Everyone at UofSC knows Russell House. It’s located at the heart of campus, it’s always packed and it’s where the best food places are. But, there’s also the mysterious third floor that few people seem to know exists. And, deep within the mysterious third floor lies a hairdresser.
Visiting Carolina Styles was an… experience. The hours I found listed the opening time at 8:30 am. I arrived at the salon at about 10:30 on a Monday and found a post-it note on the door that said: “Will be in at 11”. So, I came back at 11:30. There was still nobody there. Finally, when I returned at 12:40, the door was open.
Upon walking in, I was taken aback at just how tiny it was. There were only 2 salon chairs to be seen. In one corner of the waiting area sat a mini fridge with a microwave on top that had a Keurig on top of that. And, on the bench next to that sat the only hairdresser’s lunch. I took a seat in the unoccupied chair on the other side of the door, right in front of one of those candy machines where you put in a quarter and M&Ms fall into your hand (or, let’s face it, the floor). On top of the candy machine was a large bowl of multicolored condoms.
I waited while she tended to someone else for a few minutes. He didn’t take too long, and the stylist made conversation with us as she went along. As the previous customer left, I expected her to see me next. Instead, she asked, “Would you mind if I had a few bites of my lunch? I’m starving.” So I waited a few more minutes while she ate some of her Southern Kitchen takeout a few feet away from me.
It was finally time to get my haircut. I told her I was looking to have it cut to about chin length, and she asked me to clarify a few times. She then started cutting as I tried to watch the movie Barbershop that was playing on the TV. Honestly, I couldn’t have expected a more appropriate film. After a few moments of trimming, her phone rings and she answers it, holding it between her ear and shoulder as she worked on me. It was a personal phone call – her sister was at the other end. I was astounded at the lack of professionalism that took place.
Eventually, she finished, and I got to see my new ‘do. I can safely say that I liked it before I put my glasses on. After that, I was a bit apprehensive because the left side was significantly heavier and longer than the right. I expressed this concern, and she tried to convince me it was “for volume”. I didn’t totally buy that, and she sat me back in the chair and continued for a bit longer until I was (relatively) satisfied.
Then came time to pay the bill. The price sheet on the wall lists haircuts as $20, with a handwritten “& up” next to it. I assumed that since I had just gotten a no-frills haircut, it would be the listed price. However, she rung me up for $25, and I was still expected to tip.
Though having a salon on campus is extremely convenient (and they do take Carolina Cash), it would be a much better experience to just get a haircut off-campus. Trust me, it’ll save you money and frustration.