Ulta

I have often visited this store to stock up on quality beauty products — they carry some really good hair care products like matrix, joico, redken, etc. They have a salon which I used to regard with some skepticism but decided to give it a try — I am brunette with a fair amount of grey, thick coarse hair, and I have to color my hair every 6 – 8 weeks. I have usually paid $ 300+ for coloring treatments at various salons and feel it is outrageous to pay that. I become reluctant to color as regularly because of the expense, and then my hair looks worse. I met with Lisa the salon manager and she said a roots touch up and toner would be less than $ 100 — I was intrigued. I was also fearful that it would look horrendous. It came out absolutely fantastic and I couldn’t be more pleased with the meticulous care Lisa took with my hair and the fantastic blow out she did on my hair. I’m hooked! I am so happy to have found a place near my home that I don’t have to pay a fortune for and get top notch results.

They specialize in grooming products for women and men. So they have everything you could possibly need for hair care, skin care, body, hair salon on site, and decent selection of popular fragrances, and of course make-​up.
I come here when I want to try out a new hair line, shampoo, deep conditioner, etc. They often have pretty good deals like But 1 Get 1 Half Off, so I’ll stock up. On this particular occasion I was looking for a new product line by Shea Moisture.
They also sell fancy blow dryers, hair curlers, fancy flat irons, and technology like that.
The service was inconsistent. One gal was sort of flighty and very full of herself to be quite honest! I asked for help, she said she would be back, I waited and she failed to check back on me. I got the question answered by someone else when I was at the register. Then the first gal made a big production to make it appear that she was on top of things, but she was making things up. The lady that ended up helping me was polite, very knowledgeable, and provided accurate information about a product line that they were most likely going to discontinue. She also told me about the frequent shopper program to earn points, etc. Cool.
When people are full of it, it shows. When people are sincere and knowledgeable, it’s greatly appreciated!

I went to this Ulta on Jan. 15, 2016 with my mom. We go to this Ulta location quite frequently to restock on our beauty products, it is our mother-​daughter activity we look forward to doing every other weekend. In other words, we spend a lot of time and money here. I had my make up done by a nice store assistant once and had a friend that used to work at this store so I always thought fondly of this location. However, I do not see us returning in the future. This significantly bad experienced made me wonder where all the good store assistants went or if the management changed. Someone dropped a MAJOR ball in training their staff in customer service or hired all the wrong people.
Cashier Experience:
* Unfriendly, impatient, condescending, angry-​looking ladies. Ever heard of the «Resting B Face»? Look it up.
* Snobby, on-​edge tense attitude
* Weak or non-​existent greetings with poor eye contact, visible irritability and reluctance to offer explanations.
* Feel rushed even though the store looks empty and when no one is in line.
Strike #1:
My mom inquired about her Ulta card benefits at the cashier desk, the cashier looked impatient and reluctant to explain the point system. When my mom did not understand the cashier’s blunt response, the cashier deliberately repeated her answer louder and more slowly as though my mom seeked repetition to better understand the point system. She repeated the explanation slowly as one would to a child or to someone that does not understand English. The ironic part of this is that my mom used to be a university English professor so it was quite repugnant to have this rude cashier speak in this manner to her.
Strike #2:
They do not seem to up sell anything to their customers. My mom stood by me and we had the cashier scan her Ulta points card but the cashier did not ask us if we wanted to apply our points to get $ 9 off the purchase. The transaction was rushed even though no one else was in line behind us and by the time we inquired about applying the points, it was too late. The response I received from the cashier was a brief «You should have told us» which came across as «It wasn’t our fault. Don’t pin it on us. We can’t do anything now so don’t ask us to» It was repeated by who I believe was the manager who said: «You should have told us, we do not apply points unless you tell us to.» No smile or anything like «I am sorry you feel this way, if you tell us next time we can certainly apply the points to your next purchase! You have this many points now, so you have all the more points to apply on your next purchase!»
Strike #3:
When I snapped back saying «Well, I wish it was offered», the presumed manager gave me a focused, hostile glare followed by silence — perhaps that is a technique she uses to shut up her other customers when they are unhappy with the service. I could feel her glare burning to the back of my head. We felt enraged by the time we left the store which ruined our weekend mood and the weekend was just starting. I have to say though, it was a great conversation topic with friends, family, coworkers. If the staff has such a hostile, misanthrope attitude, why work in this field in the first place?
My two cents:
I understand it if the Ulta company policy is to not upsell/​promote the Ulta member points card at every opportunity or interaction with a customer, but I think that if you encourage the customer that they can save money by applying points on a purchase, they are more likely to buy more during that store visit. It will also make them feel more appreciated and cared for which in today’s retail world is key to maintaining loyal customers. Although the purpose of retail is to make money, don’t make it so blatantly obvious. Fool us, make us feel that you care about us. We will spend more money if we are treated with respect.
This store is in dire need of a customer service workshop Perhaps, they could adopt a «It is not WHAT you say, it is HOW you say it» mantra. I’ve worked in retail, food & beverage, and hospitality businesses for 8 years and despite how understanding I was of employees in this busy, stressful field (been there, done that!), I was appauled by the brusque behavior of the staff at this Fairfax location. There are some unreasonable, awful customers out there but my mom and I were the sweet, understanding ones that did not deserve such hostile treatment.
The Cherry on Top:
One of the eye liner pencils I bought on Friday gave me an eye infection. I am typing this review with blood-​shot, irritated eyes that are partially sealed. I do not even feel comfortable going back to the Fairfax location for a refund. I know that the moment I complain, I will hit a wall. I am quite certain that no one will stumble across this review until they themselves get upset by a similar experience which will prompt them to write a bad review, too. If you haven’t been to this location and are reading this, consider yourself lucky! Save yourself the trip!

