Should I go with my friend to George Michael salon/NYC?

[StephanieB]

Well?

Like the topic title says: Should I or shouldn't I??


I have a slightly older friend, Jean, who's in her mid-50s, who has waist length hair in good condition. Hers is quite thick, unlike mine.

Until recently, she's been a struggling starving musician/dancer for a number of years, now. She broke her leg in slip/fall accident a few years ago, and was casted with hardware in her leg for about a year, and it took over a year longer than that of P.T. to recover. Not only can she now dance again, and play gigs..... but she finally received her settlement money in one lump sum. She no longer needs to clean houses to eat, and she will never need to worry about money ever again, even if she never worked another hour of her life. (she still cleans houses, including mine, and she's busier than ever with gigs and recording new demo CDs)

Yesterday afternoon, while helping me clean (now that I'm handicapped, she helps me once or twice a month to do the bigger cleaning chores that I can no longer do), she said - quite out of the blue, since she & I have never discussed our hair - that she intends to call and make an appointment at George Michael, and did I want to "make it a 'girls day' in the City" with her.

My hair probably doesn't even qualify there as "long"; it's a mere 20 inches and not quite yet APL. Nor do I need a trim (just had on to cut the split ends a couple weeks ago) I'm sure there's something they can find to do to my hair to make it better... but it's not so bad, really, other than I wish it'd grow faster than the snail's pace it grows. I seriously doubt that that can be changed, right?? Especially since I do have Ehler's-Danlos syndrome (a connective tissue disorder - and hair & skin & nails are connective tissue)??

Yet... this is a rare opportunity, and it may not come again... or it may be a long time before it does. I have very few friends who, like me, have some disposable income and don't work/have free time during the daytime during the week. Being a homemaker is a very lonely thing...

I only live a mere 12-minute ride into/out of midtown Manhattan (via the Midtown Direct train, and the train station is 2 blocks from my house). For a few dollars, it's a cheap and easy ride... and with effort, I can even do the 2-block walk (even though going back home in the evening means the extremely steep 6% grade hike up the hill for a block) with my walker, if I don't want to ride my scooter into such a swanky salon. From 34th Street, it'd be a simple subway ride or we could spring for a taxi ride.
Eh... okay, so I prolly don't want to expend all the energy that I'd have to in order to walk to/from the train station/home AND hike up and down the subway stairs both ways. A taxi to/from 34th Street would only cost about $35 including tip, each way, and that'd be split between the two of us.
And if I rode my scooter, we'd have to take a crosstown bus, maybe also an uptown bus -- and pay bus fare.
So, it'd prolly be walk/train/taxi & taxi/train/hike, and cost us each about $60. And a total of 25-minutes each way for travel time.


The big question is: Should I make an appointment? For what?



okay, so that's two questions; they'ere related. lol

[jojo]

Well at least you know you are going to a long hair specialist salon, personally id jump at the chance and im not keen on salons but if I had a GM one near me, id go.

If it doesn't need a trim just book a consultation and get some advice, wouldn't hurt.

[WavyGirl]

What jojo says. If you have the chance at a fun day out you have to seize it. And, as it's a special occasion, I recommend springing for the taxi. Don't worry about your hair length, everyone starts their growing journey somewhere and I'm sure the salon sees lots of people who are just starting out. :blossom:

[Amara]

I'd go for it! I also think you should spend a little extra and spring for the taxi. Have fun!

[Tai Shan Fan]

It sounds like you have the chance to spend a fun day with a lovely friend. Go for it! It's a long hair salon, so you don't have to worry that they're going to insist you need a radical haircut, I'm sure there are lots of relatively shorter haired ladies who go, who like you are growing out. Ring them up and ask what kind of hair treatments they have. Or perhaps you could wait until you go and ask for an assessment and go with whatever they recommend - moisture or protein treatments for example. Do they do updos? Maybe you could get a super-styled updo done by them.

Have fun :)

ETA: I'd also go for the taxi option as well, that way it adds to the pampered vibe of the day. When you've battled with public transport, it might take the relaxing edge of the day.

[StephanieB]

Don't worry about your hair length, everyone starts their growing journey somewhere and I'm sure the salon sees lots of people who are just starting out. :blossom:

Actually, they apparently don't.

