Salon Elite

I find it easy to get an appointment, usually in 1 – 2 weeks, even sooner, unlike other salons who force their customers to book 2 months in advance all the time so there is never an available slot. I would like to see credit card acceptance but maybe that would raise the prices. I like to get in and out quickly and I never have to wait.

This would be a 3.5 star review, if that were possible.
This has been my regular hair salon in Middletown/​Cromwell for several years. I always see Rachel, who is friendly and great at what she does. I typically get a trim and permanent color — never anything drastic, like changing hair colors, but I did get bangs for the first time in many years at my last visit. Rachel listened to what I wanted and gave me realistic advice about what looks would work on me. She followed my directions in general but the bangs came out not quite to my liking. 6 weeks later, having grown out some, they look better.
The pros for this salon: the prices are reasonable ($ 75 for a cut and color), they sell what their stylists use on site including brushes and blow dryers, they have male and female stylists which is good if you have a preference, and they take walk-​ins. On the downside, they don’t take credit cards (cash and checks only — archaic!), they close pretty early on Saturdays and the Saturday appointments fill up quickly — be sure to call at least a couple of days ahead, and the place isn’t much to look at on the inside — cramped, no TVs, and could use some renovating.
I have been moderately happy with the cuts and colors over the years. Sometimes I feel they have been too conservative when I clearly communicated wanting more dramatic color, for example — or the cut ended up being just a bit shorter than what I asked for. To her credit, Rachel will fine-​tune the cut for several more minutes if you are picky like me and her blowouts are great.

I love this salon. :) The prices are not inflated, everyone I’ve met there has been so nice, and it’s always nice and clean.
I always see Rachel for a cut and color, and she’s a genius. I usually just walk in and let her do whatever she wants as far as how much to cut off, whether or not to do bangs, and whether I should change the color. I always love what she does. I know most people are a little less apt to just let someone else make those choices for them, and that’s fine too. If I ever disagree, she just says, «OK» and does what I ask for. Very flexible.
If you’re looking for a new salon to test out in the area, I’d recommend giving them a call.