There are some very important things to consider when choosing a salon besides Location, Budget, Schedule & Skill.

Many people think that all they want is a good haircut or some good color at a price that fits their budget, in a convenient location that is open the hours they are available and has qualified staff.  Let us tell you why that is only a small part of the equation.  The things that makes a salon right or wrong for you is the Salon Experience.

Different people are looking for

different things in a salon experience.

What you want may not be the same thing your neighbor wants.

Some people want a quiet, tranquil retreat from the stress of their daily world.  They need the sound of trickling waterfalls, and for everyone to speak in quiet, soothing tones.  There are many lovely spa/salons that are great for such desires.  We visit spas for massage and body treatments ourselves.  They are lovely places.

Some people want the newest, hippest, cutting edge styles and experiences.  A funkier salon is a better place for that.  The staff will probably have lots of tattoos and piercings, and the music will be very cool.  That could be a lot of fun; unless the young, cool people make you feel old and square.

Some people see a haircut as a commodity and just want to get one at the very moment they think about it.  They don't care if they have had a cut by the same person before or not, it just needs to be shorter.  They need a place where there is always someone available.  These places usually serve clients on a walk-in basis.

Some people want the comfort of a relationship with their hairdresser so that they don't have to explain themselves from scratch every time.  They expect quality work, but don't want the hectic pace of a large salon.   They just want to be themselves.  These are the clients who can relax because when they are at the salon they don't have to impress anyone.  They don't have to worry about dressing up and doing their hair to go there.  These are the clients most likely to be happy at our salon.  They can, as one client happily claims, wear their pajamas and cuss.

You have to be a good match.  It is unreasonable to think that you would hit it off with everyone you ever meet.  Some people are a better match than others.  A relationships with someone who isn't a good match is unpleasant at best and arduous at worst.  You want to feel comfortable enough with your relationship that you can be the real you. 

We are good at what we do.  We are well educated. 

We are well respected in our community. 

(Other salons often refer clients to us.) 

We actually LOVE our jobs (and our clients)!

Azarra has been around since 1991.  In the early years, we tried to please everybody.  We wanted every client we could get our hands on.  But at staff meetings, the same issues came up every time.  "We're being too loud.  Everyone is talking to everyone else, the clients are all talking to each other, it's just too much."  So we would try to keep it down.  But a funny thing happened.  It seems the bulk of the clients liked it better when we were more playful and irreverent. 

So, we evolved. 

The staff who wanted a quieter "more professional" salon experience found places that were more to their liking and the clients who shared those views went with them or found other salons.  Hallelujah!  Imagine the freedom of deciding that's it's OK to be yourself.  Imagine learning that even though everybody won't love you no matter how hard you try, there are plenty of people who love you just the way you are!

The clients who stayed are our biggest cheerleaders.  They will tell you that we are THEIR SALON.  Many of our clients have been with us for over a decade, some closer to two decades.  It is not uncommon for clients to run into people they know during their visits with us.  Neither is it uncommon for one client to enthusiastically help another select the perfect new hair spray, facial mask or hair color.  Some clients schedule their appointments together, bring a bottle of wine and make an evening of it.  We are a community.

That's human nature.  Your perception colors your reality.  So, if you don't want your service providers to have fun while they are at work, or you don't want to be a part of a community of interesting people: call another salon!  If you need a referral to a salon that might better meet your needs, email info@azarra.com and we will happily give you some names to try.  We know and have worked with many of the top hairdressers in Tacoma, and we know they do great work.  The best reason to come see us, instead of them, is that you enjoy the experience of spending time in our salon.