I have heard of many people getting wacky alternative haircuts for cheap (or even free!) in the Westend and I became incredibly curious indeed. Being a student, I do not have the cash to splash out £30+ for a haircut, and being young I did not want a plain one either! One of my close friends went there and received a haircut for free, and has become a model for them (even if she is too lazy to ring them back). Might I add that she is a very pretty girl, and has had many other offers from other salons such as Saco. It appears that if you have the potential you could become a model, get paid, and go to Tokyo!
Well anyway, first step I called the Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy (020 7491 0030) inquiring for a haircut. The man replied asking if it was my first time in which I replied yes. He explained that the Advanced Academy is very creative and if I wanted a classical cut I should go to the other school. He will automatically direct you to their number if you wish. I on the other hand would much prefer an 'out there' hair cut.
I booked an appointment for the week after (all the slots seem to be booked pretty quickly so I suggest you have a day free on the following week from booking). The time slots are 9.30am and 13.30pm. I picked the morning. So far so good - the man answering the phone seemed nice enough! Very friendly, and offered advice on the phone to which academy was more suited to
the haircut I was looking for!
...The Day I went on the tube to Bond Street Station which according to a map was a 4min walk from. Not knowing which exit to get out of however, I got a little lost not knowing which road was which. I called the Academy, and they were happy to give me directions so off I went. [On my way home from the haircut however, I realised that the best exit to take was the West Side Shopping Centre exit. From there, it's much easier.]
The outside is very swank and posh, with the 'Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy' sign gleaming at you. After making a fool of myself trying to get in (I pushed really!!! But it didn't open), the receptionist asked for my name, requested payment [He asked me if I was a student, and I got to pay £4.50], then directed me to a small waiting area on the side. This room was quite nice and seated were all the other hair models. It consisted of young and older women, most of them edging towards the 'rock' area.
A guy called Gary (a teacher I think) shook my hand, and asked me whether I was open to new ideas, and if I wanted Colour. I said no to colour this time, and then he took a group of us downstairs to a room full of hairdressing seats. He let us hang up our belongings in the wardrobe, and then assigned each of us to a seat depending on whether we wanted colour or not.
It was a very long wait to actually get started. It was 10.10am and I had been at the academy since 9.30am. First the teachers came round asking us about what we wanted. A lady introduced herself to me as my teacher, and asked what I wanted, played around with my hair. I didn't quite know as i just wanted something different, and she was happy to make suggestions. May I say that they do let you have a say in the hair cut/colour on what you want (although not exact), but I think it's fun to be open and see what the outcome is.
Finally, the students were shown in and we were all in the seat assigned to each student. My hairdresser was a japanese guy (hot too) who didn't speak much english, but there was a japanese translator there. There were also some Italian students as well. The majority I'd say were japanese though. There were about 12 of us models in the room, and from what I could see, each teacher was assigned 4 students. We were offered drinks (tea, water...) so it's not like they didn't care about us.
After all the japanese students stood in awe looking and touching my hair, amazed at how straight it was and that it was completely natural, my student hairdresser washed my hair, and then we had to wait for the teacher to come round and part my hair. She tells him what the haircut will be like, and explains each step. Then he would have to do it, but stop at each section and wait for her to come round, check it each time. This can be quite annoying since you're sitting there waiting for her to come round so your student can get started on the next section, expecially if she's busy with others.
Sitting there listening to her explain things to the student can be quite interesting, learning the techniques and hairdresser jargon. Most of the students are quite intent on perfecting everything as my guy was. After each part, he would continue to straighten everything out making sure that each section was perfect. The teachers are there to constantly hover over to check everything so it's unlikely that you'll get a bad haircut not to mention these students have years of experience already.
Also, whilst getting my hair cut, the student's friend took various photos, and when some of the other models had finished the students took photos of their work too.
3 hours later I was finally ready to go. My haircut was a variation of my A-line bob cut, doing a bit or a curve at the bangs, and 'disconnections' of hair at the side. It was also a little asymmetrical at the back as well. The teacher had explained to me that she had made him do small layers on one side of my head because it was quite flat, and it was evident that each part of the style was made to suit my face. If you ask for suggestions (or they give you), it is safe to say that they know what they're doing so trust them! (These teachers have well over many years of experience so they'll pick something which suits you)
I must add that my student wanted to cut my bangs shorter but the teacher wouldn't let him as it would ruin the style. Vidal Sassoon is all about style I'd say. Overall, I'm very happy with my experience and I love my haircut too! The people who had done colour as well looked fantastic and everyone looked better than when they first arrived.
Pics of my haircut: http://i17.tinypic.com/4g94jsm.jpg http://i13.tinypic.com/2edzbb 5.jpg http://i13.tinypic.com/2yvjtxf.jpg
If you are quite open about things, this is the place for you! If you're not however...maybe the other vidal sassoon academy (not advanced) would suit you better as it has more of the classical cuts. You won't get a terrible haircut as long as you can be firm and tell them what you definitely do not want. I'd say try it! I am definitely going there again and I can't wait.
Of course, next time, I think I'd better bring a book to read since the waits are quite long. I was bored more than once, but it was all worth it.
The address and telephone number: Vidal Sassoon's Advanced Academy 19-20 Grosvenor Street (020) 7491 0030
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Cheap and cheeful, you usually get a very good hair cut, an interesting experience Disadvantages: Takes a long time, your student may make a mess of your hair
Apr 13th, 2007
exceptional by (36%):
very helpful by (64%):
