A Valeria Boss Salon Experience

This past Saturday, I decided to finally get around to trying out the Valeria Boss Salon in downtown Springfield that two of my friends had told me about. And BOY am I glad I did! What a WONDERFUL afternoon!! I have to say that I was probably the most comfortable I have ever been at a salon at AVBS. I felt like I had known them all for years instead of just minutes/hours. I will try to share a little bit about my experience, but Debra has already described it so well on her blog HERE.

To say that my hair was in need of some TLC is an understatement...as you can tell from these OH so flattering (lol) pictures. Poor lady had her work cut out for her!

I must admit that I was dreading the drive and parking in downtown, but at around 2 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon it was a breeze! Across from the salon was one of the open parking lots, so I didn't even have to do any parallel parking. :) When you arrive at AVBS, you are giving a shirt to change into so you won't get anything on your clothes - VERY nice touch! I was then shown to my chair and met the wonderful Ms. Valeria. Between jokes from Neight at the neighboring chair, Valeria sat down to talk with me about what I was wanting with my hair. I could already tell that even though this was one of the higher end salons in town, it was going to be a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

After a plan was made, I was shown to a seat at the "color bar" where Ms. Tristie followed Valeria's specific directions in mixing the different colors that would help liven my hair color as well as cover the greys. During my time at the "color bar" I was offered a drink from their wide selection of flavored water (lemon, lime, orange, cucumber)...which Neight ended up convincing me to try the cucumber water....and I must admit it was very good - light and refreshing. After the colors were mixed (and yes there were more than one), they were quickly and expertly applied by Neight and Tristie along with a enjoyable banter and conversation. While waiting for the color to process I even had an opportunity to get through some of "The Shack"!! Woohoo!! I borrowed this book from a lady at my church a couple weeks ago, but haven't found the time to sit down and get through it.

After my time was served for the color to process, I was escorted to the "Lather Lounge"....ahhhhhhhh. The "Lather Lounge" is separated from the rest of the open and airy salon by a glass door, which when shut blocks out pretty much all noise. As you enter the dimly lit room, you are surrounded with soft instrumental music and scent of burning candles. For a good 15 minutes Tristie used her magic fingers to massage my scalp and neck. This would have been worth the trip alone!

Although I hated to leave the lounge, I then moved back to where I had started my journey...in Valeria's chair. She quickly and expertly removed a large portion of my hair, all the while carrying on a relaxed conversation (a true skill). Since it was Saturday, and she was very busy (so thankful she was able to squeeze me in), Neight took over the education part of my time at AVBS. Now, at most salons I have been to, they cut your hair, style it and you are out the door without a CLUE what you should try to do to achieve the look that you left with. Not at AVBS! The entire time Neight was drying my hair, he was explaining what he was doing. What a concept...trying to help the client know how to style their own hair!! ;) Now, I am not saying that I have achieved what I left with, but I'm working on it. After Neight dried and styled my hair, Valeria returned for the final touches and I was done. When I emerged from the salon some 3 hours later, I was MUCH more pleased with my hair...now if I could get it to look this good myself. It always ends up frizzier looking for me, but I will keep practicing!

It was by no means a cheap trip (in fact the most I have ever paid to have my hair done), but I chose to see the top person. What is really great about AVBS, is that they are all trained the same way by Valeria and she is right there helping them with whatever they need. While I was having my hair done, Valeria was asked more than once questions from other stylists regarding what she thought would work best on their client. And if you choose to go to someone with less experience, you pay less. Valeria even said that you can call them up with a budget and what you were wanting, and they will set you up with the right person. How great is that! This place is TOP NOTCH with customer service!! It is worth every penny!!!!

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I promise to try and return later today or tomorrow morning with an update on what else we have been up to. We had a pretty busy weekend. I will say that Drew is continuing to do pretty well at school. *CHEER* More about that later as well.