Hair salon · Charlottesville, VA · reviewed since 2018
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%88+48Reliability 24%85+20.6Value 14%83+11.7Replies to reviews 7%32+2.3Experts Score= 83Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.83SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#76 of 127 wedding hair stylistsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 40%
4.9★★★★★289 Google reviews · 24 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.86★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.7%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
60%reviews answered by the owner
$99typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Customers frequently praise the salon's skilled stylists, particularly for curly hair, color, and cuts, noting a welcoming atmosphere and professional communication. Positive reviews highlight the friendly staff and the ease of booking online. However, lower-rated feedback identifies recurring issues with pricing transparency, specifically unexpected cost increases for identical services, and appointment management problems such as same-day cancellations, no-shows, and late arrivals.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 289 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 289 Google reviews (233 with written comments, 14 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 60% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
HairSmith and CO.Wedding Hair Stylists median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.HairSmith and CO.: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
88
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.HairSmith and CO.: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
85
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.HairSmith and CO.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.HairSmith and CO.: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
83
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.HairSmith and CO.: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.HairSmith and CO.: 32/100 on this factor. Category median: 55.D
32
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
289 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars27896%
4 stars10%
3 stars10%
2 stars41%
1 star52%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 233 written reviews
94%praise
Praise19994%
Complaints126%
Price
What customers reported paying
$99-3% vs typical wedding hair stylists
Middle half of what 148 customers paid ($76–$171) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6631%
Quality & results4923%
Would recommend4722%
Communication178%
Honesty & trust157%
Speed & response105%
Price & value73%
What customers talk about
We read 233 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Lucette’s talent, professionalism, and attention to detail truly stood out, and I left feeling refreshed, confident, and so happy with the results.”
“Katya was too immature/unprofessional to interact with me in real time when I attempted a conversation with her.”
“The most amazing experience included her transitioning me from salt and pepper colored hair to my natural now silver colored hair .”
“Some of the WORST customer service I have ever experienced, and I wish I could charge them the same fee they charge customers for cancelling the day of.”
“I highly recommend Lucette and this wonderful salon to anyone looking for exceptional service in a friendly environment!”
“Avoid at all costs.”
“Booking online was simple as was communication about my upcoming appointment.”
“She is so funny, so genuine, and she’s great at what she does!”
“…londe right, but Katya cares about the integrity of your hair and is fast which is so so nice!…”
“Katya was 35 minutes late.”
“They are truly experts in hair and their pricing I very fair.”
“Be sure to get the pricing upfront.”
People customers mention
Timo19 reviews
Jordan16 reviews
Ashley14 reviews
Madi12 reviews
Megan9 reviews
Lucette7 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired HairSmith and CO. for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
KathleenLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 16 hours ago★★★★★
Another wonderful hair experience at HairSmith & CO. today. I've never left disappointed from this salon. Not only do I receive a fantastic hair cut and color but it's also such a fun time with Lucette!
Paid $180–200HaircutHairstylingHair coloring
Jen10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 weeks ago★★
They do quality work. Be sure to get the pricing upfront. My service was a 100% increase over my previous two visit visits. When I emailed asking for a reason, they were very responsive in explaining what the increase was. But when I book the same service and my hair is the same length, I don’t expect a doubling in…
Paid $200+Hair coloring
MaryLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I see Madison at HairSmith and have sent two of my friends to her, and now we're all regulars. I convinced my husband to try the salon, and he comes monthly to see Katya. Today I got a great blowout from Ashley. Big fan of the whole Hairsmith team!
Paid $60–80Haircut
Alicia2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★★★★★
Love this Salon. Great atmosphere and service. Megan does a beautiful job with my curly hair!
Paid $140–160Curly hairHair coloring
Becky6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
All staff is friendly and professional. My stylist Madi is always amazing with my color and cut and styling.
Paid $200+BlowdryGloss or GlazeHaircut
Sarah1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Lucette was absolutely amazing! From the moment I walked in, the salon had such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the entire experience relaxing and enjoyable. Lucette’s talent, professionalism, and attention to detail truly stood out, and I left feeling refreshed, confident, and so happy with the results. I…
Another wonderful hair experience at HairSmith & CO. today. I've never left disappointed from this salon. Not only do I receive a fantastic hair cut and color but it's also such a fun time with Lucette!
Price: $180–200
Services: Haircut, Hairstyling, Hair coloring
Ann Gonya4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ann has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They do quality work. Be sure to get the pricing upfront. My service was a 100% increase over my previous two visit visits. When I emailed asking for a reason, they were very responsive in explaining what the increase was. But when I book the same service and my hair is the same length, I don’t expect a doubling in price, especially without transparency beforehand. The difference was that the stylist I had this time decided to add a gloss and use extra color. She also added highlights. I requested none of this. And I am happy to pay for it if that is her recommendation, but I felt taken advantage of when it came time to check out.
Price: $200+
Services: Hair coloring
Mary AndrewsLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I see Madison at HairSmith and have sent two of my friends to her, and now we're all regulars. I convinced my husband to try the salon, and he comes monthly to see Katya. Today I got a great blowout from Ashley. Big fan of the whole Hairsmith team!
Price: $60–80
Services: Haircut
Atmosphere: Energetic
Caitlin Critzer4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Caitlin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If I could give zero, I would. This place is a joke. I’ve never been here because the two times I tried to book my very first appointments with them they cancelled on me the day of. Oh, and it was an obvious lie/excuse they gave both times. Some of the WORST customer service I have ever experienced, and I wish I could charge them the same fee they charge customers for cancelling the day of.
Alicia Arnold2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alicia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
All staff is friendly and professional. My stylist Madi is always amazing with my color and cut and styling.
Price: $200+
Services: Blowdry, Gloss or Glaze, Haircut, Hairstyling, Hair coloring
Response from the owner · a year ago
Becky,
We couldn't agree more-Madi is truly amazing! We are so glad you had a great experience, and we will be sure to share your kind words with her. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Antonia Bouchard6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Antonia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We couldn't agree more-Megan is truly the best!
We are so glad you had a great experience, and will share your kind words with her. We look forward to seeing you again soon.