They actually measure the length of everyone who comes through their door, and they state that plainly both on their own website and in every review I've ever read about the salon.

Their 'site doesn't say they refuse anyone, though... just that they measure length of each client & potential client who enters their door. I'll bet that this fact alone probably keeps women with shorter hair from their doorstep. Of course, I don't feel fear or embarrassement very easily. lol

More than concern about my length not measuring up in their eyes, I'm wondering what they can do... or think they can do... for my hair.

But, I guess I'll never ever know the answer to that if I don't make a consultation appointment, right? :D

And -- for all I know, there IS something(s) they can do to benefit my hair goals!

If they can't, then no one probably can... right?!


But if I make a consultation appointment... what will I do with the rest of my day while Jean gets the deep-conditioning treatment(s) she wants? *thinking*

Like the salon peeps can't figure that out, while they have me right there and with money in my pocket..... right? :rolleyes:


I think maybe Jean needs to talk to them first, and decide exactly what she wants done, without actually making an appointment. Then, she needs to call me and tell me what she wants and how long it should take... And that's when I should call them up, and ask them what (if anything) they suggest for me - besides a consultation - for that same day... and then Jean & I need to call them and make our appointments simultaneously.


I see only one potential sticking point: I don't want them to use shampoo on my hair, not after getting over the "no 'poo hump" already and liking the Chaz Dean WEN so much..... I'm willing to try their other products - just not shampoo. I wonder how much they insist on shampoo? I know they have shampoos in their line of products - and use them in their 'system'.

[StephanieB]

Do they do updos? Maybe you could get a super-styled updo done by them.

Have fun :)

I dunno. I would suppose so.....


Yeah, I think the taxi option is best.

I don't mind the train, and can deal with the short 2-block walk - even the uphill return home. But I really think that I'd rather just hail a taxi and sit for the ride in the City.



ETA: Do I see a new avvy in my future, then? lol

[bjt]

Hi--
I live in NYC and go to the Madora/GM salon. I absolutely think you should go. Here's some info from my experiences there:

When I went the first time, I walked in with my hair up in a bun (they couldn't tell how long it was.) No one asked to see how long my hair was, it clearly was not an issue for them.
I waited while Iris, the hair dresser, finished up her last trim... she was trimming a woman's hair that only hung to just past her shoulders. So it wasn't particuarly long. They were chatting very friendly like and it didn't seem to be an issue.
I was scheduled for a trim. When Iris cut my hair, she did not wash it. She said they don't like to trim wet hair because wet hair hangs straighter and so there is a tendency to cut more off than you want. When it dries, it will shrink back up a little and then people get upset that too much was cut off. So, when I told Iris I only wanted to trim one inch, she only trimmed exactly one inch.
They do consultations, conditioning treatments and also will make appointments just to teach you how to do new up-dos.

They also gave me some samples of their shampoo & hair products and I love them. Its now all that I use--they have different types of shampoos and conditioners, as well as fuzz reducing stuff (I love this, but it is made of all 'cones, so its not for everyone) and related products.

I *highly* recommend them, and Iris, who cut my hair. She doesn't have particularly long hair actually and was very friendly.
I say Go For It! PM me if you have any specific questions. :-)

[Anje]

I haven't been to a GM salon, but I'm sure they'd be more than friendly toward someone with hair your length who wants to grow it out.

I have heard that they have a lot of very nice deep conditioning treatments, and I'll bet that at least some of them don't need to be shampooed out. They will probably be understanding and supportive if you tell them that you don't want shampoo (SLS particularly) anywhere near your head. (If necessary, you could always claim an allergy to SLS. I don't want to advocate lying, but sometimes it's easier than giving a long explanation.)

[StephanieB]

They will probably be understanding and supportive if you tell them that you don't want shampoo (SLS particularly) anywhere near your head. (If necessary, you could always claim an allergy to SLS. I don't want to advocate lying, but sometimes it's easier than giving a long explanation.)
I also don't advocate lying, and usually find it easier to just tell the truth (lol) - but it is occasionally just easier to tell a white lie that hurts no one rather than to argue a moot point; I agree.

