I have textured, very thick, "ethnic" hair, and it's always a struggle to find a stylist who knows what to do with hair like that. I've tried a few different places in the Amherst/Northampton area and while none of them were outright bad, none of them were amazing enough to make me stay. I decided to try Celebrity Beauty when it just opened and was offering 20% off to students. The outside looks a little bit shabby and not as high-style as salons right downtown, but the quality of service that you receive is amazing. First, she cuts the hair when it's dry. This is a rare find in a small-town area. So you get a shampoo and blow dry, and then a hair cut so you're already styled when you walk out the door and I'm sure you can imagine why haircuts come out better this way. No more having to look at your wet hair and tell the stylist, "Um, sure it looks okay," and then being surprised when you go home. Secondly, she takes her time. It isn't unusual for her to spend an hour cutting my long hair. And the third reason for you to try this place is for Candy's personal touches. She'll offer you a drink or snacks while you wait; she'll try to accomodate appointments that aren't during normal business hours; she gives samples of hair stuff and gave out full bottles of conditioner to her customers during Christmas. She has a ton of other services like waxing, airbrush makeup, and facials that I haven't tried. Please give this place a try, you'll be surprised.
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