Over the years, I've been a client at various upscale salons in both LA and Manhattan. I'd have one great experience but the subsequent visits were almost never consistent. That perfect cool blond the colorist achieved the first time, mysteriously turned into a brassy crayon yellow the next. So, when my publicist friend first started talking up this guy she'd met at a fashion show I was intrigued... until she told me he was in Bayridge. I mean who wants to travel all the way to Bayridge from Manhattan to get their hair done? However, after yet another disappointing appointment with a stylist who barely listened and a head of brassy, stripey highlights, I gave in.
Walking in to Lush you are greeted by the serene environment of the best Manhattan salons, but the added bonus? The staff is actually friendly. The girl at the desk promptly whisked me into the back, offered me a drink and got me set up to meet my colorist Eric; with none of the ""I'm only speaking to you because I'm paid to"" attitude. A few minutes later, I met the man himself. Rather than immediately launching in to what he thought we should do (as had happened time and time before) Eric took the time to listen and repeat back what I wanted before offering a few ideas of his own to help really make the color pop. (Beige blond highlights with some lo lights painted in to even out the handy work of his predecessors.) Even though he'd put me at ease I was still prepared for another disappointment, I'd had stylists lull me into a false sense of security before. Eric worked carefully and methodically, taking care to avoid the chunky sections I dreaded all the while chatting away and making me feel as though I'd been a client for years. Once the color had set and his assistant had washed, conditioned and given me the most amazing shiatsu massage, it was time for the reveal.
The color was so perfect I almost kissed him. For the next few weeks my girlfriends all commented on how great it looked, but I knew the true test would be the next visit. Could he deliver again? My next appointment started out with the same friendly greeting and another conversation about my expectations... and once again I left completely satisfied. Since I met Eric Thomas I have never received more compliments on the color and have even gotten a few of my friends to make the trek. Traveling from Manhattan to the depths of Brooklyn may seem crazy, but for the perfect highlights it is so so worth it. Trust me, just pack a book for the train ride and make your way to Lush, you will not be disappointed!
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