I could always just say "no shampoo of any kind, please" at first... and trot out the "many allergies, and to sodium laurel sulfate in particular" only if necessary.

hehehe
I could probably pass a polygraph test with the SLS lie, by concentrating on the "laurel" part of that statement real real hard: it's my kid sister's name, my only sibling, and she lives a mere half-hour away from me but refuses to so much as talk on the phone to me, or to any other member of our family, for many years now - depriving us all of the pleasure of knowing her 16 1/2 year old daughter and her daughter of the pleasure of knowing her own family.




Hi--
I live in NYC and go to the Madora/GM salon. I absolutely think you should go. Here's some info from my experiences there:

When I went the first time, I walked in with my hair up in a bun (they couldn't tell how long it was.) No one asked to see how long my hair was, it clearly was not an issue for them.
I waited while Iris, the hair dresser, finished up her last trim... she was trimming a woman's hair that only hung to just past her shoulders. So it wasn't particuarly long. They were chatting very friendly like and it didn't seem to be an issue.
I was scheduled for a trim. When Iris cut my hair, she did not wash it. She said they don't like to trim wet hair because wet hair hangs straighter and so there is a tendency to cut more off than you want. When it dries, it will shrink back up a little and then people get upset that too much was cut off. So, when I told Iris I only wanted to trim one inch, she only trimmed exactly one inch.
They do consultations, conditioning treatments and also will make appointments just to teach you how to do new up-dos.

They also gave me some samples of their shampoo & hair products and I love them. Its now all that I use--they have different types of shampoos and conditioners, as well as fuzz reducing stuff (I love this, but it is made of all 'cones, so its not for everyone) and related products.

I *highly* recommend them, and Iris, who cut my hair. She doesn't have particularly long hair actually and was very friendly.
I say Go For It! PM me if you have any specific questions. :-)

Thanks, bjt!

A personal recomendation is worth a lot! So... I think I'll see if I can't get an appointment with Iris... and if you PM me with your real name or some other way to identify yourself to her, I'll be sure to let her know that you recomended her to me. :D


I'm convinced, now. I'm going!

I'm gonna ask Jean to make some decisions, and let's get there. :cloud9:


Even if there's no treatments I want/need/... I can ALWAYS use help getting hands-on teaching on doing a new up-do on myslef BY myself!! :cheese:
That alone is - to me - worth the trip into the City and the fee for the appointment!!

[StephanieB]

Oh, Anje: I keep meaning to tell you this, and I keep forgetting... so, off-topic though it is, I'll take this opportunity before I forget it again. lol
(better to hijack my own thread temporarily & speedily, than to do it in another''s thread)


RE: your siggy line -- No, not for another inch or so. :p (j/k of course)

[heidi w.]

Having actually been to the MADORA salon this year, and having met Marie herself, and had Iris trim my hair AND do the most beautiful braided updo, I can only say a whoooping,

YES

and YES.

First, you can just have a small trim. You could ask for a split end trim where they'll go through your hair and remove splits (that's around $80 I think). Don't let the prices put you off.

They offer manicures and pedicures.

It's like no salon you've ever been in.

It's small, intimate, you have to be buzzed up. Very likely you'll meet Maria--GM's protege who is nothing short of a beautiful, warm, LADY; they will chat with you about your goals and give some advice on how to achieve that. There are a bazillion inspiring photos on the walls to look at of hair lengths of all sizes, some famous, some not-so-famous.

You could, if you want, ask for a treatment.

They also carry an incredible line of quite a variety of beautiful hair ornaments that are safe for hair, sticks, barrettes, and they carry combs (I recommend getting the extra wide tooth ivory comb).

They will give you a free pamphlet to read about hair care tips and likely sit you down and speak with you about your hair goals.

If I lived this close, I'd probably make the trip twice a year!

You could have a dry trim, really small, and then they will create a beautiful updo for you.

When I was there I saw women getting nail care, and I saw women with bob length hair getting their hair colored!

They accept all clients.

Bring lots of money for a healthy tip, and for buying some hair toys. Trust me on this.

YES. GO. Don't be shy. So what if anyone there has long hair. It'll inspire you to overhear the conversation.

If you're lucky, Maria will pull out her private photo album and share the salon's history with you!

I was even offered to talk to Mr. GM on the phone, but he was out of the country.

