Vidal Sassoon

I went to the salon in Ave Maria Lane last week. I wasn't well, but the staff know I have long-term health problems, and I'd had to cancel twice. The cut was perfunctory, I was charged extra for treatment I received FOC on first visit without being told of extra hike in already exorbitant price. The cut is unfinished and wonky and I was left, with a very obvious sore throat, with soaking wet hair to leave the salon! No response from complaints - only the junior was polite, the rest of them were rude, inattentive and gave me a lousy, half-finished cut. Arrogant once they've got you on board as a customer. Avoid at all costs!

I recently went to VS in Brook Street, London and had my hair cut from long into a bob, which is what they are supposed to be famous for (which is why I chose them!) I asked for a long blunt-cut bob with an extra long bit at the front on one side only (for added interest). What I got was a lopsided, messy (where layers had been cut into it, which I didn't ask for) and short bob with straggly bits at the front. He completely forgot about the long bit I asked for. I am going to another hairdresser's to get it sorted out. What a waste of £100! He didn't listen to a word I said and just did what he wanted to. I am very disappointed and will be going back to my usual salon (JLT).

I have really curly hair that's incredibly hard to manage, so I started going to Vidal's several years ago and have never looked back! Yes, it's expensive but you can get discounts with student cards. The staff are great, the salon is clean and tidy. I've only once had a problem and that was the way they blow-dried my hair and it went incredibly frizzy when I set foot outside, but I went back and a senior member of staff sorted it out with no problem. My hair always looks great and does so for a good 6 weeks afterwards. I would recommend this salon if you have hard to manage hair or are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. It's a fantastic hairdressers!

I find Vidal's terribly overrated and overpriced. I have been to the one in Covent Garden about 3 times but only because I've had a discount voucher. You are generally made to feel second class. The salon is always loud and busy and you feel terribly cramped. The staff are intimidating, always cut far too much off and don't seem to listen to a word you say. I'm not tight, but each time I have used a voucher it's always included a free shampoo; however, not once has this been offered to me.

I went to the Vidal Sasson in Knightsbridge. Overall I was happy with the haircut, but found that they rushed the finish and thus it didn't look quite as it should have. Vidal Sassoon seem to create styles that they prefer rather than listening carefully to the requests of customers. It's usually difficult to stop them once they are half way through a cut or in my case drying my hair into a bush. But overall a nice cut.

They might be good at hair cuts - I didn't have the chance to find out. Their attitude to customer service is shocking. My sister was turned away from 2 'free' consultations, even though she had both booked in advance and had a £150 colour appointment booked with them. They left her waiting 30 mins on both occasions before telling her there was no-one to see her. Even though she had booked. They are crap. I'm currently trying to get a refund on some gift vouchers I bought there. Considering how they treated my sis, I have no desire to give them my business. This is proving difficult and I'm now having to write to the MD directly. It's pathetic.

Vidal Sassoon, or the newly reformed Sassoon, have the most technically rigorous training in the industry. The philosophy of precision and working with the natural hair, using to the point cutting and wrap drying techniques, give the client maximum suitability and control over their hair.

The so-called slipping standards I would say do not lie within the quality of hairdressing, but within the attitude of society today. 30 years ago the hairdressing industry was brutal - those who trained back then would probably use the word 'military' in their description. These days the assistants that train are used to a much more relaxed attitude, as in this day and age they wouldn't stand for harsh discipline!

Sassoons, unlike other big salon names such as Toni & Guy and Francesco group, has still refused to sell out. It is the only corporate name in the industry that has yet to franchise itself, which means that its standard of training remains consistent throughout the company. Despite what people think, its philosophy focuses on the cut and, when it comes down to it, that's what's important. Too many companies these days treat clients like they are in a factory - same cut on all. It's nice to see that Sassoons still hold to their philosophy and haven't sold out. 5 stars for what really matters: the cut.

I went to the Vidal Sasson in Ave Maria Lane and left with a sore and abused head. The person washing my hair kept pulling it and asking me to lift my head this way and that as he wasn't able to adjust the chair. The stylist battered my head and pulled at my hair with the flat brush - I literally felt myself being lifted out of the chair each time. I finally had to comment that he was hurting me, which he laughed at. He then asked if I wanted it 'ironed', which I flatly refused otherwise I probably would have left with burn marks! Overpriced and a shoddy finish.

Best hairdressing experience I've ever had. After taking a three-year course in hairdressing I felt like seeing professionals in one of the larger salons in London.

My expectations were low but I was surprised at how good my results were, I'm very picky about my hair but I found that they listened to what I had to say about my hair before they knew I was a professional.

Their client care is the best around I strongly recommend them, five star treatment.

Well I like Vidal's, I don't know what your all complaining about. I am merely a 15-year old student but I travel from Portsmouth to get there.

My style is what would be called outrageous, but that's what Vidal is famous for and always has been. If you're just looking for a mediocre haircut try another barber along the way.

They have dyed my hair many colours, at the moment sky blue and always give me the right tips to keep it healthy. I have never been treated with such respect even though I am young. I love it there.

I went to the salon off Bond Street, and paid over £50 for a mediocre haircut. The hairdresser kept chatting and flirting with his colleagues and took ages to finish the cut - longest haircut I've had! He put way too much finishing product before blow-drying, making my hair sticky and stiff. I went back and asked to get it re-done, which they did for free.

I have been going to Vidal Sassoon for almost two years now. Overall, I think that it's the best haircut you can get for the price in London. I have built up a wonderful relationship with the man who cuts my hair. The cut is not always of the same standard, but I am always quite pleased. It is best to schedule your appointment early in the day on a weekday. It gets extremely busy on the weekends and the stylists can be rushed, making their work sloppy. I would definitely recommend this salon!!

I trust them like no other salon. They always listen to my needs and give me a cut which is practical as well as stylish. I am particularly impressed at how well it grows out as I never get my hair cut often enough! They are consistently excellent and not too expensive.

Good, but expensive.

Because they are very professional I intend to one day join the team. I'm training and since getting more skills I know they are the best in the industry.

Last year, went to Vidal Sassoon and got a neat hair cut. told them I wanted something stylish and sexy and turns out the hairdresser did his best and it was amazing! Went again the second time in December but it wasn't as great... a bit disappointed there.

I went to Vidal as hairdresser myself. I told my stylist I wanted to keep my hair long, no texturizing in my hair and I never wear my hair straight. I wear my hair curly in it's natural pattern. My stylist flat ironed my hair, cut my length off in one huge section in the back, and texturized the living daylight out of my hair. She did everything I asked her not to do.

I complained and asked for my money back a week later. The manager looked at my hair and told me that my hair was fine the way it was. He told me that he would have done the same thing. Good to know that everyone there doesn't listen to their clients. As a hairdresser that was the worst experience of my life!

Very professional, technically rigorous approach.

I got a hairstyle that did not suit me or my lifestyle, or even that I asked for. A hair colour that was over processed. My hair was cut too short to have hair extensions, my only option is to wear a wig - and I paid for this.

I cancelled my appointment twice since I was really ill and they were extremely understanding and polite about it. Great attitude.

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