I LOVE ULTA! Make sure you check out their website for additional discounts. They have much affordable products that are high in quality for so much less. They also have a clearance rack at the back of the store so make sure to check them out.
Their salon /​spa /​brow booth are also worth checking out

I had a great experience here! The ladies were all very helpful and the store was easy to navigate through. I was able to quickly find everything that I was looking for and even got to use a $ 3 coupon at check out, which I wasn’t aware I had:)
I don’t agree with the other reviews regarding this specific Ulta. I have been into other Ulta’s personally that would’ve matched the descriptions below, however I don’t believe they match this particular location.

Never visiting this Ulta again. I’m not even sure why I bothered coming back but I was in the area and I had a coupon that expired soon and wanted to take advantage of it. I went to the register with the coupon in hand and some regular priced and clearance merchandise. Before I even presented the coupon, the cashier said «You can’t use that on clearance merchandise». She didn’t even say hi or hello first! I read the coupon and no where on it does it mention sale or clearance merchandise, which I pointed out to her. She responded with «Well I guess the customer’s always right». I’m not sure what is going on with this store, but they need a serious overhaul in customer service.

I love this place, huge fan of them and easy to find and shop, problem are always willing to help and give you the best honest advise. I will return to this store soon. They carry Anastasia Beverly Hills, smash-​box, and other amazing products.

The general manager is the most unprofessional, rudest woman! Taking my business elsewhere! At least go to the ulta at fair lakes, or even sephora. This ulta honestly did not have a huge range of products at all.

I’m a little surprised by all the super negative reviews on here, because I thought this Ulta was just fine! Maybe they learned from their past behavior or something like that, but I actually commented to my friend while I was here today that this is one of the nicer Ultas I’ve been to. Granted, this is a review for the store-​only, not for the salon services.
Unlike what some of the folks on here are saying, this Ulta was SUPER clean, organized, and well-​stocked. Aside from one or two missing testers, everything seemed very well-​kept, and I easily found all the things that I was looking for. I enjoy Ulta because they carry a lot of drug store brands in addition to higher-​end stuff, although I do wish there were more mirrors around the store as it’s a little more difficult to try products here than at, say, Sephora.
Anyway, based on my own experiences, I’d recommend this Ulta location over the one at Fair Lakes. Now, to go put on my new $ 90 worth of makeup products, ahahaha!

Where do I begin… for starters this particular ulta always seems to never be fully stocked. When my friend inquired about a contour pallet she was interested in, a worker informed her that she would have to return on Monday, which is when they receive their new shipment. That’s understandable (most popular items sell out quickly) What I cannot understand is how RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL the lady at the cash register was towards a PAYING customers!
1) While my friend was paying the lady told us they were closing in 3 minutes. Okay??? We were paying so why are you telling us this?
2) My friend’s son dropped an EOS lip balm (on accident/​he is 5 yrs old) which highly annoyed the lady! She demanded from him & I quote «You better pick that up, NOW!» I was absolutely shocked and didn’t even know what to say! WTF was the look on my face towards her?!
If you want to spend money at Ulta go to a different location. Don’t waste your time at this location when they are not well stocked and don’t know the meaning of customer service!

While I am happy with the color cut and highlights given to me by an Ulta salon stylist, I am very disappointed that I was overcharged and misled about the price.
One day while I was shopping there, I went over to the salon just to find out what they do and how much they charged. I was told by a stylist there good for a trim color and highlight — up to three colors — for my shorthair it would cost around $ 130. I’ve got the name of the lady on one of her business cards.
When I walked in one day without making an appointment I decided to have my hair done and I was told that it would cost me around $ 150 — not the $ 130 I was quoted earlier.
I complained but I went along. Then after my hair was done, I was told that if I booked my next appointment at that time, I would get 30% off my next hair appointment. So, I figured 30% off of $ 150 would cost me $ 100.
Imagine my shock when I was charged $ 197 for the same color cut and highlight. Then I was told the 30% off was for only one of the processes not for the entire hair treatment! Yet I remember very well that I would be getting 30% off of my whole hair appointment. That is why I postponed getting the highlights when I first had my hair done until the next time, when I would get the 30% off.
The stylist who did my hair did a great job with the cut, color, and highlight but it was not worth $ 200. I was ripped off. Additionally, I had recommended a friend who started going to her was about to recommend another.
Needless to say, I probably will not be going to the hair salon at ULTA, nor will I recommend it to any my friends.