I did get Maria's autograph on my pamphlet, photos, and nothing but encouragement and compliments.

I wish I knew how to post photos because then I'd post the updo they created.

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

Actually, they apparently don't.

They actually measure the length of everyone who comes through their door, and they state that plainly both on their own website and in every review I've ever read about the salon.

1. They did NOT measure my hair, but it's long. I know they wouldn't have turned me away for shorter hair. They do not like to cut hair, and they are about growing long hair, so it's ok to start where you are and be seen.

Their 'site doesn't say they refuse anyone, though... just that they measure length of each client & potential client who enters their door. I'll bet that this fact alone probably keeps women with shorter hair from their doorstep. Of course, I don't feel fear or embarrassement very easily. lol

2. They may measure if you're interested in becoming a longer term client to begin a PROFILE on you. Quality salons who work with clients over time SHOULD create a profile card. For example, if one were to color their hair, there would be records kept of the coloring numbers, the values, the last time/history of coloring applications. ANY responsible stylist knows these rules. Don't misunderstand the reasoning for measuring and any other data they may take. Some stylists ask their clients to keep track of this information, but a quality stylist does both -- keeps the info handy AND provides the info to the client knowing that there's a high likelihood they'll go to another stylist and info, especially about hair processing (color, straightening, perming, etc) should be kept track of closely to avoid disasters.

More than concern about my length not measuring up in their eyes, I'm wondering what they can do... or think they can do... for my hair.

3. Read my above reply. You'll like a split end trim which is removal of splits throughout the length. They will talk with you about your goals and make suggestions of how to achieve them, such as parting your hair on the side.

But, I guess I'll never ever know the answer to that if I don't make a consultation appointment, right? :D

And -- for all I know, there IS something(s) they can do to benefit my hair goals!

If they can't, then no one probably can... right?!

They are very supportive and warm people. The staff is not snotty in any way. They are really big on creating clients with beautiful long tresses. For example, most of the stylists I met were older women, very much like talking to your mother or grandmother. They see a lot of personalities over the years, and they have a very quiet way about them. They do NOT tell you what to do, only make suggestions after listening to you. This isn't like a salon for mod hair cuts and a lot of ego floating around.


But if I make a consultation appointment... what will I do with the rest of my day while Jean gets the deep-conditioning treatment(s) she wants? *thinking*

Look at the photos; watch the deep conditioning treatment she receives and its outcome (she has to sit under a warmer for a bit) so it's nice to have someone to hang with. The salon is on a major street in NYC, I think it's 5th Ave, or some such st....and there's a Starbucks nearby ... .you could run over to get some drink for her!! The salon offers a variety of hot teas!! You could look at the huge selection of hair ornaments, consider products, or a new comb.

Like the salon peeps can't figure that out, while they have me right there and with money in my pocket..... right? :rolleyes:

These people are not the salon stylist's you're used to who are pushy about products or that you have to buy. I promise. They really believe in letting you make your own choices. They are VERY nice!!


I think maybe Jean needs to talk to them first, and decide exactly what she wants done, without actually making an appointment. Then, she needs to call me and tell me what she wants and how long it should take... And that's when I should call them up, and ask them what (if anything) they suggest for me - besides a consultation - for that same day... and then Jean & I need to call them and make our appointments simultaneously.


I see only one potential sticking point: I don't want them to use shampoo on my hair, not after getting over the "no 'poo hump" already and liking the Chaz Dean WEN so much..... I'm willing to try their other products - just not shampoo. I wonder how much they insist on shampoo? I know they have shampoos in their line of products - and use them in their 'system'.

You do not even have to have your hair washed for a consultation nor any kind of trim. IF you opt to have any hair wetting, they will use their products. That needs to be understood. Understanding how products work in tandem is important and so is leaving out products. You can request no shampoo, and then see what they say if you want your hair washed. They do all trims DRY!!

This is not your usual salon. Some people don't like their products and left them with tacky hair that they felt they had to go home and wash (I suspect something was done amiss, as these folks went to a different GM salon, not the NYC salon, but I could be wrong). I know plenty who do use their products, and use them regularly, and I've seen the results which is beautiful, shiny hair. I am not one such person, though, because I found my regime a long time ago. They asked me about what products I used and I felt very crappy having to say that although I'd read GM's book and knew of the philosophy and have the hair I have and very healthy hair, that I did not use their products. You are not REQUIRED to subscribe to their regime to get trims.

