We just moved here from the Washington, DC area (with a short break in Utah) and needed a good salon. I've tried a few that came recommended, but was never happy with the color, or the cut, or both. Then I found Pia and Steve on this site. Based on great reviews, I took myself and my two teenage daughters there.
We had a lot of complicated stuff to do. I requested Shannon because my hair is red and hard to color correctly. All three of us have very thick, wavy-to-curly hair, and needed cuts/highlights or cut/color. Two of us needed eyebrow waxing. That's a lot for a salon to arrange all at once.
Shannon came so highly recommended on his coloring skills that I had really high expectations. He met them! My hair was a bit too orange on the first day, he said that a couple of shampoos would take the orange away and leave the intended color behind. He was right. It's as close to my natural red color as anyone has ever gotten, but he managed to cover all the grays. Even better, he gave me a perfect haircut! All I had to do was explain a few things I wanted the haircut to do for my face, since I'm getting older and very long hair makes you look older. He ""got me"" right away and gave me the most flattering cut I've ever had. Takes almost no time to do myself, and he taught me how to curl my hair using a flat iron!! Didn't know that could be done. Lots of people have said I look a lot slimmer or a lot younger, just based on the haircut alone. I'm happy with the color, although I'd have liked a more subtle, highlighted red with a bit of blonde in it. Next time, I'll ask for that specifically. Shannon is fun and skilled.Doesn't ask many questions--just gets to work.
My teenagers were even happier. They've never had color done, and they are both brunettes. They wanted highlights, so Holly and Beth each took one of them and did a really good job. One daughter has black/brown, thick, curly, long hair. Beth took all the color down to a slightly softer brown, then put in honey-blond highlights. The cut is outstanding, perfect for flatironing or for letting the natural curl pop out. My daughter is still a little unsure about the highlights, because she wanted them to start at the scalp rather than a few inches down, but otherwise she's happy.
The second teenager has dark brown hair with natural red undertones. Her hair is more fragile, less curly, and very long. Holly gave her a gorgeous cut that frames her face, then worked in honey-red highlights. Not many...just enough. She looks terrific. Both girls got lots of compliments.
Last, Holly did our brows. Colored & waxed mine; my daughter's are very thick, black, and unshaped, so Holly shaped & waxed them. She did a great job with my daughter's, making her big hazel eyes look huge and bright. Mine look good now, but I think the wax was too hot, and it left blisters that puffed & then bruised and scaled/peeled afterward. The color was good and the arch is really nice, so I forgave the hot wax. The peeling went away in 4 days.
Pia & Steve's is modern, hip, comfortable, but not pretentious. Feels/looks like a New York loft, but without the huge prices. I spent plenty there, but it was well worth it. We have found our South Carolina salon! Another bonus: they trim your bangs for free every six weeks or so & will work you in if you stop by. They consider this maintenance--part of the service you've paid for. Nice touch! Finally, no pushing of hair products by any stylists. All 3 of us are really pleased, esp. with Shannon and Holly.
Pros: Best Salon I've Found In S.C.; Fun, Friendly Staff
Cons: Hard to Find; Some Tiny Mistakes
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