Salon Vanity — Local services in Philadelphia

I've been a loyal customer of Lauren for nearly 4 years. It pains me to say I will not be using this salon anymore after an encounter today.

I informed the salon that I was traveling (not driving distance) for a couple of months. I tried my best to fit in a hair appointment before I left, but it just didn't fit into my schedule. I called to ask if they could help me regarding hair color as I had to get my hair done while I was away. I have bonded extensions that had to be removed and I couldn't wait till I got back. I simply asked if they could tell me what color they used, so I could ensure the other stylist did my hair as I liked. I made it clear I wasn't moving. They know my work/school situation has me traveling sometimes. I also informed them that the current city I was in primarily spoke Spanish (I don't.) I expressed my concern regarding this as another reason why I was asking for the information regarding my color. The manager gets on the phone and tells me "that is proprietary information that we will not divulge." Seriously???!!! You don't own the color that's used on MY HAIR. On top of this, my color is very simple. I dye my hair a bit darker than my natural color with a few high lights. If it was some complex color i could maybe see their hesitancy. I get they're artists and take time to formulate colors. I could very well go to the salon without the color information and a stylist would be able to figure it out. I was asking for this information to make things easier.

I could MAYBE understand if I had only been to the salon a few times. But as mentioned previously, I've been a LOYAL customer. I've been coming to this salon every few months for nearly 4 years. When I moved to NYC from Philadelphia, I still remained a loyal customer. I would drive from NYC to Philly, just to get my hair done. Given my history, I was really taken back with their response and attitude. Her tone and attitude was like I was trying to do something malicious. The manager even informed me she looked over my profile (ie she saw I had been a good customer for many years) yet still treated me this way.

Something of note that also rubbed me the wrong way with this salon. Last year I was asked if I'd like to do some sort treatment while the girl was washing my hair. I politely declined as nothing was even explained regarding said treatment. The next time I came in, I noticed there was an additional charge on my bill for about $60 for a "treatment." This time, no one asked me if I wanted it. Apparently they just went ahead and did it. Although I noticed it on the bill, I didn't say anything. Figured maybe it was a mistake, they already did it and I didn't want to be a nag. Now the next time I come in the girl is washing my hair and says "I'm going to apply your treatment." I told her I don't get any additional treatments. At that point she was already spraying something on my hair, so I wasn't going to stop her. I then finally said something to Lauren. She says oh you've always had that treatment. No, I haven't. I look at my bill (which isn't cheap) and see what I'm being charged for. She offered to take the charge off, but I told her not to worry about it. Just inform me about additional things that's not only being done to my hair, but that I'm being charged extra money for. I'm far from cheap. In the grand scheme of things, an extra $60 isn't a big deal. My issue is it felt shiesty. Like you're trying to throw on an extra charge without even informing what the charge is for? That bugged me, but I looked past it.

Any girl knows, finding another stylist is a pain. Most don't take this lightly. The salon's response to my asking for simple information that would help me was upsetting. Enough to the point that I will not go to this salon any more. Customer service is an important part of any business. This was an epic fail...

In all honesty, when I first opened the doors to enter Salon Vanity, I felt like Vanity was too cool for this mom. I had several bad experiences at other salons on the Main Line (that shall remain nameless). The prices at the Main Line salons were extremely high. The stylists were pretentious, and I left with an overpriced disappointing hairstyle and experience.

From the moment I stepped into Salon Vanity, everything was different. Upon entering, I was given a warm welcome by the receptionist and the experience just kept getting better from there. I quickly realized that it did not matter if I was a mom from the suburbs or a high-profile Philadelphian, the experience I receive at Salon Vanity left me feeling glamorous, pampered and special.

Edmondo's passion for his business and dedication to training every member of his team to provide every client with the ultimate guest experience is the reason I have kept coming back for 10 years. There are not enough words to describe how amazing my experiences at Salon Vanity have been. Every appointment is unpretentious and effortlessly luxurious. I always go in confident knowing I'll be walking out of there feeling like a million bucks!

Professional stylist Loriann is my superhero. She is the master of stylish cuts, always knows the perfect color, and has a highly skilled yet approachable manner. The rest of the Vanity team are equally as welcoming and professional.

My family members have also fallen in love with Salon Vanity, each finding their favorite stylist. My husband, who resisted going to a salon for many years finally gave in and started seeing Heather. It was love at first cut. He not only loves the cut, but he also loves the conversations and atmosphere - he too loves the total experience that Vanity offers.

I highly recommend Salon Vanity and the entire Vanity team. No matter what stylist you see, all have been through extensive training and all will provide...

Sometimes I wish I could spend more time at Salon Vanity. I look better, for sure. But I'd be a happier person. I'd be listening to great music, some of it curated by Heather, who is not a DJ but just has a good ear. Somebody puts fruit and herbs in the water, so I drink enough water. People who work there are eager to help one another and do so without resentment. The clientele is multi-generational and multi-racial. The women who manage the desk are friendly and competent, and more (or equally) important, they make customers feel truly welcome.

Clients become friendly too - - it's the vibe that allows it. There is some serious talk among us, but more often casual, friendly chatter. Sometimes when I'm having my hair washed and I eyes are closed, it sounds like a party for old friends. Lots of laughter and chatter.

The interesting thing is that Salon Vanity maintains that atmosphere but the stylists are working very hard. They do not rush. They work on the clients' hair with great care and seriousness. That's what's so unusual: they take their work seriously, but not so much themselves. They are quite wonderful.

And Boss Man Edmondo! What a treat he is. Easy on the eyes, friendly to everyone, but famous for a reason. He has a big reputation of skill and creativity. But he also pays careful attention to who he hires, how the flowers look, how clean the place stays, if a bulb goes out, if the fruit is fresh. It's his place; he cares about it; he's proud of it and it shows. He should be proud. There's not another place like it in the city

You have no specific reason to trust me on any of this. But if you don't try Salon Vanity you'll never know what you're missing.. It's an experience that while your hair is getting better, so...