I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with beauty salons.
Image via Hair Shears Blog
On one hand, I love the sense of renewal going to a beauty salon brings. There is no better way of saying “out with the old, in with the new” than getting your hair cut/styled/colored. And who doesn’t love the feeling of being pampered? I certainly do!
Most importantly, if I find a salon that delivers wonderful results, like Cleveland’s own b.fazio salon, I love the final product.
On the other hand, I hate the amount of time an appointment can take. I am not talking about how long it takes to physically cut hair. I am not talking about the necessary wait for hair color to set. Those are fully expected. I am talking about salons that overbook their stylists. I don’t want, nor do I need, to have 5 people working on me during the length of a visit. In that instance it becomes obvious that the salon is more concerned with squeezing a profit out of every minute than providing a pleasant experience for their clients. This is my biggest pet peeve.
No matter what you may love/hate about going to be a beauty salon, one thing is certain: a pleasant client experience and strong client-stylist relationships are important to everyone.
b.fazio salon
Which brings me to a gem of a salon located right here in Cleveland, Ohio: b. fazio salon.
I came across b.fazio quite by accident. I had been googling to see if I could find a local provider for my beloved Lipstick Queen products and came across a mention of the salon. Curious, I did some more googling and was astounded to learn that owner Barbara Fazio is a nationally-renowned hair and makeup artist. She’s worked her magic on everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Eminem. And she’s living in my own backyard! Who knew. You can read more about her background here and here.
The beautiful Barbara Fazio - stylist and owner of b.fazio salon (image via facebook.com)
Still, I didn’t immediately call to make an appointment. I had been a longtime client of one of the city’s popular AVEDA concept salons and I was generally satisfied with my experiences there. Until one day late last year.
I found myself at said AVEDA salon and lamenting that 4 hours had passed and I still wasn’t done. With a simple cut and single-color process. I looked around at all of the stylists who were clearly over-booked. I looked at the haircuts being styled around me and it suddenly occurred to me: everyone looked the same. Every single cut was a variation of 1 or 2 different styles. It was a factory, not a salon. And I wanted out.
The next time I made an appointment I found myself dialing b.fazio’s number.
The differences between Barbara’s salon and my prior salon-of-choice were immediately evident:
- b.fazio is open by appointment only. This creates an intimate and personal experience for each client.
- When I requested a color and cut, Barbara immediately scheduled me for two hours.
- Guess what? I was done in exactly two hours. Not four, not five. Two.
- b.fazio, although a small space by design, is sleek, sassy and fun.
- The words “Sleek, sassy and fun” also describes the staff!
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- b.fazio doesn’t advertise. Their client-base is a result of word-of-mouth recommendations.
- If you are a product junkie, like me, you’ll appreciate the fact that b.fazio uses products that generally are not found in the Cleveland area.
- Barbara and her colorist did not push their products on me. I actually sought them out myself.
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- The staff is personable, professional and talented.
- They will consult with you to determine your needs before they get to work.
- Services are well-priced and worth it.
- Considering the personal attention paid to clients and the talent at the salon, the price is on par with other high-end salons in the Cleveland-area.
I can say with complete confidence that I have never had a more pleasant and personal experience at a salon.
I was delighted with the salon’s intimate atmosphere and even happier with the talented staff. They transformed my hair from its natural ash brown color to a gorgeous reddish-brown. The cut was versatile and beautifully executed. Most importantly, the true test of a good haircut: I was able to recreate it at home with no problem!
If you are a Clevelander and are searching for a new salon, or just someone looking for a change, I highly recommend b.fazio. The salon really is one of Cleveland’s hidden gems. I was hooked after one visit, and am getting ready to make my second appointment!
For a full list of their services, which include everything from a basic cut and style to makeup application and Brazilian blowouts, check out the b.fazio service page here. You won’t be disappointed!
What do you love/hate about beauty salons?
While preparing this post I became curious about what others “love” and “hate” about the salon experience, so I posed the question on twitter.
I found myself agreeing with the loves…
… and the pet peeves shared with me.
In case you haven’t guessed… I definitely have developed a love/love relationship with b. fazio!
What about you? What are some of the things that you love/hate about going to a hair salon?
What defines a great salon experience for you?
Note: all images were taken by me and edited using instagr.am unless otherwise indicated. This review and all the content within are the writer’s own personal thoughts and opinions. It is not a paid advertisement or any such nonsense.
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