Cast Salon — Attraction in Phoenix

This is how my story started. After a facial nearby to Cast Salon, and an hour before my hair appt with my normal stylist at another salon called me to cancel because she fell ill, I stumbled upon Cast Salon on the way back to my car. With Thanksgiving next week, I couldn’t wait to reschedule with my normal stylist, so I walked in to Cast Salon to see if anyone could color my roots. Lauren happened to have a cancelation so she got me in right away. Her services were fine. I paid cash and even made an appointment for my 18 year old daughter to get holiday hair the next day. This is when my positive experience went downhill. My daughter had a 4 pm appointment and we get a text from Lauren 6 hours before her appointment stating: “My boss, Jamie, spoke with me and I am unable to hold Alex’s appointment today at 4 without CC info. I am able however to hold a 15 mins slot at 4 pm today for a consultation. If you like to hold longer time to insure that I have time today to do her hair, you can go on our website and book her appointment online with the CC info or give us a call and we can log it into the computer. I assure you it is encrypted once we have it in the system and would only ever be charged if there was a no show or cancellation within 24 hrs of the appointment.” WOW! God Forbid life happens and you wake up with a fever, or have a sick child, or get into a car accident on the way to your appointment! The tag line on their website says “Our customers’ happiness is what we live for and we can’t wait to meet you!” But the way they do business is, our customer’s credit cards are what we live for and we can’t wait to meet them! My daughter, like I, was going to pay cash after services rendered. She does not have a credit card. Even if she did I don’t feel it’s at all necessary to keep one on file. She was discrimated against. It was assumed we’d be a no show? Instead of being joyful about getting 2 new loyal clients within 20 hours, Jamie decided it was better to alienate her potential customers. After requesting a call from Jamie, it became evident that she could care less and unless I gave her a credit card # my daughter’s appt was canceled! Oh and I called the following salons who were flabbergasted that this happened and that they NEVER demand credit card #s in order to keep an appointment: Rowdy Hair, Zolton’s, Etch...

Topher is an amazing cut and colorist who has styled and transformed my hair for several years. I would follow him to the end of the earth, which is how I became a client at Cast Salon. The salon has a great modern and clean aesthetic with gorgeous natural focal elements like the oversized suspended mirrors and work stations made of reclaimed barn material. The grand chandelier is a beautiful centerpiece that makes a bold impact with minimal design. (I work in architecture, and am always drawn to spatial design). The location is in a charming mixed-use community with walkable streetscapes and storefronts that remind me of southern California. Cast’s corner location provides great views and natural lighting with wrap around windows.

The staff at Cast was super friendly. The owner, Jamie, made a point to come by and introduce herself to me as a new client. Likewise, the esthetician offered me a special deal for new clients that was really thoughtful. Compared to other salons I’ve been to, the vibe was more collaborative where everyone genuinely seemed interested in the work being performed – kind of like a sharing/teaching/learning cycle. The atmosphere with the music and activity felt lively without being too overwhelming. The wide open floor plan provided connectivity and privacy in a complementary way. I don’t like being on top of other clients but it’s nice to feel like a part of the space.

Topher did an amazing job on my hair as always. He has been there throughout my transition from relaxed to natural hair and knows how to accentuate my curls with the right cut and color. Of course, he had the same great execution when my hair was straightened. The Oribe product line was new to me. Though not designed for natural/textured hair, it provided enough moisture, hold and definition and smelled like heaven. It’s so nice to have a high end salon in north Phoenix that can confidently service all hair types, especially for black women. Cast is a great salon and I look forward to my...

Let me start with the positive-because truthfully there are a lot. The stylists are knowledgeable, and I love how my hair turns out no matter what I go in for. The price is high, but also expected in Scottsdale, and reasonable for their skills. I do not mind paying it. I am never held in here long-they are efficient and proactive in all of their work.

My only negative about the experience is both times I have come in for my own appointments, and once with a friend for hers, I often feel judged by the stylists. They’ll say something like “we don’t normally ask this, but are you okay/aware of the prices”. I know I don’t have a lot of money, I’m a teacher, and I look it. But I do my research. And I am particular about my hair. Dropping $300 for color and cut and styling is fine by me, so is $125 for cut and style. If you need to ask that question, because people are taken aback at the cost at the end, give all your clients an estimate at the beginning, or refer to the price ranges on the website, but don’t make me feel singled out when I sit down. That makes me not want to return to your chairs, despite the incredible work that is done...