Vidal Sassoon Hair Salon London (Covent Garden)

I too went to the Vidal Sassoon in the St Paul's area of London, to treat myself to a blowdry before a night out. They only had a Director free when I called, so I thought let's go for it as they surely will dry my hair amazingly. I could not have been more wrong...

When I arrived I was left waiting for 5 mins standing at the reception desk whilst they talked about a problem that another customer had. Finally I was then whisked to the basin, where actually the young lad was very talkative and chatted away. However, once I sat in the chair and my Director stylist appeared, it was apparent he had no interest in drying my hair and actually only spoke once during the whole experience to ask how I wanted it styled! The result was I was left with fuzzy hair - not sleek and straight with some body in it like I'd asked for. Honestly I could have done it so much better myself, and the young hairwasher could have done too. Just as I thought it could not get any worse, I was charged a whopping £50 (and remember this was only a blowdry, not cut!!)

I shall never return to a Vidal Sassoon again, and shall warn others to not as well.

by Lassie, 16 Jan 2010

I had really damaged hair from having another salon dye it blonde, after many years of dying it black myself. So to sort this out, I had to go from shoulder-length hair to a pixie crop. I wanted to start over and re-grow new healthy hair. I was VERY apprehensive about doing this as I had never been to Vidal Sassoon before, or had my hair so short.

My stylist was Anna (a level 1 or level 2 stylist, costing around £60). I have to say she did an amazing job! I honestly didn't think it would suit me, but she cut my hair so well. I really recommend her as a stylist. She was very considerate about my nervousness, and I felt very safe in her hands.

The customer service overall was really great, and I got some vouchers to go back again with, with various discounts. This salon is also great because they stock Kerastase products which are amazing.

Overall, extremely happy! I'm going to have my hair coloured from nasty bleach blonde back to brown soon.

by cheekydevil013, 13 Jan 2010

I went to Vidal Sassoon in Covent Garden and had the worst haircut I have ever had. The stylist didn't listen to anything I said and gave me a really poor, very short bob that looked like I had a helmet on my head. The worst thing was that one side was longer than the other! I was so upset as it will take months and months to grow out.

by Amanda J, 18 Dec 2009

I've just been to Vidal Sassoon in Sloane St and had the worst haircut of my life - and that was with one of the directors! He didn't listen to anything I said I wanted, the hairwash lasted all of a second and I was in and out in minutes, the hairdryers and brushes looked as if they were from the '70s, and there were staff hanging around with nothing to do - that's where all the money goes obviously. I won't be going there again.

by tara.barker, 31 Oct 2009

I went to the one near Holborn. The stylist did a bad blowdry and I left with jumpy hair all over. Also, the cut was supposed to be a sharp-cut, one-line bob. I ended up with no clear-cut line and longer bits, but the stylist was in a hurry and said his other client was waiting.

Anyway... I wouldn't recommend this salon to anyone. It's quite expensive for the kind of service and quality of work. I have now found a place where I get a better cut for only £28, when here I paid £65.

by fantastico, 08 Sep 2009

I went to this salon for the first time recently, feeling rather apprehensive to say the least, as I was going from long to short hair. Reading these reviews just made my nerves worse and I nearly cancelled, but I'm so glad I didn't because they were fantastic. My stylist really listened to me and spent time working out what style would suit be best. Everyone from the receptionist to the lady washing my hair was very friendly and welcoming. So I would definitely recommend this salon and I'll be going back!

by lhale, 07 Mar 2009

I love Vidal Sassoon. I have been going there for 2 years and usually model for them. I don't understand why people go in there wanting a normal haircut - you're not going to get one, that's simply not what Sassoon's do. I have never not liked anything they've done and it's the only place I trust to do my hair.

by rosieshneier, 19 Feb 2009

One word, okay two words: BIG MISTAKE! I don't care whether they franchise or not, I wasted £60 in their salon. If you've got money to waste, then why not, eh?

by colorme, 15 Jan 2009

I went to the one near Bond Street station and had the most awful haircut! They don't listen. I asked for graduating layers at the front; instead she got her scissors and cut the front hair diagonally - not the look I wanted! Also, I paid for the senior stylist, who I thought would give me her undivided attention. Wrong! She spent half her time with me and the other half with another customer. It was a horrible experience, and the finish was not the sleek, fizz-free one I'd hoped for but rather the opposite.

