Garrett Neal Studio in Baton Rouge, LA

I've only been here once, but I will absolutely be back! Moving to a new city can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons. After having an amazing stylist for the better part of 5 years, I was super anxious to find a salon and stylist in my new hometown. I spent hours looking online and reading reviews before I pulled the plug and made an appointment at Garrett Neal Studio, convincing myself that hair was hair and it would grow back if someone disastrous happened (which it didn't). The location and hours are convenient for me and the prices posted online were in the realm of what I was willing to pay.

What to watch out for:
1) If you're a new client, you will be charged a $25 deposit when making your appointment, but know that this goes towards your final service. This policy is somewhat hidden on their website (House Rules) and I've never come across this kind of policy before, despite living in several major metropolitan areas. It's a bit annoying, but as long as you keep your appointment, it works out.

2) This seems to be common in this area, but I'm also not a fan of the "starting prices" service menu that is posted online (especially when the top of the range isn't posted). It seems like there are two factors for this - the stylist's experience and also how much time it takes to do your hair. I would have loved to have known the prices per stylist so that I could know going into my appointment what the total cost would be. When I made the appointment, I wasn't asked what my budget was, which could have helped with this, but having read other reviews of this salon, this seemed to be common.

What to be amazed by:
1) My stylist was AMAZING! I actually don't want to share who it was because I want her all to myself (ha!)...but I was paired with Haley. She accommodated my showing up early to my appointment and asked what I wanted done - all I needed was a trim to maintain my style and shape. She was so friendly and jovial in chatting with me throughout the entire process (she will keep you laughing!). She made me feel so very welcome to not only the salon, but to Baton Rouge in general. She also did a fabulous job with my hair and listened to what I wanted! I'm looking forward to going back in a few months for a balayage touch up!

2) The overall service and vibe of the salon was great. The salon was pretty quiet while I was there, so the staff were all have a great time chatting with each other while entertaining their customers with their witty repartee. Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it!

If you're looking for a new salon, consider Garrett Neal Studio!

Great customer service, the girl who cut my hair was very sweet. However, I did not get what I asked for. While the cut is nice enough to not hate, I am dissatisfied and would not recommend this salon to any curly haired girls. I have 2b-3a type hair and explained this and the girl who cut my hair said she new how to style and cut this hair type. But she did not. I left looking like a poodle with an 80s do while what I asked for was a trim, layers, and slight thinning out. I left with the bottom layer being about as thin as paper and the top chunky thick. I do not suggest this salon for curly hair.

SAVED MY LIFE. I'm a natural blonde wanting to go ginger and had gone to another salon and ended up a brunette. Literally showed up to my consultation crying like a baby. Originally they didn't have any openings until a little over a week later but Garret rearranged the entire days schedule and I had four members of his amazing team (Elise, Tristan, Britney, Molly) working their magic on me. For literally five hours. I would literally give my firstborn to anyone in this salon. Color turned out PERFECT - so vibrant and just what I asked for despite the old color. AND my hair is still so healthy after the lift because their products are amazing and smell heavenly. Selfless amazing team and truly exemplary work!!!

Molly has been doing my hair for the past few years now and I'm never disappointed! She always does an amazing job and practically reads my mind when I tell her what kind of color I want that day. I normally get a balayage or some highlights and the color is perfect. A higher price point than your standard walk-in salon, but worth every penny for the great quality service and environment!

Can't say enough about this place. Best haircut experience I've ever had and Garrett is an incredible stylist. 10/10