Bonne Vie Salon — Local services in Winter Park

3 stars for them switching my stylist without notification, a rushed consultation, brushing out my extra long teased hair with very little detangler, being sat next to a maskless woman, and overall a disappointing experience.

I wanted to get a nice haircut and color during the summer since I haven't had one in over a year and scheduled a consultation with a particular stylist. It went really well and I called to schedule an appointment soon after with the same guy for a balayage. I visited and consulted with about 3 other salons before deciding on this one.

It was maybe a month later on my appointment date, and I'm sitting in the chair trying to discuss what I'd like for my hair with someone who I believed was the same man I had a consultation with. The conversation however was suddenly short and rushed and before I knew it I've got foils in my hair. It was then that I realized they swapped my stylist without telling me (the new stylist looked and dressed quite similar so I didn't notice immediately, it was a month later so I didn't perfectly remember his face) and during the entire 3 hours of teasing and bleaching I see the man I consulted and scheduled with working on a different client. At this point I'm concerned because I've got bleach in my hair, the consultation before the process was so short, I'm not sure if what I wanted was properly conveyed to this new stylist, and I have no idea if the details of my consultation were shared with him before they switched me to someone else.

Jump forward, they washed my still teased hair and sent me to a different chair to have another stylist brush out my it out with what I felt was very little detangler for hair my length. He cuts my hair, a different stylist blow dries it (he was super nice) and I'm done after 3 hours. To be honest, I was pretty disappointed. I've got a couple random bleached chunks and the lighter pieces are cooler than my natural color so it looked quite streaky in spots. Luckily the toner's faded and my natural hair has lightened during the summer so it's evened out, but between Bonne Vie switching my stylist without notifying me, the stylist rushing the conversation before my balayage, the chaos brushing out the teasing, and me being sat right next to a maskless woman, I don't think I'll be...

I’m a 55-year-old guy who’s never really liked my hair. People always say I’m lucky—full head of hair, not going bald—but it never looked right to me. I’ve tried every clip joint and walk-in place you can name, and I’ve never left feeling good about it.

Then my wife booked me at some fancy salon in Winter Park. I had very low expectations.

I show up, and this young guy greets me with a big smile. Looked like he was maybe 20. I think, “Oh boy, here we go.” Then I find out he’s from Turkey and barely speaks English. Now I’m just hoping my hair grows back quickly.

Then a woman walks by and tells him he’s got 20 minutes until his next client. Most people take 30 to 40 minutes just trying to figure out my hair. At this point, I’m basically bracing for disaster.

But then the scissors start flying. Hair’s going everywhere. This guy’s moving fast And then… he’s done.

I look in the mirror and I’m stunned. For the first time in my life, I like my haircut. No excuses. No cowlick talk. No “your hair’s too straight.” Just results.

I’ve been going to Mermi ever since. I even bring my son. My first cut was short, but now I’m letting it grow a bit between visits.

The other day, something strange happened. I was talking to someone and she touched my hair. I jerked back—people don’t usually touch me. She apologized and said, “Sorry, I’m a stylist… I just had to feel those layers.” She was impressed. And honestly? So was I.

If you’re a guy in the Orlando/Winter Park area, you have to try Mermi at Bonne Vie. If you’re a woman, the rest of the salon’s great too—but Mermi only cuts men’s hair.

Guess how long that first cut took? 18 minutes. In 18 minutes, he did what no one else could do in a lifetime. And here’s the kicker: turns out he’s been cutting hair for over 22 years.

Don’t let the smile and the speed fool you. The...

5.0 star rating 7/27/2018 I have been going to Bonne Vie for 3.5 years. I haven't left a review previously because it's just not my thing. But I just read a negative review about the salon and I must come to their defense.

The salon is located just off Park Avenue, which is very convenient for me, but I have spoken with other clients and some come from as for as Winter Haven and Lakeland. They must be doing something right at Bonne Vie if people are willing to drive in from that far away. I also like that everyone in the salon greets me even though I am not their client and that the salon is clean, trendy, and professional.

My hairstylists name is Olga. I have very challenging hair for a man but Olga gets it done right. She is always up front with what she can do and will do. Even when she has to tell me "We can't get there today because... but we will get there by your next visit." I appreciate her advice and candor. I rather be included in the conversation and know what's going on than walk out wondering "what the heck just happened to my hair?" I trust her and I can see that she knows what she's doing.

Lastly, they use top notch products on your hair. I may not need as many products as their female clients but I can vouch for their quality. Most of the lines they carry I have never found in other salons and the staff is very educated on why and what makes their products different than what else is out there.

I can see that each stylist has their own style and specialties, but if you are looking for a well trained stylist from NY, who will tell it like it is, Olga can help you get your hair to where you want it to be.

Well...