If you’ve ever received a bad haircut, you know how frustrating it can be. A bad haircut can sometimes be the fault of the hairstylist, but more often than not, the blame lies with the client. Unrealistic expectations, poor communication, or an unfriendly disposition can lead to a bad experience. Now, not all of us are versed in the language of hair, but sincere communication between client and stylist can go a long way toward a great experience.

At Elevation Salon, such is the underlying philosophy of the five talented hairdressers who strive to provide the best interpretation of today’s classic and modern hairstyles.

For them, it’s important that clients walk away getting exactly what they wanted.

The stylists take your opinion very seriously and won’t give you anything beyond what you’re brave enough to try. At the same time, they try to introduce you to a whole new look you never even thought you could pull off.

Elevation Salon’s interiors can be described as urban, trendy and sexy. The bold colors and industrial design give one the feel of a clean, open space. The salon chairs are generously set wide apart, so even if one’s neighbor has a battalion of services done, one won’t be elbowed out or squished to one corner.

It also has a private room where one can make appointments by groups. The design has meticulous details, like nicely pressed uniforms and matching steel trays for the mani-pedi tools. Even a sort of resting stool was developed, so one’s legs could rest comfortably while you have your foot spa.

With free WiFi and convenient parking spaces, the cozy yet modern 200-sq m space along Pasong Tamo Extension is a salon unlike any other.

Erna Frond and her team are a passionate, dedicated team that shares its expertise with clients on top of creating an amazing salon experience. The team continuously upgrades skills in order to perfect the latest looks by incorporating the hottest trends and styles with traditional elements. This provides you a myriad of options that combine fresh, hip, chic and classic lines.

I was fortunate enough to know the owner, and enjoy my pamper session in this spacious expanse. I had a manicure (P250), pedicure foot spa (P650) and vanilla bean treatment for keratinised hair (P1,700). Did I mention there was a waterfall sculpture in this room? Yes, the sound of running water helped me relax, while the hair and nail technicians worked their magic.

I also brought a friend to try the newly popularized Keratine treatment. It goes from P6,500- P12,500, depending on the length of hair.

Weeks after her Keratin treatment, she was happy to report that her daily styling time was cut in half.

Location: Elevation Salon, Bldg. 3, Jannov Plaza, 2295 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City, 1231 Manila, Philippines

For appointments: 8303030, 8640658, 0918-8303030

Tips

To help improve your salon experience, here are three important insiders tips on communicating with your stylist and how to get a better haircut.

1. Listen to your stylist.

Hairstylists are trained and paid to make you look good and will know what styles best frame your face and enhance your features. When your stylist makes a suggestion, give it a try. As creatures of habit, we often stay in the comfort zone by getting the same haircut year after year. Don’t be afraid to change it up a bit. If you don’t like the cut, it will always grow back.

2. Be realistic.

If you’re not Blake Lively, chances are, your stylist can’t make you look like her. Using a celebrity as a guide for the type of haircut you’re after is fine, but it’s important to be realistic in what to expect from a stylist. A good stylist will tell you so and then make suggestions on similar alternatives which will work for you.

3. Bring a photo.

Clients and hairstylists might not understand each other’s mannerisms or expressions, but a photo is always clear. If you’ve got a particular style you’re after, bring a picture to make sure your stylist knows exactly what you want. Men feel especially uncomfortable doing this. Don’t be. Your barber or stylist will appreciate the effort and will see exactly what you have in mind.