Last week I decided to finally try that famous Vidal Sassoon salon in Manhattan after seeing Instagram reels about their razor cuts. Booked online for Thursday 3pm thinking it would be quieter. Wrong. Place was packed with women clicking heels on marble floors carrying Chanel bags. Felt like I walked into some fashion show backstage.
The Check-in Mess
Receptionist looked me up and down when I gave my name. “Darling your stylist is still with another client” – that French accent though. Sat waiting 25 minutes watching assistants run around with coffee trays. Whole vibe felt like they wanted you to feel lucky just being there.
The Cutting Drama
My stylist Marcus finally waves me over. Talks nonstop about his celebrity clients while sectioning my hair. When I show my reference photo he goes “Honey that’s filtered lighting but I’ll try”. His hand kept slipping during the razor cut – nearly took off my left ear once! Felt my shoulders tense up every time that blade flashed near my face.
Finished with some weird moisturizing treatment that smelled like burnt plastic. Assistant washed my hair ice-cold twice because Marcus wasn’t satisfied with the volume. Shivering under that sink thinking damn this costs $265 before tip.
The Final Reveal
Blow-dry took 40 minutes with three different round brushes. Mirror flip moment was… meh? Layers were shorter than my reference photo and the left side definitely had more texture. Marcus kept saying “It’s editorial!” but girl it just looked messy.
Good vs Bad Reality Check
Pros:
- Salon itself is stupid fancy – marble everywhere, free champagne
- Hair really did move/swing nicely walking out
- Color blending was actually perfect (shoutout to junior colorist Amber)
Cons:
- Stupidly overpriced for uneven layers
- Stylist seemed distracted checking his phone constantly
- Razor technique felt dangerous honestly
- Waited 25 mins past appointment time
Honestly? Went home and fixed the crooked layers myself with kitchen scissors. That $300 could’ve bought two nice dinners instead. You’re paying for the name, not the skill. My local Dominican spot does better layers for $45 cash. Vidal Sassoon is all sparkle no substance unless you enjoy being a human mannequin for trainees.
