Salon 42 in Charlotte, NC

This place is not serious, has a snobby vibe and I regret giving them four years of business.

When new to Charlotte, I was told about "Ashley" there and SHE - was good - back in 2019. She listened to what I wanted and did it - which was great as the pandemic started and my hair looked awesome and grew out well for a year and a half. But she had the good sense to move on and was gone after COVID.

I then saw an intern type and had my long hair cut to my CHIN and hair dye left in overnight. Jason the owner fixed it the next day so I forgave it.

Then I found Ally before taking a job with six months of travel at a time. She did an excellent job on my hair in June 2022, so when I was almost coming back for Xmas 2022 I emailed the salon and sent pictures and said "I love my hair - do I need a full balayage while home? I'm thinking just a touch up?" They wrote back and said "We showed Ally your pictures and she said full balayage." I went in at Xmas and the look I had loved was demolished. (I only realized recently they had likely NEVER shown her my pics or told her how happy I was, as the people emailing cannot be trusted. It was a money grab, and Ally lost me as a client.

That should have been it for Salon42 (and it was in my head) but they emailed they had a new designer Sam, good with Fashion Colors, etc, so I tried him last month as I am now home for good, and STILL need to find someone amazing. I went in with the same video of the cut I've wanted for four years now, that nobody can do (long hair with shorter layers - not rocket science). I emailed the salon for a month before meeting him and asking questions, and learned he knew nothing about me or my video or pics when he met me. He was overconfident and promised me the best haircut ever, then spent the consult AND the appointment telling me I didn't want to do red chunks, that I wanted blond. I had to really fight for the red I eventually got. Then he was done the haircut and though nice, I had NO short layers except around my face. I asked where they were after ALL that discussion, and he acted surprised and told me I didn't want short layers. I had to leave at that point after FOUR hours to get to work.

For that I paid $300 (they had made me give a $50 deposit prior to appt, but I had to point that out to them, so on top of all this they didn't trust me and easily would have not subtracted the deposit had I not reminded them). With tip it was close to $400. Sam said I could contact him on Instagram but he reads nothing, even when I wrote in a comment to please check his DMs. I left for South America on a trip and the red left my hair in less than 10 days, despite my washing in cold water. Worse was my cut. It's still too long and heavy so has been kept up in a ponytail.

I finally saw the exact haircut I wanted on a lady in Colombia and she said I could see her stylist and get the cut for 50,000 Pesos ($12.50!!!) Honestly, I should have done it. Instead, I emailed the salon saying I needed to come back in for color upon my return and asking if he would please cut me a few more layers and if not - I would see this person in another country.

They couldn't be bothered to write me back. So that is that - FINALLY. Not only are they arrogant and overpriced, but they are really not that skilled and completely dishonest. I've had long hair with choppy shorter layers for decades from every salon I've been to all over the world. Only here was I judged for trying obsessively to explain what I wanted. They tell me no problem then do what they want to do - long heavy layers.

Finding a good salon in Charlotte is indeed a challenge, which is why I kept trying different people at this one, but I am done with them. They have treated me with an appalling amount of disrespect, despite my remaining loyal after several bad experiences.

My honest review with a letter system.

Booking: A  
I called and it was easy to book. There was an appointment for less than a week later which was perfect.

Salon ambiance: A.
It was spacious with enough room between each chair. There was 2000's music playing. It was clean: someone was coming around sweeping up hair and picking up dirty towels frequently. It was a nice facility.

The service: A-
I got a highlight and haircut. It was a typical service for what i wanted. She washed my hair and even curled it which was nice. She was a little rough when pulling out the foils and I was in pain for some of the time lol.

The product: D+
It had been a while since i had gotten highlights and i told her I wanted to go a lot lighter. She told me she wasn't going to be able to get me as blonde as I wanted, it would take a few sessions. I appreciated having that heads up, but then once I got home, it didn't really even look like much was done besides a root touch up. People I see daily didn't even notice I had gotten anything done. I also didn't ask for layers and my hair is not all the same length.

Price: D-
I was appalled with the price. When I called, I asked how much the service I wanted would be and she couldn't give me an exact price but she said they have different levels of experience starting at $150. I opted for the middle level so was expecting to pay between $150-$200. When I checked out, it was $290 before tip just for a highlight and trim. She also told me she would put a bottle of conditioner she wanted me to use up at the front for me. She never asked me if I wanted it or anything, so I expected a sample bottle for cheap or complimentary. When checking out, I noticed on my bill it was a $40 bottle and I was upset that I was never given the option to not purchase it, so just be careful of that. So after tip and this product, it was $400 for a product I wasn't even exactly happy with.  Because of this, I will not be returning.

I posted a review, I thought, months ago and I looked today to see if it did.  It didn't post where I write it but I found it below!..
thank you!

Great local Salon. First time visit today with Nicole who was friendly, professional and talented. Will be back!

Absolutely loved Kristin. Best haircut and conversation. She absolutely listened to me and understood that I have a very difficult time with change. She is the best.