ananda west in Asheville, NC

I got a haircut here with Madison before the hourly all inclusive pricing. I had researched hair cutters in the Asheville area who were well versed in cutting naturally curly hair and that was how I came to choose her. At the time, I was living in Stecoah Valley (Graham County) and it would take me an hour and a half to get to the salon, but because I have a long history of subpar haircuts, I felt it would be worth the time and effort. I was the first appointment of her day on a Saturday morning, and I knew that I wanted to be punctual for her, because I understand how it can impact a stylist's entire days schedule when they have tardy clients. I foolishly expected the same courtesy and respect for time to be extended to me. When I was roughly 30 minutes away from the Salon I received a phone call from reception asking if they could push my appointment out by half an hour. I let them know that I had other plans that day that I might end up being late for if I could not leave the salon at the same time. Long story short, they kept my appointment as it was and Madison walked through the door at my original appointment time.

My haircut was technically sound, but the bangs were way too short, which is commonly what usually happens to me. My husband called them "toddler length" because they were the length that we used to give our daughter's bangs so that we could go longer between trimming. During the haircut I asked for a price for highlights and was taken aback by what I was quoted and realized that even though I had short hair and only average density, Madison's prices were what I would expect for hair that is more labor intensive (longer, thicker, denser).  

For reference, if I were to book 3 hours with Madison under the current all inclusive pricing, it would cost me less than the price range that she quoted me. I have NEVER heard of such exorbitant prices before and I was coming from a California economy.

Overall, I've had better haircuts and several more worse ones, but based on the experience that I had here I wasn't going to be going back. The salon seems to have a high end vibe, but they did not deliver a high end experience at all.

Just luv my hair and you really made my day brighter. It was such a pleasure talking with you.  It helps so much too tell someone my plight and know they care.  Also stopped off to get gas and bought a  scratch off lottery card and won $100.  What a great afternoon.   Can't wait to see you again.  I highly recommend Ananda West hair salon and Michelle is amazing.  Sending blessings and prayers with light to you all.  Beth

I just had my second visit to this salon. When I was there in Jan 2022, I had full head highlights and a haircut, plus a blowdry and style. I paid $174 (I checked my bank statement to be sure). At the time I was advised that they were shifting to a new pricing system where we would pay hourly for any services that we received. It was explained that this is a new gender-free, all inclusive (including tips) system that was better for everyone. I was skeptical, especially after seeing the hourly rates by stylist that they were posting. However, this is one of two salons in town that uses Davines color, so I thought I would give it a try. I booked myself for a two color color, no cut, just the usual blowdry and style. After receiving my color, there was about 15-20 minutes remaining. The stylist dried my hair, using minimal product, and no attempt at styling it. Literally, she just dried my hair. I do more on my own at home. Round brush? Anything? When she showed me the back of my hair, I commented that it was frizzy, and I had flyaways or broken hair sticking out from the middle of my head. Even doing my own hair at home I don't have this. She just told me it would go away as my hair grew and suggested I might put some curl in my hair later before heading out of town. Really? Maybe she was hoping I would add another paid service to fix it. The color itself was adequate. Nothing special. I sure didn't leave feeling good about myself, like I usually expect after visiting the salon. When I checked out, the all inclusive cost was $270 -  $100 more than I paid last time without receiving a haircut or any attempt at a style. I was concerned enough about what the back of my head looked like, I put on a hat when I left, which I have NEVER had to do before after any salon. I did in fact have to go home to do something with my hair before heading out of town.  Paid more, received less, and I was unhappy when I left. This system might be upfront about costs, but this price structure in no way benefits their clients, and it ensures a higher than average gratuity whether it was earned or not. I would rather drive 2 hours to Knoxville to see my former salon than experience this again. Even at current prices, the gas would be less than the upcharge.

GOOD RIDDANCE
A once great place, turned bad... My last three cuts were all different prices. It felt like such a wink, wink, secret hand shake kind of place. I've been a loyal customer since 2018 which apparently doesn't matter to management. I got a poorly written email recently about price changes and when I called I got a snarky young lady who could care less about my questioning the $100 for a man's haircut. Part of me believes the management is making deliberate attempts to be a female only salon. Adios...

There are much better ways to run a business. I've been getting a nice, straightforward bob haircut for about $65. Today I was told they are switching to an "hourly model" and my next haircut would be $125. $125!!!! For a haircut - and this isn't NEW YORK CITY! This, even though today's shampoo/haircut only took 45 minutes. No mention of prorating for less than an hour - you know, the way lawyers do. So big surprise, I'm going to find someone new. Not a great way to spring a price increase like that on regular clients.