Toni & Guy reviews
I've been going to Toni & Guy on Marylebone High Street for 6 years and have always been really, really happy with my cut (or colour - I once had lovely highlights) and with the service and the staff. Their cuts also seem to grow out really well as opposed to just looking good newly done, so I find I don't need to go too regularly and spend too much money. I'm sure every branch of T&G is wildly different but I would highly recommend the Marylebone one. I find them very reliable.
by cocoazoitei, 02 Jan 2009
by cocoazoitei, 02 Jan 2009
I made an appointment with Toni & Guy as my usual colourist was not available. I asked for my long blonde hair to have a few honey colours in it so I could lay off the bleach so much. After 3 colour corrections my hair is now different shades of orange with khaki highlights. It is so damaged I have to either put up with this colour till it grows out or - as I have been strongly advised to - have it all chopped off to eye level to 'start again'. I'm mortified.
by jaybee 5, 28 Nov 2008
by jaybee 5, 28 Nov 2008
For everyone's info, I worked for Toni & Guy for a number of years and, in response to some of your reviews, we are NOT other salons' rejects but are trained to a very high level.
by c_cc1978, 16 Nov 2008
by c_cc1978, 16 Nov 2008
I had my hair cut in Toni & Guy Uxbridge by what they call their 'Style Director', a woman by the name of Katie. I was on time for my appointment but like every hairdresser she was running behind by over half an hour. I sat in reception and was not offered a drink, magazine etc, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt as Saturdays are always really busy.
When I finally sat in the chair, I was approached by someone who clearly looked like they had been out all night and had just strolled into work without so much as a bath or comb through her hair. I thought this was appalling, as Toni & Guy are supposed to be all about 'appearance' - obviously a false claim!
During the haircut all I could smell was ashtrays as she breathed over me - it was disgusting! She kept walking away during the haircut towards reception and returning each time more aggressive. She seemed more interested in sending other members of staff out of the salon for her and making them run around after her, getting her hairdriers, straighteners, products etc. I had 2 people blowdrying my hair at once, as she was clearly in a rush. I was then brought to the desk to pay and she talked down to me in the tone one would use to talk to an 8-year-old child, whilst slouching all over the desk area.
The haircut was fixed one week later, as I was not happy whatsoever, by a very nice, professional 'Top Stylist'. I would not recommend seeing this 'Director' - she is clearly not what I would call a 'Style Director'!!
by 123jenny, 14 Nov 2008
When I finally sat in the chair, I was approached by someone who clearly looked like they had been out all night and had just strolled into work without so much as a bath or comb through her hair. I thought this was appalling, as Toni & Guy are supposed to be all about 'appearance' - obviously a false claim!
During the haircut all I could smell was ashtrays as she breathed over me - it was disgusting! She kept walking away during the haircut towards reception and returning each time more aggressive. She seemed more interested in sending other members of staff out of the salon for her and making them run around after her, getting her hairdriers, straighteners, products etc. I had 2 people blowdrying my hair at once, as she was clearly in a rush. I was then brought to the desk to pay and she talked down to me in the tone one would use to talk to an 8-year-old child, whilst slouching all over the desk area.
The haircut was fixed one week later, as I was not happy whatsoever, by a very nice, professional 'Top Stylist'. I would not recommend seeing this 'Director' - she is clearly not what I would call a 'Style Director'!!
by 123jenny, 14 Nov 2008
I'd just like to say that I am a 22-year-old Aussie that worked for Toni & Guy in Australia for 19 months during my apprenticeship. It was the best 19 months. I only left because I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a technician or a stylist.