I would say the point is to have the experience at least once of visiting this salon. You can make up your mind later about subscribing to their system of products or having treatments done. Having a beautiful updo done after a trim, and talking to someone about your goals is worthy, including your reasons for avoiding shampoo.

Remember, they really do know a lot about hair. Almost all the hair care tips we have here on LHC are in GM's book and in his system, somehow addressed.

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

I did tell them I was a tenderhead and this is how I was paired with Iris. Make sure to mention such details if having a trim and an updo done! They will detangle from the bottom and allow you to do it yourself if you like. But it's pretty normal with even your own self to have a tangle and maybe some light tugging. They will not rip or shred hair, though. If something is uncomfortable, just politely mention it when it occurs.

If there's enough time, you could ask them to explain how to do one or two new updos for your length! They teach updos sometimes, too.

The staff is extremely professional and warm. I had the best experience there!
heidi w.

[heidi w.]

Oh, I ended up spending almost 4 hours there: I had my hair trimmed and an complex updo mixing braiding and smooth hair. Lots of pins and no pain. (I use hairpins for my own updos at home.) I tipped well over $20 (I actually tipped $40 which was about half of the cost of the service) and I also bought quite a supply of hair goodies.

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

They are also open one evening a week, maybe two? And they are open Saturdays, not sure how late.

Try to go on an off time from their busier time.

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

I'm really excited for you.

I hope you decide to go.

Even if you choose to never go again.

I hope you have nothing but a positive experience. You do need to suspend the talk of LHC and boards and things like CO.....it's just a little safer. They know all about them and what's going on and all, but I just want to ensure you have a good experience. I got a little bit of the feeling of disappointment when I had to tell them I don't use GM products.

They did say my hair was relatively thick and very clean and healthy. The trim was small and it really did make a difference to my hemline's volume which is persisting to this moment. That trim occurred in early March of this year. I would go back about now, if I could afford the flight trip for a trim again. I've never had such a good trim!

heidi w.

[StephanieB]

Wow.

Okay, that's "IT".

I'm going - with or without my friend, Jean. :laugh:LMAO:laugh:
So she'd better get cracking and get on it. lol


I feel so much better about this, now. Thanks, Heidi!

I'm thinking that I might just make the appointment for a consultation first. Just the consultation. (if they can find a split end, they can trim it :rollin:)
That, and seeing it all & getting the flavor to soak in, and watching Jean get whatever she's gonna get, is probably enough at first visit.
Well :rolleyes: --- that plus buying some hair toy. :rollin: Did I say a hairtoy? I meant toys! :D

[Samikha]

I never should have read this thread, now I want to go to NY to visit this salon >.> I guess I have to visit my friend in London and go there instead ;)

StephanieB, I hope you enjoy your visit there just as much as Heidi did!

[heidi w.]

FYI, if you ever end up becoming a regular client, you will be asked to various private events, such as GM's birthday parties!

I know a few who've been to these.

I have no idea what Mr. GM would say to me about my hair. I'm rather certain he'd want me to be a bit shorter for reasons of proportion of my entire frame, but I could be completely wrong. I'd be very reluctant to let him handle my hair himself. His staff is much kinder with hair than I understand him, himself, to be.

I know a few who've had their hair handled by him OR witnessed him handling someone's hair. The rumour is he's a bit rough. I also hear he's hard to understand when he talks because he has a very thick accent, but he remains enthusiastic about long hair and helping women in this way.

I've also heard he can be very opinionated about women's hair to their face, so if he happens to pop in, just know this. It's unusual that he would pop in, though! Not in winter. I think he goes to warmer climates in winter as do a lot of NYC/Manhattan folks!



heidi w.

[heidi w.]

They may offer facials now too. I seem to recall a line of products for facials. OH, and their products do not line the walls the way this is done in other salons. They're there, but not overly obvious.

heidi w.

[burns_erin]

man oh man I will be so jealous if you go, but I really think you should. When you do, be sure to let us know how it went.

