LANPHIER — Local services in Darien

May 15, 2025 - unfortunately, this appointment did not go as well as my previous experiences at Lanphier, Darien. In my earlier review,

Contrary to previous occasions, stylist Vanessa did not show me to a dressing room where I could change into a Lanphier garment, hang my jacket, and check myself in the mirror. Instead, with her back to me, she dismissively pointed with her finger to a dark closet and walked away. This is the first time I have ever been greeted in such a dismissive manner, considering Lanphier is known for its white-glove customer service.

Vanessa did not have an assistant available to wash my hair, so she performed this task herself. Water splashed all over my face. At one point, Vanessa placed a towel over my face to keep the water away, but this method instead washed my whole face. It was an uncomfortable experience, and I honestly didn't know how to react, as it took me by surprise.

As Vanessa led me to her chair, she offered me only water which I politely declined. I got the impression I was not privy to coffee...though senior citizens are known to drink coffee.

I showed Vanessa the same pic I'd shown her in December 2024 and we agreed that she would cut off two inches. I washed my hair as soon as I got home, and lo and behold, Vanessa definitely took off 3+ inches as I now have shoulder-length hair.

Then, out of the blue, Vanessa added a foamy additive to my hair, where the end result was a stiff hairstyle. Vanessa tried to fix it. Mind you, I was upset but opted to voice my disappointment via my Lanphier review.

I can only conclude that Vanessa was having a bad day. Or perhaps, was it because when I made the appointment online, I advised Lanphier that I would be using a gift card? Please note I actually forgot the gift card and paid cash. Whatever the reason, this does not absolve Vanessa's unprofessional and disappointing customer service. Note that in my last December 2024 visit, Vanessa and her assistant were very courteous and professional. Sadly, this was not the case yesterday, May 15th. I know hairstylists rely on tips, so I did not penalize Vanessa (I tipped her $25). I really want to believe that Vanessa simply had an all-around bad day at Lanphier. Regardless, I will not request stylist Vanessa again nor should anyone who reads this review. I will now put this horrific experience behind me. /signed, Disappointed.

December 2024 review--As always, very professional and great haircut and style ... only wish they'd bring...

Review regarding the owner of Lanphier -

Three weeks ago I bought a gift card for my mom for a 90 minute massage. A person I have known for years at Lanphier, very sweet lady, helped me purchase the gift card but accidentally forgot to put the gift card in the bag. This person did nothing wrong. She even called me after to apologize which was so sweet.

I went to Lanphier and immediately was greeted by the owner. I told her that when I got home the gift card was not in the bag. She made it a point to let me know that I was surely mistaken, because they don't make those mistakes. I told her, it was for a very important wedding gift and that I was not mistaken ( but thank you for the accusatory tone, especially towards a 30 year customer). She then offered to look at the tapes to "confirm" they did in fact put in in the bag. She watched the tapes and told me, I was wrong. That she saw them put the gift card in the bag and that there was nothing that they could for me. Again, confident that did not occur, I asked to watch the tape myself and she willingly allowed. We watched the tape together and I caught on tape them leaving the gift card on the table and handing me a bag...with no gift card.

She then said she we would write me up a new one and "would have checked the tapes again after I left." That was her form of an apology, there was no actual apology.

Anyways - pretty black and white story. Pretty disappointing behavior. Hope the owner can share more empathy for all customers...

I have generally really loved my visits here over the years. I have always been able to find a stylist who is professional and creative. when my stylist left a few years ago I naturally found another one at the salon. My first cut was really nice and I was excited that I had found another artist that I could trust for many years to come. However, my last appointment I felt everything was just not comfortable. From the nice girl who washed my hair, but who didn’t make me feel relaxed, to my newly loved stylist who burned my scalp while blowing out my hair (that’s never happened to me ever) he apologized. Then he flat ironed my hair and told me it was to check his cut(?). I don’t wear my hair straight and why he did that I will never know. It got me thinking that before a stylist used to see you before your hair was washed so we could consult on what I was looking for. Even the robes (smocks) are not made for someone who isn’t naturally thin. I spent $150 only on a cut/blowout that I restyled when I got home. I’m a person who always respects the creative process and I generally give over to the stylist methods but the overall experience disappointed me. The environment has changed not sure if...