I have only 6 months left to go of my apprenticeship now before I'm qualified and can't wait till I can go back and work for them. My dream is to be a technician for Toni & Guy in London. I have worked in 4 salons and I can now say from experience that T&G is by far the best. Their training is fantastic and it is the first company I have come across that gives on-going education to their staff. I live and breathe Toni & Guy. Nothing else compares to the standards they have to offer, and I wouldn't stand for anything else.
by emily_03, 03 Nov 2008
I have only 6 months left to go of my apprenticeship now before I'm qualified and can't wait till I can go back and work for them. My dream is to be a technician for Toni & Guy in London. I have worked in 4 salons and I can now say from experience that T&G is by far the best. Their training is fantastic and it is the first company I have come across that gives on-going education to their staff. I live and breathe Toni & Guy. Nothing else compares to the standards they have to offer, and I wouldn't stand for anything else.
by emily_03, 03 Nov 2008
Long story this, but the conclusion is: do not go to Toni & Guy, particularly if you want to do colour.
It is indeed true that you only need a 6 weeks course to be a hairdresser with them, which is why there are so many poor reviews on here. I know this for a fact, for the girl who fucked my hair up told me. With pride. (I just thought it would be an additional 6 weeks to what you already had of years at academy. Boy was I wrong.) Due to this, their standard is very low and although senior colourists may be better I would strongly advise against anyone spending their money at T&G. The risk of it turning out bad is too high and not only is it a costly affair, it is a costly affair to rectify.
I wanted to go blonde from dark brown, brought in 8 pictures of blonde shades I liked - including one of what I don't like: red/copper red against blonde streaks - AND had a 20 min hair colour consultation prior to the appointment where it all went wrong. I was very clear in that I wanted to make a big change and took a picture on my mobile to show before and after (colourist offered to take it even).
When I walked out the first day there is NO change of hair colour. However, if you lift the hair there is a plethora of weird colours, including red/copper red. They say there has been a miscommunication (?? even the girl who cut my hair was wondering why I wasn't blonde - 8 pictures remember?) and first offer that I pay half for this go and full price for a second go of full head highlights. In the end they somehow agree that I just pay the once and I return on Saturday hoping to finally go blonde. I am praying for the mess to be rectified but as I am dealing with an inexperienced colorist I walk out 5 hours later with two more added blonde colors, one of which is so light I look like I am greying! This is confirmed during the weekend where producer, boyfriend and 2 other friends wonder why I have opted to pay for going grey when I am not at that stage yet.
I now have 4 different colour highlights in my hair, none of which are complimentary either to each other or to my colouring. Red is a nightmare colour to make blonde - bleach it and the hair will either break or go pink (something which 4 separate other hair salons have strongly advised me against doing and T&G say the want to do to 'rectify it' a 3rd time... don't think so). Customer services takes me for a ride and I am left £100 out of pocket and the prospect of going the blonde I wanted some time during spring next year when the red is washed out a bit and the rest of the hair around it has been highlighted.
Toni and Guy are like Iceland food store. It is just that they are marketed and charge like Waitrose.
I would like to say to 'dollface', who apparently works for them, that dude you are paid to chit chat. Wish most of you didn't while you mess with the hair but ain't no way I'm going to counsel a person I have just paid £100 to fuck up my hair because he/she has had a bad day and "is human after all". Yes, we all can have them but at least mine don't give people a burnt whole in their pocket and a bad hair day/month/year. You guys just don't know your stuff, hence the 'bad days'.
by aceofbase, 30 Oct 2008
It is indeed true that you only need a 6 weeks course to be a hairdresser with them, which is why there are so many poor reviews on here. I know this for a fact, for the girl who fucked my hair up told me. With pride. (I just thought it would be an additional 6 weeks to what you already had of years at academy. Boy was I wrong.) Due to this, their standard is very low and although senior colourists may be better I would strongly advise against anyone spending their money at T&G. The risk of it turning out bad is too high and not only is it a costly affair, it is a costly affair to rectify.
I wanted to go blonde from dark brown, brought in 8 pictures of blonde shades I liked - including one of what I don't like: red/copper red against blonde streaks - AND had a 20 min hair colour consultation prior to the appointment where it all went wrong. I was very clear in that I wanted to make a big change and took a picture on my mobile to show before and after (colourist offered to take it even).
