding it's the same kind of messy bun pin-up. If you start to follow stylists from other cities - you see a lot more variety. But I'm not saying that is all on the stylists. That is what the 20 to 30 year old girls want - to look all the same. lol. There is very little individuality in this town - few that go into a more edgy punkish or retro styles. So when you're in your 40's who likes an edgy more layered cut, I come out with no layers and look like the same beachy waves as a 20 year old. I find laying long hair in this town really difficult - no I'm not looking for a mullet thank-you lol but it's been my experience layering is some dirty word or something. lol  
 
I'm sure their are so good ones in Brandon but I have given up spending a lot of money to be disappointed. So for about 2 years I go to Winnipeg and see Josie Vilay at Hairology Studio. She is the absolute bomb! She travels all over the world competing in hair competitions and tutorials for coloring and styles. Absolute professional 100%! Ya it's a pain in the butt to take a whole day to travel and see her but it's totally worth it .  
Her prices a little higher than local but considering the vasts amount of money I've dropped here and literally walked out disappointed, I'm fine with that.  
 
And the 'speak with the manager' comment is so unfounded. People do want what they pay for, and at $150-450 for coloring, yah you bet I want to walk out satisfied and feel like I get my money's worth.  
 
Are you a stylist by chance? If you are, your attitude is a problem for your clients. I'm not difficult by any means as I client but if a stylist said to me what you say in your comment - yah not gonna fly whether here in Brandon or elsewhere.

Hair By Friends (Becky Jo Brown) in Virden. It's worth the drive. She's been doing my hair for over 15 years and I have never once left her salon disappointed. Even my kids are fussy with who cuts their hair, but if Becky is doing it, then no problem they know they will be getting an awesome cut.

I do agree with a bit of what you’re saying.  
But maybe some research was warranted before going to new said stylist that wrecked your “Karen” cut. And yes, Check their salons Facebook page, or the stylists IG page for posting pics of their work. It’s not the stylist fault many women want the same style. And yes, with a great stylist, you get what you pay for. If your phoning around to Salon’s trying to get in for a head full of low lights the day before you want it done, good chance wherever you end up going that has availability,(unless it was a random cancellation spot that opened) you’re not getting a good stylist. A good stylist is hard to get into you, there is always a bit of a wait, and yes , you pay good money for good hair. Stylists have bills to pay like everyone else. Whether they are chair rental or commission, they have expenses too. And that’s why they deserve 24hr cancellation notice, just like the dentist or other service providers: short notice or just not showing up is literally like stealing from them. They paid money for their education & put in many many hours just like any other profession.  
And That’s great you have your trusted stylist in Winnipeg.  
No I am not a stylist, just know a few and kinda get both sides of the chair. Chill. Have a lovely day.

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.  
 
All I have to say. You really don't get it.

May I suggest that you fill up your gas tank and go for a 2 hour drive to see Josie. After reading your " I wanna see the manager" tirade I don't think any one wants to style your hair. I was going to recommend Tara also but she doesn't deserve your complaining.

To me they should at least write it down or THEY can take a photo. A stylist should have some responsibility for their pay, not just what ever turns out on that particular day.

Much thanks to those who named some great stylists to consider. Very appreciated!  
 
To “edwina55”: Your comments were inconsequential and I suggest you seek out counselling for your anger management.  
 
Again thank you to all those with the positive feedback!  
 
Edited by OceanBlue, 2019-06-12 22:36:38

Ashley F at Pantages, hands down the best quality cut!! Attention to detail, creative, listens, amazing at what she does. Keep us posted how it goes!  
 
Edited by Beajulsha, 2019-06-13 17:37:57

Always love Vince’s colours and cuts. And he also always says to come back if it’s not sitting right after a wash. Our whole family loves his business. It’s also nice to be served a coffee, tea or iced tea while you wait. Best salon in Brandon. They don’t push their products (Aveda) but when I have purchased anything from them it’s been worth the price.

Bev at Black Orchid is very professional.  
On your first visit she will do a consultation. She will document everything she does to your hair so she is always prepared for your next appointment. She NEVER double books appointments.  
I have gone to her for 10 years because she respects me as a client and respects the $200 service that I pay for.

You lost me at $200. That’s like a lawyer rate for an hour.