Christie & Co Salon — Local services in New York

Since 2008 I have had the same colorist and satisfied with results and experience. But I'm also tolerant — often waiting 20-30 min or more, or arguing whether I can have access to deals or discounts.

My most recent visit however, made me realize I do not need to deal with this at all, and why should I?

Because I have 3C hair, I come early for a wash. I arrived at 3:00pm and lightheartedly said hi to Christina teasing I am proud of myself for getting there early, and asked if we could do the glaze during the coloring, rather than after to expedite the process. She curtly responded, “I still have 20 minutes” while working on her client. Despite my surprise, I ignored, chalking it up to her being stressed, and went to get my hair washed.

At 3:35 and nearly finished being washed, a woman approaches Christina and proceeds to get colored! Apparently it was her 3:00pm client who just arrived.

I was not informed Christina was almost two appts behind. And at now 3:40, this meant my appt wouldn’t begin until at least 4:00. I was so confused, because I was clear as I entered that I need to be out by 4:45 due to childcare and commute. I wondered, Why didn’t she let me know her circumstances at 3:00? I could have decided then to stay, reschedule, or go to another available stylist.

I approach Lisa, potentially the store manager, about the situation. She explains I could have called to inquire of Christina’s status, as this other client did, which is why theymshowed up at 3:35.

Am I the only person who thinks that is absurd, and a gross example of mismanagement?

There is no reason any customer needs to call an establishment to check if their confirmed appointment is on time. It is the business’ responsibility to respect the customer’s time and call and communicate their employee's status and provide an option of rescheduling. Why would any customer assume their services would be 40 minutes or more behind schedule? But I was informed, that is not their policy.

It was at this time Christina walked away from her customer on the other side of the station and leaned a little too close to interrupt in mid sentence, “Actually, this is my client and she had an appointment, so I don’t know what to tell you.” I was so thrown off at how someone I have going to for 16 years could be so dismissive in a situation where she AND the business are so clearly in the wrong.

I asked Christina, why didn't you communicate your 3:00 appointment had not shown up?

I also wonder, Why would it be acceptable for that 3pm client to stroll in at 3:30 and assume to just slide in while I have been sitting there for 40 minutes? And why would Christina and the business deem it an appropriate plan of action for all the subsequent appointments to be pushed back 30-45 minutes without a phone call to inform those customers?I was so confused.

So, I left.

While in the car, I called the salon and spoke to Lisa. Her responses were what “put the nail in the coffin”. When I reiterated how the situation was so poorly handled, she gaslit me and said, “Well you are the only one who seems to have a problem with waiting 10 minutes,” despite the reality that it would be more like 30-45 because she just finished 2:30 and had not even begun her 3:00, and it was already 3:45!

And to make matters worse, Lisa said, “Well you seem to always have a problem with time when you are here. Even the last time, you had an issue. Perhaps you should go to a different stylist.”

My last appointment was Wednesday, August 21, and I was there for 2+ hours with zero complaint knowing that a service should take 90 minutes [single process + glaze]. Is this how you respond to clients with a legitimate concern on their customer care? Make them feel like they are crazy and inflexible?

Needless to say — after 16 years — I am over Christie’s and will not be returning. I encourage you to look elsewhere — there are other colorists with equal or better skills who cost less and respect your time; and certainly with 3C type hair or more, you will be better...

I would like to begin my review by saying how fabulous Diana is. She is a master at her craft. From make up applications, eyebrows shaping to facials, she is the best!! I am a loyal customer to Diana for life. Give this woman a raise. She deserves one with all that she has to deal with Diana gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .

Now for the second portion of my review, the front desk and manager, Lisa. For the past few visits, there always seems to be an issue with the front desk. From the mismanaged appointment times to the long waits trying to figure out how to charge me while purchasing a package for eyebrow and lip waxing.

Lisa, the manager, is obnoxious and rude. I had never in my life have been treated by such disrespect. She needs to be put into check. Two weeks ago, my scheduled appointment was once again messed up. I was scheduled for the same time as a makeup application.

Lisa, the manager of Christie's, came to me with a chip on her shoulder and said that it was the computer system's fault. Hmmmmm... I think it was human error because this was the fourth time it has happened. While booking my latest appointments for my two daughters, I confirmed the time and date twice at the end of the phone call. Even if it's the system's fault and not human error, the way she talks to people is disgusting.

This was not the first time dealing with Lisa. Another time while waiting over 20 minutes for her to figure out how to charge me for an eyebrow and lip package in the computer, she told me to cool my jets and she had to figure it out. Not a good look for the salon.

Christie, the owner, you need to celebrate the good workers in your salon. Diana is an angel and I have seen her scheduled appointments all messed up time and time again. I have seen the front manager talk to Diana with attitude many of times. Yes, this could be her personality, but there needs to be a level of respect. Your manager is also this way with your customers, including myself. If she doesn't like what you have to say, her response is "Well do what you have to do." or "Whatever floats your boat,".

So, here I am doing what I have to do and I will be posting my review on social media.

I give Diana 5 stars, but Customer...

This was my first time actually stepping into this salon while passing by it my whole life shopping in Bay Terrance. I called the salon around 1 pm on Saturday 4/7 and they were able to take me in at 5 pm that day.

There is just a bit of confusion when you enter the salon. There are 2 "front desks". I went to the first desk where it is located right by the entrance/exit (which would make sense to walk up to). The young woman at the desk was on the phone and said "If you are here to check in please go to the front desk" - at that moment I was a bit confused what she was trying to say and then she points to where I need to go to check in. The check in area is in the middle of the salon- odd place to have it in my point of view as someone who works in the hospitality industry. The 2 women (blonde haired and a red head) at the desk found my reservation quickly and had someone wash my hair right there on the spot - awesome!!

Sadly I forget her name but she was a Greek woman ( I hope she gets credit from this review- I am pretty sure she'll remember me if management brings up my name ~ Kiriaki ) and she was AMAZING - water temperature was good, massaging the head was good and combing out my knots was done perfectly as well.

Then I sat down and waited for my stylist. Georgia was available within five minutes. Bumped into another Greek lady which was pretty nice. The service I wanted to get done was a simple cut and blow. Georgia was excellent in communicating with me what I wanted and had great suggestions as well on the length of hair I should cut off. I was extremely happy with the length. Therefore, when it came to the "blow out" time she asked me what I wanted and I said I need VOLUME and Georgia performed the task amazingly.

After my hair service it was about 6:30 pm and JOY was still available at that time to do a pedicure for me. Joy was such a great pleasure! We had great laughs and just had an easy flow conversation. I had the sea salt pedi with the 10 min massage - ah it was heaven!

My first time at Christie's was a splendid experience!

I am actually thinking of coming back for a hair-smoothing...