When I walked out the first day there is NO change of hair colour. However, if you lift the hair there is a plethora of weird colours, including red/copper red. They say there has been a miscommunication (?? even the girl who cut my hair was wondering why I wasn't blonde - 8 pictures remember?) and first offer that I pay half for this go and full price for a second go of full head highlights. In the end they somehow agree that I just pay the once and I return on Saturday hoping to finally go blonde. I am praying for the mess to be rectified but as I am dealing with an inexperienced colorist I walk out 5 hours later with two more added blonde colors, one of which is so light I look like I am greying! This is confirmed during the weekend where producer, boyfriend and 2 other friends wonder why I have opted to pay for going grey when I am not at that stage yet.
I now have 4 different colour highlights in my hair, none of which are complimentary either to each other or to my colouring. Red is a nightmare colour to make blonde - bleach it and the hair will either break or go pink (something which 4 separate other hair salons have strongly advised me against doing and T&G say the want to do to 'rectify it' a 3rd time... don't think so). Customer services takes me for a ride and I am left £100 out of pocket and the prospect of going the blonde I wanted some time during spring next year when the red is washed out a bit and the rest of the hair around it has been highlighted.
Toni and Guy are like Iceland food store. It is just that they are marketed and charge like Waitrose.
I would like to say to 'dollface', who apparently works for them, that dude you are paid to chit chat. Wish most of you didn't while you mess with the hair but ain't no way I'm going to counsel a person I have just paid £100 to fuck up my hair because he/she has had a bad day and "is human after all". Yes, we all can have them but at least mine don't give people a burnt whole in their pocket and a bad hair day/month/year. You guys just don't know your stuff, hence the 'bad days'.
by aceofbase, 30 Oct 2008
I don't usually go to Toni & Guy, but since my usual choice was booked out I decided to stop by the one in Marylebone High Street and was very impressed with both my hair cut and my colour. I thought it was a major improvement compared to my run-in with T&G two years ago. An unexpected surprise!
by Liz H (4 reviews), 03 Oct 2008
by Liz H (4 reviews), 03 Oct 2008
I only went once, to Toni & Guy near Bank station. It was a pretty simple request: add some lighter blonde highlights to my blonde hair please. They also suggested adding in some darker blonde streaks to make it all look more natural. I'm still not sure what went so horribly wrong, but I came out brown. I immediately complained - well, tried to, as it's pretty difficult if there is no-one prepared to listen. The colourist actually smiled and said "Well! I guess I won't be trying that again!" (yip, ladies and gents, I'm just playing around with a colouring set as if they were finger paints.)
I demanded to see the manager, who still failed to apologise and made it quite clear that I was not leaving their shop until I'd paid in full. He said I'd be able to return to have some blonde streaks "added" for free in the future ("added"? I used to be totally blonde you fruitloop!) They then SOLD me an expensive shampoo designed to strip hair of colour more quickly. Not only did it not work (as it turnd out, it can only be used on non-permanent colours), but it ruined my hair.
Not only did T&G make a complete hash of all they'd been paid to do, but ensured they added an expensive product they knew couldn't work on top of it all. One has to take one's hat off to them for their business acumen (actually, given the hair results, best keep that hat firmly on).
Here's something interesting. I recently met a (fully qualified) hairdresser from Germany. She had recently moved to London and started off at T&G. She was horrified to discover that one didn't need any qualification at all to work at T&G. You simply come in off the street with a vague interest in scissors, and complete a 6-week course. That's it. They were delighted that she was actually qualified, and she found herself working as their senior stylist within only a few weeks (in Germany she is still considered a junior).
Ever fancied cutting hair for a laugh? Get down to your nearest T&G and do a course. You'll love it. You might even get to splash around with colours.
by NikkiM, 04 Sep 2008
I demanded to see the manager, who still failed to apologise and made it quite clear that I was not leaving their shop until I'd paid in full. He said I'd be able to return to have some blonde streaks "added" for free in the future ("added"? I used to be totally blonde you fruitloop!) They then SOLD me an expensive shampoo designed to strip hair of colour more quickly. Not only did it not work (as it turnd out, it can only be used on non-permanent colours), but it ruined my hair.