I would never go there again (a waste of my £85) and wouldn't recommend. The place is crowded and you don't feel valued.

by horrible, 14 Dec 2008

Went in for a blow dry. Was told: "Only flat brushes are used here". Strange, don't you think? I was given one shampoo and then the head stylist just brushed my hair back and forth, put no effort whatsoever into the blowdry, then stuck the straigteners on it. My hair is already straight but he did not want the hassle. £40 for that.

I am a hair stylist myself and I can assure you this place is not worth a visit. To listen to this guy waffle on about how great he was as a stylist, when I knew better... He soon kept quiet when I told him I was a stylist myself. Never listen to a stylist's waffle. Half the time they're useless. He was going to Iceland for a competiton - better he stays there!

by sharmeen.nesbitt, 23 Oct 2008

I have just been to Sassoon's in Covent Garden and had the worst haircut ever! The stylist was rude about how thin my hair is at the front, and she didn't listen to a word I said with regard to what style I went in for. I was really looking forward to having my hair done in an upmarket salon but was badly disappointed - especially as where I live, a cut and finish is only a quarter of the price but the results are of a far higher standard. I will be writing to them directly to tell them what I think. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!

by TalkinheadsTurner, 21 Oct 2008

I remember the original Vidal Sassoon saying that people with curly hair should put a bag over their heads, and that is how he would deal with curly hair. Made me feel bad, because I have very long, very curly hair.

by Poldarkettexxx, 24 Sep 2008

I went to the Covent Garden salon for a radical shorter cut and change to blonde. They assured me that they could lighten my hair to an ashy colour from mid-blonde. The end result (after something like five hours and constant re-application of various substances) was shocking white. I was in shock too. The cut was OK but I was left with frizzy ends and hair that resembled very dry straw. Had to seek help at Toni & Guy, who recoloured, intensively moisturised and took off the frazzled ends. The VS salon is far too cramped, noisy and slightly shabby. Would not ever consider going to any of their chain again.

by ali2, 03 Sep 2008

I went to the salon and had one of the worst haircuts ever. VS must be turning in his grave. This used to be one of the best cutting salons ever. Don't waste your money now.

by suze2012 (2 reviews), 08 Aug 2008

Only book with the top hairdresser or colourist at Vidal. Any hairdresser below that and they are not worth the money you have to pay.

I have just been to Vidal Sassoon and had too much hair hacked off. The hairdreser didn't take that much care and did not listen to the amount I wanted off. A 'trim' ended up being a 2-inch chop, when I am trying to grow my hair.

The hair colourist was average as well, not taking proper care with the colour application.

by jad, 23 Jun 2008

I went to the salon in Ave Maria Lane, as I didn't have time to go to my usual hair salon. VS was absolutely appalling! I asked for a blow dry as I was going out that evening, and within 1 hour of having it done my hair was lank, greasy and starting to go frizzy - too many products. I had to go to the gym and wash it all again and style it myself! Not impressed!

I usually go to Daniel Hersheson, who are just amazing. From now on I would never go to anyone else, no matter how desperate! VS should do a visit to check out the service and the quality.

by Patsy13, 03 Jun 2008

I went to the salon in Ave Maria Lane. I have been a regular for quite a while, but when I asked for something 'a little different' - just a bit more bounce perhaps - I was told: "It's not what we do". Needless to say, I will not be going back!

by MaryJane, 16 May 2008

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!

by johcole, 09 Mar 2008

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).

by bretty, 28 Sep 2007

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!

by elou88 (2 reviews), 02 Sep 2007

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