I've been going to Urban Retreat for 15 years and have always loved it. It's hard for me to find a good stylist, because I have very fine hair and weird cowlicks. But when I started going there I found perfect cuts, great color, good customer service. Heaven! Worth every penny. Sadly, the San Felipe location has been slipping in the past year or two.
First it was just gesturing and letting clients find their way to their services rather than walking them back. Then I got a bad cut--which, yes, my long-time stylist willingly fixed. This last time, I got color that didn't cover the gray AND a bad cut. They offered to redo both, but I don't expect to have to spend all that time twice when I'm paying these prices. I'd really like to have it right the first time, which is why I started going there in the first place. My hairdresser seems distracted and less and less happy with the place. The decor is dated, the paint is dirty and peeling in a few places, and it's generally got a sad feeling about it. There doesn't even seem to be a lot of concern about leaving hair on the floor from previous clients. They have really let themselves go.
On the upside, parking is a lot easier, because there are fewer clients. One still-shining star is Tamara, the best eyebrow waxer on the planet. I hate having to find a new place, but at this point I wouldn't go back.
Pros: Tamara's eyebrow waxing always perfect, parking is easy now b/c of fewer clients
Cons: Bad hair services, run-down facility, depressing ambiance
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