ZEN the salon

Shandon is AMAZING! Always a wonderful cut and color experience.

Oh man. I came here two years ago for a cut and color. Meridith did a wonderful job and I loved the result.
Yesterday. I need therapy after yesterday. Just some background — my hair is dark. Like black dark. The bottom layers have some blue in it. And I have extensions that are about 10 inches below shoulder length (super long). Now, I’ve been getting the same brand and type of extensions for 10 years. I’ve cut them. I’ve colored them. I’ve highlighted them. I’ve done just about everything you could do and nothing has gone awry. For. Ten. Years.
Anyway. I go in yesterday to get rid of the blue and lighten my hair + a cut. Apparently, you can’t get rid of the blue. Nope. Stuck with it forever. Okay fine. My stylist stated that because my hair is so dark she’s going to have to start lightening my hair as a process and wont be able to get it as light as I would like initially. Totally get it, my bad for dumping black dye all over my hair. She goes and mixes the color. Now, I don’t know where we fell short. Either I suck at listening or she sucks at explaining things. I’m pretty sure it’s the latter because I would have never agreed to this. Due to my extensions, which I informed at the beginning you CAN COLOR AND BLEACH, this lady was only going to highlight my natural hair. I have a full head of extensions. This would mean that the top of my head would have a bowl cut of color. My middle layers would remain black and you could then see the extensions because they would no longer be blended with my real hair. And the bottom? Oh, the bottom would remain blue. I freaked out. Who thinks that’s a good idea? What? Never in a million years would I agree to that so I said don’t do anything unless you are going to color the whole thing as planned. My «stylist» and the owner both began insisting (aka arguing in the most passive way ever) that they will not color my extensions because they don’t want them to ruin… fair enough. I informed them of my history with this brand and that I’ve done it in the past, they’re sticking their ground. I understand this salon really wants to maintain the health of your hair which they kept referring to as a way to completely ignore what I was saying. Ugh they got under my skin. You’re okay with making me look like a circus clown as long as you don’t totally fry my hair? Bye. Forget the color just cut it.
Oh. My. God. Washed my hair this girl spent AN HOUR trying to blow dry it prior to the cut. My hair is pretty thick and curly but at most for me when it’s soaked it takes 25 minutes to blow dry straight. An hour later it was frizzy. Curly. Damp. And I was anxious. I took the blow dryer from her because I couldn’t deal anymore and fixed what I could. I opted out of the haircut because if homegirl can’t even dry my freaking hair I don’t trust her to cut it. Owner came over again with her passive aggressive crap and I informed her I would just pay for the wash and blowout and leave since I didn’t trust them with my hair after this and felt anxious and just wanted to leave. Owner said I didn’t have to pay for anything which was nice.
So. Spent an hour and a half of my life at a salon and left with anxiety and no changes to my hair.
Will not be returning. Ever.

They literally saved my hair!
It’s the classic horror story: I went to get my roots touched up, the stylist royally messed it up by selecting a color that was way too dark and I felt like I lost my identity. I literally went from a golden blonde to a borderline brunette overnight. I won’t say I lost sleep over it… but I will say that I thought about it a lot. ;)
I called Zen in hopes that they could help and I have never been more impressed! I was able to get in for a consult the next morning with Shandon who is absolutely fabulous! I actually care about my hair and my concern was over processing. Luckily, they use only organic products which are all safe for coloring. In short, they know their stuff. I left with a set of beautiful blonde highlights that blended perfectly and made me feel like myself again.
What I love about Zen is that it’s not just a salon where you get your hair done, it’s so much more. Everyone is so warm and welcoming. You feel like you could just show up in the morning with your coffee, read the new People Magazine and share a lovely morning with your friends.
I highly recommend a visit. xoxo

I’ve been going to Zen to get my hair done with Shandon for about 2 years. Color or cut Shandon knows her stuff– I have long, thick hair and a ton of it and she always knows exactly what to do even when I don’t. I know once I’m in her chair I’ll be taken care of. Each time I arrive for my appointment I know I’m going to leave looking my best. From the atmosphere to the employees– Zen is the place to be.

Just got my hair cut here last week for the first time. I am very happy with it. I saw Shandon and she is great.

Since finding Elif, my hair has never looked better! It’s finally growing and looks healthy. She takes the time to ask what I want done and then adds her input to make me beautiful every time. I love the atmosphere at Zen. All the stylists are professional and welcoming. I will never visit another salon!