Not only did T&G make a complete hash of all they'd been paid to do, but ensured they added an expensive product they knew couldn't work on top of it all. One has to take one's hat off to them for their business acumen (actually, given the hair results, best keep that hat firmly on).
Here's something interesting. I recently met a (fully qualified) hairdresser from Germany. She had recently moved to London and started off at T&G. She was horrified to discover that one didn't need any qualification at all to work at T&G. You simply come in off the street with a vague interest in scissors, and complete a 6-week course. That's it. They were delighted that she was actually qualified, and she found herself working as their senior stylist within only a few weeks (in Germany she is still considered a junior).
Ever fancied cutting hair for a laugh? Get down to your nearest T&G and do a course. You'll love it. You might even get to splash around with colours.
by NikkiM, 04 Sep 2008
These people might have been good two years ago (2006 and 2007), but they have outlived their usefulness as their current staff is "rubbish" at best. But don't only take my word for it, have a look at all the reviews made this year (2008) - they all claim the same.
Toni & Guy need to upgrade their current pathetic wannabe stylists who are pretending to be professionals if they want to improve their image and, more importantly, customer satisfaction. They pretend to listen to what you have to say, but it's more like 'in one ear and out the other' with them.
Yes, they are human beings and as such can make mistakes when having a bad day... but DON'T COME IN TO WORK if you're having a bad day, 'cos you're going to ruin the next two to three weeks of another person's life by giving them a pathetic haircut! After all, we the customer are PAYING for this haircut - it's not charity - and we expect good results.
T&G ruined my entire look for my birthday bash, and now I have to go pay another £100 to £150 somewhere else for them to do some damage control. NEVER GOING BACK THERE AGAIN!
by UKK, 28 Aug 2008
Toni & Guy need to upgrade their current pathetic wannabe stylists who are pretending to be professionals if they want to improve their image and, more importantly, customer satisfaction. They pretend to listen to what you have to say, but it's more like 'in one ear and out the other' with them.
Yes, they are human beings and as such can make mistakes when having a bad day... but DON'T COME IN TO WORK if you're having a bad day, 'cos you're going to ruin the next two to three weeks of another person's life by giving them a pathetic haircut! After all, we the customer are PAYING for this haircut - it's not charity - and we expect good results.
T&G ruined my entire look for my birthday bash, and now I have to go pay another £100 to £150 somewhere else for them to do some damage control. NEVER GOING BACK THERE AGAIN!
by UKK, 28 Aug 2008
As a chemical technician who works for Toni & Guy, and after reading these reviews, I would like to say just because you had a bad experience with one person don't drop T&G off the side of the planet. Try a different stylist - you're bound to find one and fall in love with them. There's a stylist for every single individual.
Also, consider this... Sometimes a stylist who's having a bad day makes the mistake of taking their bad mood out on their client, which they are very wrong to do. But on the other hand,
when a client comes in who's having a rough day, stylists often counsel them and speak to them reassuringly. Maybe your stylist could use some reassuring words? After all, they're people too.
by dollface_inferno15, 06 Aug 2008
Also, consider this... Sometimes a stylist who's having a bad day makes the mistake of taking their bad mood out on their client, which they are very wrong to do. But on the other hand,
when a client comes in who's having a rough day, stylists often counsel them and speak to them reassuringly. Maybe your stylist could use some reassuring words? After all, they're people too.
by dollface_inferno15, 06 Aug 2008
AWFUL EXPERIENCE. I told them exactly how I wanted my hair coloured when I went to book it, and the woman acted like she understood what I wanted. But...
