Barry's in Hampton, VA

2 minutes ago I have heard wonderful things about Barry and I know many people who love using him so I had high expectations for those in his salon but the woman I had (Holly) first of all didn't bother even looking up from her phone never mind standing up to greet me when I was pointed out as her next client. She reeked of cigarette smoke, didn't have any inspiration for how to cut my hair and ended up trimming it a tiny amount and then let it dry "naturally". I could have done a better job myself at home. It took 15mins in total and i have never felt less attractive - the shampoo was more worth the cost! If you don't book with Barry himself or Amber (who my mother had and was excellent and greeted us both when we came in) then don't bother.

Amazing, amazing, amazing. The first thing I can tell you is in terms of "salon shopping", this is the way to go. Feel free to read my trials and tribulations over the past two days or just skip to the last paragraph =) Two nights ago I somehow managed to use a product (or something) that caused my hair to lock up (as in 75% of my hair was just one big impossible knot). I'd never been to a salon, and seldom to even a franchise place (twice in ten years). It was embarrassing the point that my hair had reached after neglect and not knowing what I was using on my hair. The first night I tried to take care of it myself which only made it worse, so I felt double stupid. My hair is curly and was practically reaching my belt line and in doing the mom thing, I've always just taken care of it myself. I felt horrible with the position I was in, hated to go somewhere to fix my mistake at the detriment of their own schedule, and took to Yelp to find a place that appeared qualified to bail me out of the mess I was in. I called Barry's and they were able (by the grace of God) to get me in the same day. Im not a vain person, but everyone can understand that your hair is important in terms of the way you feel like you look. This was, no kidding, a dire situation. And right before the holidays... When I called, I reiterated the fact that it was going to be a big job and take time, and was assured that it was no problem and that I'd be seeing Amber. I asked that Amber be notified that it was going to take time and that I was probably going to have to have my hair cut all the way off (as I was calmly freaking out- if that's possible), and we were off to the races. When I arrived the salon is actually on the second story of a little boutique shop that was beautiful inside (Cricket is the name) and I was confused for a moment but the ladies there told me I was in the correct place (despite having crazy hair and a birds nest sitting on top of my head). This little store was one of the prettiest I've ever been in. I was already at wits end with my hair and didn't know what to expect. I walked upstairs and it was equally as cool as below. I was greeted by staff, checked in, asked to have a seat momentarily, and the waiting area and salon were equally as boutique as the store below. It was so welcoming and while still nervous because I expected to have an Uncle Fester look, I felt relaxed a touch for the first time in almost 48 hours after next to no sleep and nerves through the roof. I was almost immediately called back, and Amber went to town! There was actually a point when they tag teamed my hair (Amber and another tall gentleman who's name I missed- but he was dressed up for Christmas), and not once did I feel like an inconvenience for showing up a crap show with my issue which can sometimes be the case when someone presents with a problem that overreaches the scope of what's expected (and when the problem may have come from doing something stupid ha ha). Now that I've written a novel (because it was worth it), Amber didn't just work magic, she actually achieved the impossible. I literally left with hair that I like more than even before my hair went to crazy town. I arrived expecting for all my hair to be cut off and considering a wig or (best case) a fake clip on pony tail (which will be delivered from amazon tomorrow- I ordered before the appt) to leaving with better hair than even before my incident. My head was killing me after the detangling (not nearly as bad as it could have been as Amber was as gentle as possible) and the lady that shampooed my hair (Brittany? Forgive me, I was awaiting the dreaded cut so it's still a little blurry at that point lol) took the time to rub my head and sympathize. The staff across the board was amazing and different people came by throughout the 2 1/2 hour process (90 of which was detangling alone) and offered words of encouragement and praise at the progress, and after all was said and done came by to admire what Amber had accomplished. I was such a nervous wreck and each and every person at Barry's went above and beyond to help me through. What a day! Biggest take away: There is no way I would have had the patience that Amber did and probably would have been quick to cut. She took one on the chin for me, a perfect stranger who had only booked an hour prior, to make sure she saved my hair the best she could, and it turned out amazing. Everyone at Barry's embraced me during a time when I felt like an idiot, and with me knowing nothing about hair, Amber took the time to teach me the style and how to accomplish it myself (rather than just styling) so I could go home and replicate. Talk about a Christmas miracle. Amazing.

Love my haircut done by Kelly. She is really nice, talkative and stylish. The salon is also really confortable.

Everyone here is very kind and caring. Lindsey has cut my hair many different styles and given me many different colors from highlights to lowlights and from brown to blonde and back to brown. She is great with all types and styles. I've had short and asymmetrical. The staff are very attentive. When Lindsey is booked or when she was out on maternity Leave I've had Kelly cut my hair too and she is great as well. I've also had Gary cut me before and he's good too. Appointments may be hard to get last minute but that just shows how good they are. You must go here.

Working at Barrys is a fun atmosphere. I trust every stylist there to cut and color my hair.