Liz B Collective — Local services in Carlisle

I very rarely spend money on myself, but after growing out my natural hair color for three years, I decided to treat myself before an important work conference and get my hair done.

I visited Liz B Collective for a heavy highlight on my virgin, shoulder-length brown hair to achieve a cool-toned bronde.

I booked with Bella, a salon assistant, with the expectation that an experienced stylist would be with her for assistance and overseeing the coloring. Bethany did not come over once until the end, where she attempted to whisper to Bella that she had used the wrong developer and that my hair was not lifting. Bethany did not offer any other assistance, and Bella rinsed me out revealing chunky, orange highlights.

I was originally quoted $170, but was charged over $300 for “extra time” and “extra product” — neither of which was explained to me beforehand. With short, thin hair, I was especially confused about the product upcharge, and no one could give me a clear explanation.

The stylist, Bella, encouraged me to return so she could try again with a different developer. Because the salon was closed, I paid and called back three times before I was able to speak with Bethany, who told me to come in for a consult on redoing the service.

When I came back again, Bella told me the only solution was to dye it brown, or to pay them again to re-bleach my hair. I asked what we could do to achieve my inspo pic, and she said I would have to book again and pay another $300 before walking away and mixing up the brown toner without even confirming that that is what I wanted.

Afterwards, I spoke with the manager, Emilee, who told me they “don’t offer refunds,” but said an experienced stylist might be able to redo the service. She was very blunt, and I felt she was insinuating I was just trying to get a free service. She walked away in the middle of our conversation, leaving me in tears.

Over the next two weeks, I called four separate times to try to get scheduled for the corrective service I was promised. In the end, Emilee emailed me to say that my hair was “unable to lift” and that I would not receive either a refund or a redo. I've been bleaching my hair for 12 years and have never had issues with lifting.

So after spending over $300, my hair is darker than before, more damaged, and nothing like what I requested. I was crushed not only by the result, but by the lack of compassion and accountability from management. I left feeling like my experience didn’t matter — only the money did.

I strongly discourage anyone from...

I love this place! They always do a fantastic job and the energy in the building is so bright. You can tell the folks who work here love what they do!

Update after 2 years of loving Liz B: Sharon consistently has the best nail art around, and I'm always delighted with her work. My gel manicures can last 3-4 weeks, and that's with me not being careful with my nails 😬 And Bethany's performed a miracle in taking my long hair to a pixie with a fade, a process I wouldn't have felt safe enough to do anywhere else. I could do 5 star reviews about massages with Emilee and Brittany, about Summer and Gris with pedicures, Renee, Lidija, Natalie, Jean, FINN. I have never been disappointed with a service, staff member, or product, and I've heard nothing but raves from the folks I've referred. There's magic at Liz B. The kind of magic that only happens when everyone working there is valued as part of a team, and when they're empowered to do their best work. The kindness and care they show their clients is a direct reflection of who they are and what they've created, and it's a joy to see them achieve the success they deserve. I can't thank them...

Ok ok, so I know I'm biased here, but Sharon Ramirez is incredible! The whole crew there is absolutely great! From booking the appointment, to taking care of clients in the waiting area, to the actual work being done, Liz B Collective knocks it out of the park every time. And circling back to the work done, Sharon made my nails absolutely stunning! It's been two weeks, they are still just as gorgeous as the moment they were done, and I have been complimented on them literally every day. As a non-binary person learning my gender identity day-by-day, having something that makes me feel beautiful is more important than I knew possible. I will be back. I will get massages, haircuts, manicures, and pedicures because my lovely sister and all the wonderful folks at Liz B Collective have reminded me that I am beautiful and deserve to feel it. ...