[StephanieB]

I never should have read this thread, now I want to go to NY to visit this salon >.> I guess I have to visit my friend in London and go there instead ;)

StephanieB, I hope you enjoy your visit there just as much as Heidi did!
ROTFLMAO

Is it really cheaper to fly to London than to NYC from Norway, Samhika?

I'll drive, instead, if you fly to NYC, and pick you up from any of the 3 airports, and drop you off when you're ready to go home. If you fly, I'll pay the entire parking fee and all tolls both ways, given your extra expense. :D
I live a mere 15-minute drive from Newark Liberty Airport, but I'll go out to either JFK (more like 90-120 minutes' drive) or La Guardia (maybe an hour or a bit more drive - but..... *shudder* the darn driving/parking there - UGH!) for a visiting LHCer.

It'll be REAL easy to spot my vehicle: It's the only known original two-tone silver-over-red FJ80 in this part of our country!
I'm not joking. Not only am I a member of the local Land Cruiser Clubs AND the Toyota Land Cruiser Association... but NJ DMV/MVA and Toyota records also indicate this. Of course,Toyota's records would only be for original sales. And DMV/MVA (New Jersey State's Department of Motor Vehicles/Motor Vehicle Administration) would only be for original color description at the time it was FIRST registered... but to the best of any official body's knowledge - there simply is no other silver-over-red TLC FJ80 hereabouts in the PA/NJ/NY/CT area.
How can you miss a gigantic old behemoth like mine with it's unusual paint combo?!
(I've been told that Stevie Wonder could see it. :rollin: )

[StephanieB]

man oh man I will be so jealous if you go, but I really think you should. When you do, be sure to let us know how it went.

I will! :D

[StephanieB]

How can you miss a gigantic old behemoth like mine with it's unusual paint combo?!
(I've been told that Stevie Wonder could see it. :rollin: )

Which of you here fears that they might actually miss this, even in a crowded airport?!


http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p44/StephaniesPix/Hryfyrd/Hrfyrd1.jpg


I thought not. LMAO


So... who's coming with me? ;) :laugh:

My beast seats 7 passengers, besides myself - an 8th, comfortably.

[mira-chan]

Which of you here fears that they might actually miss this, even in a crowded airport?!


http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p44/StephaniesPix/Hryfyrd/Hrfyrd1.jpg


I thought not. LMAO


So... who's coming with me? ;) :laugh:

My beast seats 7 passengers, besides myself - an 8th, comfortably.

Nice and visible there. :laugh:

I live in NYC so might stop by for a meet if at Madora if I knew when. ;) I've passed by them many timed but have never been inside. I definitely won't be getting a trim there as I like my fairytale ends but other goodies sound tempting.

Madora is on Madison Ave, no the 5th ave, by the way. It's close to Rockefeller Center.

[heidi w.]

Nice and visible there. :laugh:

I live in NYC so might stop by for a meet if at Madora if I knew when. ;) I've passed by them many timed but have never been inside. I definitely won't be getting a trim there as I like my fairytale ends but other goodies sound tempting.

Madora is on Madison Ave, no the 5th ave, by the way. It's close to Rockefeller Center.

Thanks Mira-chan! I couldn't remember the street's name. I knew I was mixing something up. I went to both Madison Ave and 5th Ave (and yes, Rockefeller Center and more) when there, so got my memory crossed. I'm not a native. Thanks for the correction!

I think you can pop in, not positive. I think they prefer appointments though. This is because many of their clients are famous and prefer their privacy, so they really control who comes in and when. They also are wary of weirdos and any ****** type people wanting to come for a voyeur thing. They're VERY BIG on protecting client's privacy, so you may be told to make an appointment if you try to just pop by. For example, I went with my beau, and made sure they knew he would be in attendance with me. He wanted to go as much as I did since he's trained in the GM system.

heidi w.
PS Beautiful siggy pix, Mira-chan! I can tell you're not but it almost appears as though you're on water seated on a giant water lily leaf!, and you're the flower bloom!!

[heidi w.]

WELL, I seem to be full of misunderstanding today!

I see now you didn't mean you would show up unannounced to Madora, rather, Mira-chan, that you would consider meeting up with them when they went if you knew what date/time they'd be going.

OK.

