Everything seems to be going very slowly at the mo - not sure if it's my computer playing up again o...
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Member since:10.09.2005
Reviews:31
Members who trust:17
Before you read the rest of this review you need to know 2 things about me
1/ I HATE going to the hairdressers. Ever since a hideous haircut as an 8 year old that left me teased at school, and traumatised for life!!! And again, at 16 with a Toni and Guy's Stylist who just wouldn't listen to what I wanted at all!!! I left with big, bouffant, backcombed US soapstarhair, which surprisingly didn't suit a 5 foot nothing school girl!
2/ I also hate people coming up to me on the street and trying to sell me stuff!
So, it was a very bizarre and unusual set of circumstances that found me this morning sitting in the Toni and Guy Training Academy on New Oxford Street, acting as a model for Rob, who was about to be assessed on his technique for cutting a classic bob! I'm not sure who was the most nervous, him or me!!!
HOW IT ALL CAME ABOUT.....
Walking down Tottenham Court Road last night (on my way to see Wallace and Gromit at the pictures - another review there!), my boyfriend and I were stopped by a man and woman, clutching their Toni and Guy Academy Training packs. The guy introduced himself as Rob, and explained that he was in his 3rd year of hairdressing
and currently working on his diploma at the Academy, (just round the corner in New Oxford Street) and was looking for people willing to model particular cuts for him to be assessed on.
Now as I have already said I really dislike being stopped on the street, but this pair were so friendly and very professional. They immediately explained who they were and why they had stopped us, and showed us their credentials to put us at ease. Rob looked at my hair and asked if I would be interested in coming into the Academy the next morning, and having him cut a classic bob, which was basically a shorter neater version of what I had anyway, but something that he needed to be assessed on.
I was in a particularly good mood last night, and clearly feeling braver than normal, and having heard of this place, but never actually got around to going I agreed to sign up. Now seeing as I stated my two biggest dislikes at the top of the page you may think this strange - but another important factor in my decision is the fact that as I do hate hairdressers so much, I tend to cut my own hair!!!!! Yeah, I know... can you see why I don't have my photo up now? Last time I did it it was an unmitigated disaster and I ran to my local hairdressers begging for help. The woman there fixed it up fine, but even I could tell that it wasn't as good as a professional salon - now I was being offered a great salon cut FOR FREE, and in time for Christmas too, it seemed daft to say no!
THE ACADEMY
The Toni and Guy Training Academies are basically where Toni and Guy hairdressers go to get their diploma. As such they constantly require people who are willing to have their hair cut by the trainees, and you can book yourself in there, rather than just wait to be asked. For booked appointments you usually pay £5, but if you are acting as model by invitation it's free. If you book you ask for what you want, just like any salon - unless your brave enough to give the stylist free reign! If you've been invited as a model, you will probably be asked if you would be willing to have a specific cut. Many London papers and magazines carry the adverts and coupons with the details, and there are 3 in London to choose from. Appointments are weekdays only and you have to be flexible, be prepared to wait your turn, and maybe have some flexibility when it comes to the style you want.
MY EXPERIENCE
So at 9.15 this morning I showed up at the Academy for my appointment. Because I had been invited I didn't have to wait long, as my hairdresser came down to reception to collect me. This was good as the waiting area, although very clean and white, just like any Toni and Guy salon, is basically a narrow room, with a counter and rather harrassed assistant, with no chairs to sit on, or magazines to read. Other people waited quite a while whilst they were paired up with a stylist.
We headed straight up to the training room on the 2nd floor. Here all the students were gathered awaiting clients and their tutors. It was a large, white, well lit room, with maybe 40 workstations, although not all were being used. I was offered a drink and then Rob talked me through his training pack and the cut that he wanted to do, just like being in a regular salon. However this is where a bit of waiting came in. Because this was for assessment Rob needed to speak to his tutor before starting to explain the cut, and to declare that he wished to be assessed. It took a while to get the tutor's attention, but once he did we were underway.
Just like in any other salon my hair was washed and toweled dry first. The products all smelt lovely, and my hair felt great even just after this. The cut itself I was very impressed with. I have never seen someone pay so much attention to a haircut before, but at the same time it didn't take overly long to do. My hairdresser was clearly very competant, and although he was understandably a little nervous at being assessed this didn't show through and he was very proffessional at all times.
In all I was probably at the Academy just over two hours. My haircut was actually done in good time, but because there was only one tutor present, it often took a while to get his attention, as he was having to advise all the other trainees as well. However when he did come over he was very throrough and checked everything and made sure that I was happy with the cut too.
The service was relaxed and friendly, and if you know that you have the time then this is a great way to get your hair done. The students all seemed very friendly, and there was a lot less of the snobbery that I tend to associate with trendy salons. If you are worried about having your hair cut by a trainee don't be. The tutor is on hand at all times to give help and advice if needed, and no-one is allowed to leave without being completely happy - and if you change your mind the next day, well just book in again a week later with someone else and try another style for free!!!
SO, WOULD I GO THERE AGAIN?
The answer, very simply is yes, and I am! As I have the week off this week, the guy who cut my hair asked me if I fancied coming back later this week, and having my 'classic bob', transformed into a 'graduated bob' also for assesment. Well what can be better than 1 free posh haircut - 2 obviously!
Having had my doubts about hairdressers in general (and also Toni and Guy specifically - see pet hate 1), I actually really enjoyed this experience, and I have to admit that the added bonus of it being free did help. I always hate being in salons, not feeling entirely happy with the cut, or even just the experience, and knowing that I'm about to be charged £30 + for the pleasure! If you're not happy here, there's the tutor to help out, and you've not lost anything money wise.
I would definately use the Academy again in the future, and if you're anywhere near New Oxford Street and fancy a bit of free pampering, I urge you to do the same!
CONTACT DETAILS
Toni & Guy Academy 75, New Oxford St London WC1A 1DG 020 7836 0606
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Great review. Interesting to hear you were asked to model. I hate being sold anything in the street as well! Oh, yes, I had problems adding buddies to my Circle of Trust as well, having read your personal message. Seems to be okay now
lady_in_red_2006 16.02.2006 02:18
You can get a really super styling here.
LisaWallace 15.12.2005 18:36
You got lucky. I walked out of that place in tears. The girl didn't pay attention to one word I told her, and didn't seem to know how to do any of the things the instructor told her to do. She messed up so badly my hair is much shorter than I wanted, with all sorts of uneven layers which I asked to not have at all! I would never EVER go there again.
DO NOT TAKE A CHANCE ON LOOKING AWFUL!!!! I don't know about you, but my hair takes a long time to grow out!!!!
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Nov 1st, 2005
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