The day of my haircut the tiny salon was chaotic and crammed with people. When getting my hair coloured the aforementioned colourist didn't even talk to me once and then left me alone for someone else to sort me out. The cut was average at best. My layers never showed through my fringe (unnoticeable) and the blowdry was rushed with two different people yanking on my hair in different directions trying to get it dried as fast as possible. I paid £150 and left the salon looking exactly the same as when I'd walked in. My highlights never showed through - I asked for multi tones but it looked like I'd just got my hair fully dyed into a dark natural brown. No tones at all! No hint of a change in colour! Nobody noticed a difference to my hair. The woman who coloured my hair was very stuck up and snobby, as if she had better things to do than deal with me.
Won't be going back ever, and I'll tell all my friends to not go there.
by lilmizz, 25 Jul 2008
The day of my haircut the tiny salon was chaotic and crammed with people. When getting my hair coloured the aforementioned colourist didn't even talk to me once and then left me alone for someone else to sort me out. The cut was average at best. My layers never showed through my fringe (unnoticeable) and the blowdry was rushed with two different people yanking on my hair in different directions trying to get it dried as fast as possible. I paid £150 and left the salon looking exactly the same as when I'd walked in. My highlights never showed through - I asked for multi tones but it looked like I'd just got my hair fully dyed into a dark natural brown. No tones at all! No hint of a change in colour! Nobody noticed a difference to my hair. The woman who coloured my hair was very stuck up and snobby, as if she had better things to do than deal with me.
Won't be going back ever, and I'll tell all my friends to not go there.
by lilmizz, 25 Jul 2008
Normally I'm not compelled to write reviews, but I have to genuinely praise the Marylebone T&G salon (and I think it's worth pointing out that most of the reviews on here don't actually seem to be for this specific salon).
Though the receptionist wasn't terribly friendly, the salon has a nice atmosphere. You can tell when the people around you are happy with their haircuts. My stylist was Tim, and he was attentive and friendly but not overly so (though quite chatty and jokey, I think he could tell I'm not one for small talk and let me be for most of the time). I gave him literally the minimum of instructions, just to give me a cut that suited me... and that's what I got. He took the lead, and clearly is quite intuitive, as he went right for the sort of style I like. He spent a long time on my hair (his next appointment came in but he kept at it) and it shows. It isn't too directional but has just the right amount of texture and movement and, most importantly, it suits my face. I can't speak for the other stylists there, but this one looked at my face and hair very intently from the moment he shook my hand, and obviously has a good eye for face shapes and styles.
It's also worth pointing out that at no point did he try to sell me any extras or products, or to book with him again in six weeks. When recommending a conditioning treatment for my hair (which was in a pretty bad state) he went away and made sure of the price and asked me at least three times whether I was sure I wanted it, which was frankly refreshing.
I only went in there on a whim, and then went for it because they could give me an appointment the same day straight after work, but I'm really very happy. Tim did a great job and I'd really recommend him. I'm getting my hair coloured there next week, so we'll see how that goes...
by aqqy, 06 Jun 2008
Though the receptionist wasn't terribly friendly, the salon has a nice atmosphere. You can tell when the people around you are happy with their haircuts. My stylist was Tim, and he was attentive and friendly but not overly so (though quite chatty and jokey, I think he could tell I'm not one for small talk and let me be for most of the time). I gave him literally the minimum of instructions, just to give me a cut that suited me... and that's what I got. He took the lead, and clearly is quite intuitive, as he went right for the sort of style I like. He spent a long time on my hair (his next appointment came in but he kept at it) and it shows. It isn't too directional but has just the right amount of texture and movement and, most importantly, it suits my face. I can't speak for the other stylists there, but this one looked at my face and hair very intently from the moment he shook my hand, and obviously has a good eye for face shapes and styles.
It's also worth pointing out that at no point did he try to sell me any extras or products, or to book with him again in six weeks. When recommending a conditioning treatment for my hair (which was in a pretty bad state) he went away and made sure of the price and asked me at least three times whether I was sure I wanted it, which was frankly refreshing.