Still good for folks to know about the privacy thing. AND they probably would like to know of the # of people showing up. It's a really small salon. Their photo makes it look big, but it's not.

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

OH, and for me, they did not trim straight across. They trimmed in a gentle u since that's how my hair grows.

Memorieeeees!
heidi w.

[mira-chan]

Thanks Mira-chan! I couldn't remember the street's name. I knew I was mixing something up. I went to both Madison Ave and 5th Ave (and yes, Rockefeller Center and more) when there, so got my memory crossed. I'm not a native. Thanks for the correction!

I think you can pop in, not positive. I think they prefer appointments though. This is because many of their clients are famous and prefer their privacy, so they really control who comes in and when. They also are wary of weirdos and any ****** type people wanting to come for a voyeur thing. They're VERY BIG on protecting client's privacy, so you may be told to make an appointment if you try to just pop by. For example, I went with my beau, and made sure they knew he would be in attendance with me. He wanted to go as much as I did since he's trained in the GM system.

heidi w.
PS Beautiful siggy pix, Mira-chan! I can tell you're not but it almost appears as though you're on water seated on a giant water lily leaf!, and you're the flower bloom!!

I'd definitely contact them about the visit. :) The location is seasy to get confused about the streets. Madison and 5th are right parallel to each other and there are lots of landmarks in the small area.

Thank you for the compliment and the beautiful description. :o :flowers:


WELL, I seem to be full of misunderstanding today!

I see now you didn't mean you would show up unannounced to Madora, rather, Mira-chan, that you would consider meeting up with them when they went if you knew what date/time they'd be going.

OK.

Still good for folks to know about the privacy thing. AND they probably would like to know of the # of people showing up. It's a really small salon. Their photo makes it look big, but it's not.

heidi w.
Thank you for the suggestion. :)

I guessed it was rather small. I remember some pictures and they looked as if it was about the size of my grandparents apartment which is by no means large.


OH, and for me, they did not trim straight across. They trimmed in a gentle u since that's how my hair grows.

Memorieeeees!
heidi w.

It is according to the GM method, I remember that GM recommends a gentle U as straight across visually cuts the body.

Now if only my hair agreed with that, I might have been interested in actually getting a trim there. Mine grows in a very defined V. I know for a fact that any "trim", even at Madora, would more likely be rather large in inch value. :?

[UrbanEast]

Regarding the SLS, I usually bring my own shampoo and conditioner to the hairdresser anyway. No one has ever given me problems about it.

[Darkhorse1]

That sounds like a fun outting--perhaps call the salon and explain your condition and that you are wishing to grow your hair long, and see what options you have. You can get it washed professionally, or perhaps just get a style? Find some products that are natural that are good for your hair?? Maybe just join her and chat? Lots of opportunities to get some great input on hair :D

[Samikha]

ROTFLMAO

Is it really cheaper to fly to London than to NYC from Norway, Samhika?
<snip>
How can you miss a gigantic old behemoth like mine with it's unusual paint combo?!
(I've been told that Stevie Wonder could see it. :rollin: )

I think it's cute! And sadly, the price difference is huge >.> I checked to make sure :lol: But if I ever do go, I'll be looking for your car! And for that free ride! LHC does bring people together, doesn't it :)

[alinakathryn]

As to what to do when you go, You can get a deep conditioning treatment too. Or maybe a protein treatment. If they are inexpensive enough. Maybe too your friend was thinking about paying for your part. If money is the problem, Just be honest with her. Then you can sit an chat while she's having hers done.

[pdy2kn6]

how did it turn out? did you go in the end? :) live up to their expectations?

[heidi w.]

FYI, to the long hair GM salons, I wouldn't recommend bringing your own shampoo/conditioner. That's not what they're about. This is not your usual hair salon.

Maria is extremely gracious, and she would take it as an insult if you brought in your own products. They cannot do THEIR treatments with your products. Their products are designed specifically for the treatments they conduct.

Although I have never used their products, I know first-hand the results of their products from a wide swath of folks. I know a guy trained in the GM system and have access to the products and methodologies. This is NOT me advertising their products. I am sticking to the idea though, that if you walked into Maria's GM salon and said, can you do a conditioning treatment with this conditioner and not yours? well, that's not what they're about!

heidi w.