This review is for the store only as I have never-​and will never-​use the salon services. The store is laid out in a logical fashion and they have a nice selection of inventory. If you want hair care products, this Ulta is a great choice. Their beauty selection is good, but doesn’t carry a lot of the brands I prefer, such as Caudalie and Anastastia Beverly Hills. They have a mid-​range inventory of most of the popular brands such as Tarte and Urban Decay, and have some great gift sets, but low inventory of them. The staff is somewhat helpful, but do not seem super knowledgeable, and many of the aisles/​displays are cluttered, with products out of place. The checkout line is disorganized, so you have to dodge a display to get to the counter. There is plenty of free parking right out front. All in all, a decent store, but not my go-​to for beauty needs.

I went here because I had a gift card and wanted a gel manicure before I went out of the country. The manicure took longer than usual and the manicurist had trouble getting the polish on (she claims something was wrong with it) at any rate, she finally got it on (it wasn’t the color I originally wanted) and two days later… here I am in Paris and everything has peeled away. I’m SUPER upset and will be looking for some polish strips here.

I just received this email from Ulta:
«Hi there,
We wanted to let you know that we’ve removed your review of ULTA. It looks like your review was meant for another listing:
. If this is the case, feel free to repost your review to the correct business listing.
We hope you will continue to participate on Unilocal,while keeping in mind our Content Guidelines.
Removed Content:
Just called Ulta on Main Street in VA to confirm the time of my waxing tomorrow. I was put on hold for a few minutes and then another girl picked up my call and asked what I needed. I told her I just wanted to confirm my appointment tomorrow and she said I had no appointment tomorrow!
Oddly, NO ONE bothered to ask my name so I guess I can’t cancel it either. I was so excited they opened a salon near me, but it that’s the level of competency they’ve hired, I’ll find somewhere else.»
I just checked my phone to see what Ulta I called and I DID call this one! It’s a stone’s throw from my house!
Thank you!

This Ulta is terrible. It is ALAWYS A MESS and they never have everything stocked. The staff are terrible – extremely unhelpful, they just ignore the customers and never offer to help you, even when the store is almost completely empty.
There is makeup everywhere. It is a wreck.

Probably the worst Ulta branch I’ve ever been to…
The place was a mess. Bits of broken make-​up on the floor, boxes of unsorted merchandise, none of the makeup was sorted by color. It honestly looked as if Black Friday was that day. If it actually was Black Friday OR the place was filled with customers I’d be more understanding. There were only a few other customers in the store when I was there and the only two employees didn’t take a step out from behind the registers.
Usually Ulta employees bother me because they keep asking if I need help… but not a single employee asked me if I needed help when I was pacing up and down the same aisles. I even had to open up the bottom drawers where they store extra merchandise to find the color I needed for my mom’s Lorac eyeliner. Two other obscure colors were in stock (not sorted of course) and the black eyeliner was no where to be seen. When I opened the bottom storage drawer (that is usually accessed by employees) I found the last Lorac black eyeliner.
Stock: It’s as if management hadn’t ordered more merchandise since Christmas because so many things were out of stock… a lot of empty shelves.
Benefit: If you’re a Benefit user don’t even bother coming to this location. They had a tiny section attached to the end of an aisle and that’s it.

The ONLY reason I go to this location is because of Rosa, my hair stylist. In the 4 years that I’ve had my hair done here I have been witness to a plethora of missteps. There is consistently poor customer service, I’ve witnessed the Salon manager (Lisa) belittle and discriminate against the other Salon girls, and I’ve watched another Salon girl, on several occasions, apply makeup on herself using the samples at the store instead of working. Once I was there at opening and the manager had only scheduled Rosa and an assistant manager that morning to run the store. That was a real mess!!! There was NO ONE at checkout or on the floor to assist customers. I don’t believe that manager is still there. This new manager however, has clearly made the biggest mistake of all. She is letting go of the ONLY hair stylist in that Salon that actually knows what she is doing. They let someone who is very good at what she does, someone who mentors the other stylists, including that joke of a Salon manager (Lisa– who was mentioned in the earlier review posted by Brittney W… pics and all.) Talk about someone shooting themselves in the foot!!! This manager needs to be fired!!! Not Rosa!
I’ve been reading the reviews, most of which are not very flattering. I get the impression that it all boils down to poor management. It’s the Managers responsibility to ensure the employees are properly trained to give good customer service. It’s also their responsibility to make sure there are enough employees scheduled to attend to customers, to make sure the product is organized and accessible to customers. You do that and you will see the reviews start getting better. It’s the ripple effect… if you have a bad manager you will inevitably have a bad staff and bad store. STOP letting the good ones (like Rosa) go and retaining the bad apples. You learn that in Management 101.