Carmen! Carmen! Salon - Matthews, NC in Matthews, NC

When I called for appt ... I specifically asked for "color specialist" ... I was told Id have appt with a very experienced stylist. I asked if it was a senior stylist and was told no... but the junior stylist was VERY good with color. I expressed how important that I have someone good. I was assured they were. I came for appt - and stylist was sweet, I talked with her about wanting cool highlights so theyd blend with the gray l had coming in on the crown. I also showed her photos/examples of the cool blonde highlights I wanted - and told her since I pull hair back 99% of the time that the front needed to have more highlights around face/like face framing. And it was just a partial highlight mainly on crown of head. She then had me show her photos again. I felt like communication was clear and she understood. She put me in foils and told me shed be back in 45 minutes. I then tried to listen to a documentary on my phone but there was no wifi. It literally said "no connection" under the CarmenCarmen guest link. I then asked receptionist If I could use the employee one which required a passcode to which she said she didnt know what the passcode was. Then there was another CarmenCarmen wifi link (again needed passcode) - and she said she didnt know that one either. So I sit there just staring at a mirror for 45 min. Not even offered a magazine!
I did try the wifi couple more times. I thought it was working but it was still "not connected"... I just gave up. Anyway, I was eventually rinsed out and a toner had to be applied. Which told me its likely hair didnt lift enough. I was still hopeful though. When she removed towel at chair I could clearly see there was no lightness in the front. It looked the same wet - as it did at home - before appt. I waited until it was blown out to see if maybe it was "ok". But the highlights werent even a cool tone. They are golden/ brassy. She asked if I liked it - and I asked if she thought it had a brassy tone to it?!? She said "well do you have any purple shampoo at home"??  I said I did have some purple conditioner - its like a hair mask kind. I didnt want to hurt her feelings so I said "well it looks better than when I came in" bc she "did" cover my gray with brown and that was ok - but in my mind Im thinking its deff not what I was expecting/wanted. The highlights are not fluid, they are chunky and large gaps here and there with zero highlights at all. Some start an inch from my scalp. Some highlights are golden/orange color, some are darker. They are not even the same color but more of a mix of colors. Its seriously the worst hair appt Ive ever had. And instead of leaving feeling good, I was so upset afterwards. I then go to pay and It was $235. I would have GLADLY paid $500 to get a senior stylist who had more experience. I still left a $40 tip bc she was at least a sweet girl - and its close to the holidays. So for $275 I got very brassy uneven BADLY placed highlights and a root wash. Oh and did I mention there was a ball of hair like a rats nest that  I had to keep stepping around to get in/out of chair?!? Yea there was that too lol. NOT at all the level of service I had in the late 90's when Carmen did my hair. I live an hour and half away - depending on traffic - so definitely not worth the drive nor the money. HARD PASS on this salon!!
Update: I called and they did offer to fix the highlights but Id have to come back to the same location - which I declined. I said Id go to North Lake location which is closer - but that wasnt an option.

Jordan is awesome. So talented and sweet and cool. Lovely stylist, lovely place. Good vibes.

Nathan is the best!  Top notch service and great hair cuts every time.  Listens to what YOU want.

Had an appointment for 2pm but when I got there the person at the counter said it was for 3:15 and that it hadn't ever changed. I left. When I got home I looked at my card and it said 2pm not 3:15. They lied to me. I knew it. It's disgusting. Won't be back to petty people like that.

I've been a customer on and off since Carmen Cutrone first started his artistry at Eastland Mall around 1982.  Recently, I was looking for a new hair stylist and called my old favorite, Carmen Carmen at Cotswold. Booked a month ago. I had to cancel the day of, because I wasn't feeling well. The 12 year old on the other end of the line scolded me and told me of their new cancelation policy which would require a 24 hour notice or forfeit 50% of the fee, and that "she would put a note in my file." I felt like a felon.  Turns out, my son tested Covid positive later that morning and I have it, too. I'm 60 years old. Good thing I canceled and I would hate to have shown up anyway, afraid of the ginormous fee for canceling. I could have gotten all of you sick. I'm done with Carmen Carmen. Going back to my old gig at Modern Salon.