mariposa salon — Local services in New Orleans

I came in for a full highlight in Sept. 2022 to visit a specific stylist, then got there and found out the salon had changed my stylist without telling me. My service also included hidden fees and cost much more than I anticipated. My complaints are with Mariposa salon, not with the stylist who performed my service.

I didn't figure out that my booking had been switched from Kristen to another stylist until I was in the wrong stylist's chair. At that point, it was was too late for me to address it without making the stylist doing my highlights feel uncomfortable, & frankly it wasn't her problem to deal with anyway. But I had originally booked with Kristen because she's a curl enthusiast and did a wonderful job on my friend's curly hair & the other stylist wasn't a curl specialist.

Come to find out, the salon switched my booking at its own discretion, without mine or Kristen's permission. I don't understand why they chose not to communicate with me about it. I only booked at that salon for Kristen, and I don't appreciate that they changed my appointment without asking either of us.

Hidden fees also significantly changed the price of my service, which started at $225. I figured the price would increase somewhat, but not to $390. In a decade of getting full highlights, I've never had such a dramatic price increase. Had I known this was a possibility, I would have booked elsewhere because I'm not in a position to spend over $400 on one hair appointment. After reviewing my itemized receipt, I found separate charges for a bond builder (mixed into the bleach) and blow-dry, which made up about half of the cost increase. I was never asked if I wanted a bond builder in my bleach or a blow-dry, they just did both.

I never would have known they used a bond builder, but a few bowls of bleach into the service I asked her a question about haircare. While answering, she mentioned that there was a bond builder mixed into the bleach. Even then, she didn't mention that it was a $50 upcharge.

Same goes to the blow-dry—if you expect blow dry your clients' hair, include it in the price. Otherwise, tell them they can leave with wet hair or pay extra for a blow-dry. Don't surprise them with the cost of a blowout at checkout when nobody asked them if they wanted it in the first place.

I won't be returning to mariposa salon because they gave me the impression that they don't care to treat their stylists or customers properly. Also, I found out that Kristen has since changed salons and got a service done at her new place. She did amazing. Girl...

Many 'creatives' out there will remember having been possessed with an undeniable urge to cut their own hair- sometimes successfully, generally not. If like me, you also went so far as to convince anyone within arm's reach into letting you cut THEIR hair (with equally tragic results) then you can imagine what my various stylists were up against, well into my 20's. However, around the age of 27 it occurred to me that if I simply found and stuck with a great hair tech, I need never have a bad hair day again, EVER. Although "simply" was magical thinking, the rest of the concept was sound, and nearly 30 years later I still stand by that assessment. Mariposa is my go-to "good hair" salon in New Orleans, precisely because their hair technicians eliminate the temptation to cut or color my own hair, and I leave with exactly the color and exactly the cut I want, every time. There's also much skill required to gently guide a client in the style direction that's best for them while honoring a particular vision, and the staff at Mariposa takes the time to do this right . My particular stylist is Samantha, but when she's been unavailable I've used others and been equally impressed and happy.

Color, highlights, balayage, cuts, blowouts- they have it all. For hair reference, well into my 40's I had super thick, dark, and slippery hair- as I've aged I've experienced typical thinning, greying, and textural changes,: all expertly and artfully managed by Samantha.

And they carry Oribe!!! My absolute favorite, particularly with the challenges of New...

Jewel at Mariposa is the absolute BEST! I am so grateful for her. She absolutely saved my hair after the WORST experience I’ve ever had at Paris Parker Aveda on Carondelet. They had completely botched my hair with just plain black hair dye and a choppy cut which made me look absolutely horrible. I don’t know who puts black dye on an extremely fair skinned woman. I called Mariposa the next morning and Maria who answered the phone was so kind and asked if I could come in for a consultation so I did and Jewel was able to get me in with her that afternoon! She said she would try her best to lighten my hair and fix my cut and she definitely delivered and exceeded my expectations. Not only was she genuine, she was kind, professional and a true artist. The entire vibe of the salon was Positive and upbeat. Nothing like I had experienced the day before. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Mariposa. I’ve found my new salon and will not go anywhere else. Jewel is awesome. If you are looking for an incredibly talented and knowledgeable hair artist and stylist book your service will Jewel. You will...