I was really delighted by my experience at Gusto, from the popcorn on arrival to the really excellent haircut by Derek, which is one of the best I've ever had - and for that price is unbeatable. The staff (on the whole) seemed to be having a lot of fun, as well as being kind and responsive, and I enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere. I'll be back.
I went to this salon since it was recommended to me by a friend and also with high ratings on treat well. The blonde receptionist was lovely and made me feel at home however things started turning for the worst very quickly. 1) super loud music - fine, however when you see hairdressers doing her and jumping around at the same time it's not great. Then I was supposed to have my appointment with tarek but I got Ophelia instead. The 'consultation' was a series of her eye rolling at me. Looking at my hair and saying 'oh wow sooo bad', rejecting all my ideas. She chose my colour (from the few they had in store) which in the end I turned out to have red/orange roots with a chocolate brown ends and finish (it was supposed to be brown all over). Everything I said was greeted with an eye roll. When she suggested a curly hair product, I tried to be proactive and asked if she would use it for my finish. She laughed and said "nooo you need to buy it". Great, so why suggest it or make it available for curly haired women??? Colour was done- half of it on my face, neck and ear. They tried to wash it 3 times and dry it off with a completely wet towel which she tried to assure me it was " clean even wet". Dye was still on my face and finally after again looking annoyed and very rude got Tarek to clean it off for me. The haircut was again completely not what I asked for. I wanted to keep the length which she agreed to and in the end I can barely put it up in a ponytail. It can't be Even excused by it being a nice cut because it's not. Heavy fringe - please mind you, I have very curly hair and a square shape at the back. I left with the receptionist not even being able to complement it herself feeling horrible. Oh and please mind, during my 'treatment' time all the hairdresser and team got ice cream, eating it and dancing out loud in the middle of the salon, laughing and joking rudely and loudly so relaxing it was not. Trust me walk away from this salon, unless you want to look like a train wreck. In the end I had to go to a professional salon and correct both colour and short hair cut which I never asked for.
I thought the haircut and blow dry were good. I expected the mask to be a bit longer maybe with a massage, so was disappointed there but all in all was good value.
I have been to the other venue in London and love it but thought I would try the new location as it is closer to work. I saw Maria who is AMAZING, she got exactly what I wanted and offered some suggestions which I really appreciated. I am not a hair expert and never really know exactly what I want and she totally got that. I have mid-length hair that I am trying to grow out and a small undercut, I usually just get it trimmed and tidied up and blow dried straight. She worked her magic and I walked out with much healthier hair (she cut it straight but then cut in to it which really helped the condition) and blow dried it with a slight wave. For the first time ever I had bouncy, voluminous hair. I will be coming back!Love the glass of wine and super friendly staff too, it's very relaxed there which for someone like me who hates getting their hair cut is great.