GiGi Salon & Spa

07/21/2008 Posted by spankme439

I started coming to Johnny two years ago to fix my hair after my hair was accidentally dyed almost black by a different hairstylist. I am a natural brunette and he is absolutely the best hair-colorist/highlighter I have ever been to. I have been highlighting my hair off and on for about 8 years. He can make you go light or dark, and consistently provides excellent touch-ups in between. If you are looking for a stylist that truly understands hair coloring, he is the stylist for you.

05/02/2008 Posted by winter8

When master stylist johnnie finally arrived 20 minutes late, he gave me the WORST haircut of my life. I didn't realize that texturize meant turn head into puff ball and leave a few straggles to hang in shame. Friends would say "oh, you got a new haircut..... um, do you like it"? and look at me with sympathy. You would think after 3 months this "style" would have grown out by now and not be gross, but no, I'm still wearing a hat every day- worst $65 ever spent.

Pros: Good music

Cons: Everything else

09/25/2007 Posted by dncrbyn

I have visited both salons. I LOVE Kellian at the Washington Square location. She did my hair for my wedding and did a fantastic job! I love Johnny (I've seen him at both locations). And thought I am an infrequent client, he remembers everything about me! The thing that makes me hesitate to come back to Washington Square are the receptionists. I am a friendly person and have never been greeted with any sort of warmth, promptness, or care. I usually feel like an inconvenience when I check in or pay, which leaves me with a bad impression. I am not as familiar with the stylists at the downtown location, but their receptionists are warm, super friendly, and they remember you. Even over the phone. Owners/managers- Please do not underestimate the importance of having high standards for all employees. I rarely spend time or money on myself, but when I do, I hope to be treated with kindness.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/06/2007 Posted by kelkello

I went to Gigi by PSU for a cut and color with Johnny. It was relaxing, good music and I enjoyed people watching while getting my service. I mentioned that I was going out of town to be in a wedding soon. After my services he spent 30-40 minutes, no charge, to do my hair how he thought would look best. I have never had so many compliments on my hair. He is an excellent stylist and is very comfortable to work with, no need to chat but interesting and intelligent conversation if you do feel like chatting. A wonderful experience from beginning to end.

04/08/2007 Posted by icepick742

...have I had such great service and professional quality. My family met Taven a little over a year ago, and we have been in his chair ever since. He has been VERY courteous, EXTREMELY professional, and ALWAYS listens to what we request. I might add...we are VERY picky about our hair. ;-) Taven has NEVER let us down. Gigi/Aveda is fortunate to have him. Kudos to him and the staff he manages. They should be so lucky... When we moved here, we were seeking out an Aveda salon, and ran across the Wash Sq location. We've never gone anywhere since.

Pros: Staff and quality

Cons: Too bad it's not closer to where we live :-(

03/20/2007 Posted by ruthculham

I use City Search to find services and rely on the comments of customers, so I was shocked to see the critique of Taven's skill as a master stylistic posted on this site. Taven is a talented, professional. I wouldn't let anyone else work on my hair. His skills are artistic and extraordinary and his manner is courteous yet fun. He's the perfect hair stylist and anyone who has actually had the privilege of being his client would undoubtedly agree. From the tone of the other message about Taven and the way it was worded, I suspect this "client" is more of a disgruntled employee who finds it hard to compete with the skill level of the other professionals in the salon. And, quite frankly, the poor writing and disorganization of the message belies an even more troubling problem: This person is lacking basic reading and writing skills needed in the workplace to be successful. It's unfortunate that these postings can't have more quality control, but in this case, I just had to weigh in. Schedule an appointment with Taven - you won't be sorry!

Pros: Professional service

Cons: In the mall...

03/13/2007 Posted by t_l

I just wanted to write a response to the post below regarding Taven. I have been going to Taven since the salon opened. He is a genius when it comes to fresh new hairstyles. I never have to bring a picture or give a detailed description on the way I want my hair to look. Most of the time I just tell him to do whatever he feels like with it, because I trust him that much. Everytime I have had a cut from him I have walked out a happy client. I will only book with Taven and I come down from Seattle just to have him cut my hair. So to the comment made by barb, you actually don't deserve to have your hair graced by Taven.

Pros: The best hairstylist EVER

Cons: none

03/13/2007 Posted by j_333

I completely disagree with the review about Taven. I manage a multi million dollar business and have been going to Taven for years. Never have I been dissatisfied with his services. The atmosphere at Gigi’s is so calming and relaxed and I will wait for 2 weeks to get into Taven, because he is the best stylist. I have made the mistake of going to other people and won’t do that again. I have never paid so much for hair services and thought of it as a bargain. Personally I believe whoever wrote the last review is immature and unwilling to admit that they obviously just have personal issues with Taven. Good luck in your quest for a better stylist, and may your days be filled with grandma up-do’s and dull color!

Pros: Atmosphere and Stylist

Cons: Parking

02/22/2007 Posted by barb92

SO I WENT INTO THE GIGI AT WASHINGTON SQUARE AND HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH A MAN NAMED TAVEN (A MASTER STYLIST LOL!!!!!) IT WAS THE WORSE EXPEIRINCE I HAVE EVER HAD INSIDE A SALON. MY COLOR WAS SO DULL IT DIDNT EVEN LOOK LIKE I HAD ANYTHING DONE MY CUT MADE ME LOOK LIKE AN OLD WOMAN WITH NO STYLE,AND WORSE OF ALL HE TALK TO ALL HIS CO-WORKERS WITH TOTAL DISRESPECT. I MEAN HE ACTED LIKE HE HAD WORKED WITH THE STARS OR SOMETHING AND THAT EVEYONE SHOULD KISS HIS BUTT. HATE TO TELL YOU BUDDY BUT YOU ARE HORRIBLE, AND YOU CANNOT DO HAIR SO BOW DOWN. YOUR ASSISTANT COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB..........BEWARE OF HIM PEOPLE HE IS HORRIBLE

Pros: GOOD PRODUCT

Cons: TAVEN

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/15/2007 Posted by harleyj700

This is absolutely one of the worst places I have gotten a haircut in a long time. It will also be my last at this turkey hair salon. Basically the people who work there are more into their looks than yours. After all the pimpering in the mirror and how good I look etc. etc. then they start to cut yours. What a terrible job. It took about 15 minutes and then my hair looked ridiculous. I could have gotten a better trim at one of those $10 places than the $30 smacks they charged me. What a rip off. Avoid the short portly one with the dumb look and with the short blonde hair. If they give you that one, your in for a shock. Head for Regis down the hall. You will be better off. --Be Warned--

Pros: None

Cons: Everything