I only went in there on a whim, and then went for it because they could give me an appointment the same day straight after work, but I'm really very happy. Tim did a great job and I'd really recommend him. I'm getting my hair coloured there next week, so we'll see how that goes...
by aqqy, 06 Jun 2008
Will never ever go to Toni & Guy again. They ruined my natural hair with the highlights they did - more than upsetting...
by cheekybee06, 06 Mar 2008
by cheekybee06, 06 Mar 2008
They were crap. I went to have my hair cut for a date and I came out crying it looked so terrible. They even conned me into paying more! I kicked up a fuss and got my money back though. Never going back.
by torri, 19 Feb 2008
by torri, 19 Feb 2008
Toni & Guy are wicked! I go there every time I need to get my hair cut. There was only one time they messed it up and that was when I asked them to thin it out and they didn't (I have really thick hair); however, because I wasn't happy with it, they only charged me £20. I'll definitely keep going.
by ChloeLouise, 05 Feb 2008
by ChloeLouise, 05 Feb 2008
Toni & Guy are the worst hairdressers ever!! I insisted I wanted the weight taken off my hair, as it was too thick. The director put a razor to my hair four times. She thinned it out so much that I only had one quarter of the hair on my head left. I ended up putting hair extensions in my hair because it looked so awful. I would advise you never to go to Toni & Guy.
by shabana, 28 Jan 2008
by shabana, 28 Jan 2008
Severe Warning (T&G at Angel/Islington - senior stylists): They do what they want, no matter what has been agreed. I went patchy-blonde, which looks cheap. In addition, the stylist created something of a mushroom on my head. When I complained, they turned up the volume of the music. I was told the blonde would be darkened, so another 30 mins of waiting... and again a failure, of course! I was charged £118, felt completely worn out after all the anger, and very much in the mood to sue this arrogant and ignorant bunch of wannabe creatives.
by Ange Winehouse (2 reviews), 27 Jan 2008
by Ange Winehouse (2 reviews), 27 Jan 2008
Sadly I received a terrible consultation - if you can call it that - and hair was cut extremely quickly whilst I was totally ignored. The girl who blow dried my hair was obviously very upset and took her bad mood out on my head, which was left bruised afterwards. Then hairstyle 'fell out' within two weeks. Waste of money and a bad experience.
by lozzawozza, 14 Nov 2007
by lozzawozza, 14 Nov 2007
I don't know how they train their staff, but they must get the rejects from other salons. I had my hair cut and coloured. BIG MISTAKE. Uneven layers and the colour was not what I asked for. Told how great I looked by the stylist, but she just couldn't wait to get me out and the next mistake in the seat. Complained but didn't get me anywhere. NEVER, NEVER going back there again.
by malhast, 12 Nov 2007
by malhast, 12 Nov 2007
Last week I booked to have my hair cut at T&G, as my hairdresser has been sick and unable to cut my hair. WHAT A BIG MISTAKE! I washed my hair the next day and was unable to do anything with it. I had short bits and long bits everywere. All I asked for was a trim. My hair is long with some layers in. None of the layers were blended in.
I rang the salon to explain I coundn't do anything with my hair. I was disgusted when I went back to the shop and was told there was nothing wrong with my hair - it was called a 'disconnected hair cut'. What the hell is that, may I ask, because I never asked for that! Their reply was, "Well people don't come in asking for 'a disconnected hair cut'". So what the hell are they doing them for then?!? I will NEVER go there again.
by NOT HAPPY, 01 Nov 2007
I rang the salon to explain I coundn't do anything with my hair. I was disgusted when I went back to the shop and was told there was nothing wrong with my hair - it was called a 'disconnected hair cut'. What the hell is that, may I ask, because I never asked for that! Their reply was, "Well people don't come in asking for 'a disconnected hair cut'". So what the hell are they doing them for then?!? I will NEVER go there again.
by NOT HAPPY, 01 Nov 2007
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