Experience Spa and Salon

[Mia]

Hey folks (women especially),

Have any of you had your hair cut or highlighted at Experience Salon? If so, how pleased (or not) were you with the services? Is there any particular stylist you'd recommend and what did the cut/highlights cost you?

How did the staff there treat you? I hope they're better than the indifferent "service" some staff offer in stores in and around the mall.

I'm thinking of switching to them because they're local, but I want to hear from people who've used them first.

I tried one place over in Hoboken and it was awful. The girl who did my hair was really tentative and unsure of herself.

Thanks.

[wishiwas]

Speaking of the salon, do they do manicures?

The $15 french manicure at Newport Mall hardly seemed worth it.

[Mary Baker]

I've used the Experience Spa for many things since the day they first opened. The staff is extremely pleasant and helpful. Amy is a great hair stylist. Carrie does manicures and pedicures. I haven't had any facials there but have had many massages with Marc and he's great. The convenience if you live in Newport is ideal. I no longer have to travel into the city to get my hair cut and colored!

[John Adams]

I had a HORRIBLE experience with a stylist named Jackie.

She was rude and horrendous.

[BaroqueJim]

I think a person's experience at a hair stylists has a lot to do with the quality and talent of the stylist themselves, but also A LOT to do with the personality of you yourself. I have learned that you HAVE to be assertive and confident of what you want, because some hairdressers basically have an arrogance/attitude thing going on which makes them think that they know what you want more than you do, and makes them attempt to steer your haircut in a direction you don't necessarily want. You have to put your foot down - it's your money!

I had this the other day getting a haircut in Manhattan - the guy kept trying to tell me that I wanted it too short and that "what people are doing these days is leaving a bit of length", and he kept screwing his face up when I told him to take some more off. Sure, I want to look "up to date" but for me a haircut is functional too, and I prefer it when my hair isn't flapping about in the wind. I also like to get a bit of value with my haircuts, so I'm not having to go back in 2 weeks time because it needs cutting again already.

So my point is, it doesn't matter how technically proficient a stylist is - if you haven't got the confidence to steer them in the right direction, you won't get the cut you want.

But then what do I know about hairdressers, I'm a guy, and I'm English for chrissakes.

[Creature]

I called them about the bronzing service they advertised. The woman on the phone was impatient, put me on hold twice, and when I asked her to fax me a a price list of all of their services, she told me to go to their website www.experiencelifespa.com, which does not link to that establishment.

Needless to say, I took my business elsewhere.