Korean Job Discussion Forums

[periwinkle]

I've heard that Toni and Guy in Afflujeong is THE place to go to get your hair done. I don't think I'll go back, and here's why:

I took a personal day last Thurs. to truck out there (I live in west Seoul), and it is a BOILING hot day. I don't know the Appu area because I've only been there at night, and I was too tired to pay attention to try and aclimate myself. My friend thinks Rodeo Street is within walking distance of the subway, but when you don't want to deal with certain weather conditions, I beg to differ. I tried to browse in the Lacoste store to cool off, but the girl following me around the store didn't exactly allow me to relax. Oh well, I figured I'd just go into the oh-so-posh Toni and Guy a sweaty mess anyway.

Here's my conversation with the stylist as I try to engross myself in my Anita Shreve novel:

Stylist: Oh.... This is sweat in your hair, right??

Me: (Ignoring her grimace and intent to embarrass me) Yeah, um, sorry, but if you haven't noticed, it's very hot outside.

Stylist: (a few minutes later) Ooooh, I guess you got your hair done like this in Korea, huh? -sniffs disdainfully-

Me: Yep. (thinking, damn, it's not that bad... Just some outgrowth of color. Whatev).

Stylist: ( another few minutes later) So... Where exactly DO you get your hair done? (Looking condescending)

Me: A salon near Gimpo Airport.

She: (a knowing look, like , oh- that's why she looks like this...) Ohhh- why there?

Me: It's convenient.

-End of conversation-

Not once did they ask me if I wanted something to drink, although they did bring another client an ice coffee that looked like it was almost professionally made (e.g. not maxim sludge). I figured, oh well, I'm trying to cut down on caffeine, anyway.

They didn't do what I wanted. I wanted bleached highlights. They not only gave me highlights, but they bleached all the dark in my hair, so now I REALLY am being mistaken for a Russian with my very blindingly bright head of hair (think Billy Idol- not the same cut, thank God). They didn't tell me they were going to color all the outgrowth, and again, I didn't ask them to do it, and I wasn't aware that's what they were doing, either.

After I paid, they seemed very nervous. I left the salon (didn't say anything because I didn't want to cause a scene), and realized why they were so nervous once I got back home after meeting a friend for dinner. They had gotten bleach ALL OVER the back of my new t-shirt (ordered from home), and neglected to tell me.

Should I write them a letter of complaint? I thought they were a high-caliber salon, and I paid twice what I normally would for the same level of service (actually, worse service, because the people at the Gimpo airport E-Mart salon are very nice, and I didn't need that girl's attitude from Toni and Guy).

Just a word of warning in case you think you're in for a fabulous experience in Appujeong.

[deessell]

You should get your asss down there and complain....hell you should make a scene. I would also write to head office (in London) and complain, also mentioning their attitude.

Bad luck about the hair, but thanks for the warning. I was thinking T&G was worth the extra money for my re growth.

What is the problem with Korea and highlights. I had my hair highlighted six months ago in Bangkok (for 20$US) and it was one of the best jobs I have ever had. Three years ago in Korea a ridiculous job.

[crazylemongirl]

I was thinking of going there for highlights, now I won't be. I would write to the head of tony and guy.

[neandergirl]

I'm with those who've said you should let them know what happened.

http://www.toniandguy.co.uk/flash.html

I have to say that I've generally been unimpressed with hair service here, the only really good place I found closed several years ago. The best hair cut I had, ever, was in an ordinary little shop in Bangkok. I go there everytime I visit now. Prior to this I'd found the Tony&Guy in Bangkok good although, of course, a little pricey.

[desultude]

I also get my hair done in Bangkok. But I have started getting it done at a shop in Daegu. A bunch of us from Keimyung and Kyungbook go there. The hairdresser speaks English, and does a good job on cut and color. Anyone down this way that is interested, I will try to find his phone number, and I can give your directions to his shop. He's keeping all of the ladies here happy, and some of the guys, too.

[sistersarah]

thanks for the tip. i have an appointment in hongdae tomorrow night and i'm a little nervous....try not to get anything done to my hair in korea, but i need it.

has anyone tried this place in hongdae? they advertise specifically to foreigners:

www.headrush.co.kr

i guess they have something to do with toni & guy. they all speak english, anyway.

actually, look at the photo gallery....pretty freaky stuff......hhhmmm, am i doing the right thing?

i could be a totally new woman tomorrow night.

[neandergirl]

That's interesting Desultude, as the shop I mentioned (the good Korean one) was in Daegu, over in Chilsung dong (near Homeplus). It was a husband & wife team - he cut/styled, she cleaned and took the money. Neither spoke English though.

Anyway, info (phone, location, price range etc) appreciated.

[Tiny_Tibbo]

since we are on the topic....does anyone know of an english speaking hair stylist that has experience with cutting really curly hair?? I need some layers ...i'm starting to drag bad.....

[paperbag princess]

yeah, i used to go there until they screwed up my hair 3 times in a row. they don't listen to what you want. it's not worth it.

[canukteacher]

I've had highlights done at the Family Hair Salon in Itaewon. I always have Mimi do my hair. She speaks English and does a great job. The shop is right across the street from MacDonalds, middle of the hill. She doesn't work on Wednesday.

CT

[Sliver]

Damn you all.....

for having hair

[plattwaz]

I went to the T&G in Apgujeong ONCE and also had a poor experience, I found the staff to be rude, didnt' listen to what I wanted, and I left really unhappy.

There is a second T&G in Cheongdam, about two blocks away from the one you went to. The Cheongdam one is much much better - larger, friendlier, more professional. It you walk up the Burger King Road TOWARDS Galleria Dept store, take a right hand turn at the last sisdestreet you can...when you turn, you are walking towards a Family Mart on your right. Continue walking up that street, it's a hill, for about 5 minutes. The Toni & Guy is on your left hand side, on the second floor.

The other place I have recently started going to is the Prive Salon in the W Hotel (beside Sheraton Walker Hill). They are so much better than T&G, but you'll pay through the nose for it. It was worth it for me, might not be for some -- depends on how picky you are about your hair, I suppose.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

You definitely should have gone back and demanded that they pay for your ruined shirt.

BTW, you took a day off work to get your hair done?

Women.



Sparkles*_*

[vixen nomad]

Wow. You had a totally different experience there than I had. I actually really liked it there. They were extremely nice to me. I got the iced coffee, water etc. They even asked me if I was hungry. And they did exactly what I had asked. I liked it so much I am going back..........
Sorry you had such a terrible experience. I undersatnd why you are so upset. You should definately go back and complain, and demand a refund on your shirt.

[periwinkle]

Thanks for the link, Neandergirl! I just e-mailed them, so I'll see what happens. I think I'll go there this weekend and complain.