Backstory

I try to get a hair cut every six to eight weeks, but it had been more like six to eight months since my last chop when I impulsively decided to make an appointment at an Italian salon. I wanted a long bob since the fall, but my hair was the longest it had ever been, so I was nervous to go for it. My hair is also super fine and you can see the lines of every cut, so it’s also really important to me to find the right stylist.

About a week ago, I threw caution to the wind and decided to just go for it. Considering I don’t speak Italian and I’m new to the area, I decided to put my faith and trust in none other than Google. And it didn’t let me down.

I searched hair salons in Catania and looked for the highest rated one with online booking. I found Michela Fareri Hair Spa and it looked amazing.  I booked my appointment over Facebook messenger using Google translate. Perfection. I was set.

When Jordan came home from work that day, I told him I needed the car to get a hair cut tomorrow. He laughed at me and asked why I didn’t make it for a day when he could drive me (driving is seriously crazy here)! But, I was feeling wild and free (more like scared to death) and decided YOLO I’m getting a hair cut and imma drive myself.

To a place I’ve never been before.

And throw myself in front of someone with scissors who doesn’t speak the same language.

OK.

He was also skeptical that I failed to mention in my reservation that I don’t speak Italian, but like I said YOLO. What would be, would be.

 

The Michela Fareri Experience

So, I dropped him off at work the next day and set out on my own, for better or for worse.

The drive to the salon was all highway, so super easy. It was in an area of Catania I have never been before, that was very residential and luckily not even as close as crazy and hectic. I arrived early as I know parking would be a bitch. It was. Because it was a residential section, there was no paid parking, and because I couldn’t read the signs…. need to work on that.  So, I parked somewhere with no lines along with a bunch of other Italian cars and crossed my fingers I wouldn’t get towed.

When I arrived at the salon, Michela was there to greet me, by name, along with several other members of her staff. It was a welcoming I have never had before! The owner of the salon was here to greet me. Whhhhat? After shaking my hand, I admitted that I didn’t speak Italian and I think everyone was a bit surprised, but since I was fine with it, they were too. Michela guided me over to her luxurious styling chair, and asked me if I was there for a hair cut. How did I know that? She said some words in Italian and one of them was “taglio.” Cut. Yes, I want a cut. I showed her two photos on my phone and she discussed the process with her staff that were all looking on. I just sat there, fully trusting I would look fab afterwards!

After they discussed the cut, one of her staff members took me back and washed my hair.  I thought, okay, this must be my stylist. I was wrong.

Once I got back in the chair, Michela herself came back and started cutting my hair! I assumed since I made an impromptu hair cut and did not request the “type” of stylist I wanted (e.g. master stylist, etc.), that I was going to get someone who did not have 30+ years of experience. I was so wrong. Her staff again looked on as she cut.

They also brought me a cafe (espresso), in which I freaked out and took like a shot while steaming hot because I was trying to hurry to get back to the hair.  I should have known it’s Italy.  They ain’t in a hurry.  But alas, I digress.

While getting the cut, I brought out my translator app which was fun because we could now communicate!  “Talking” to everyone was exciting and they were all so nice and friendly.

After the cut was finished, Michela had another member of her team complete the dry and style. The style I wanted was a wave, and instead of using a curling iron, they whipped out a small circular brush, and curled my hair via brush and hairdryer. It was really cool and the style lasted all day, which NEVER happens when I use an iron.

Once everything was over, they gave me some adorable little product samples and thanked me for coming in. I was there for almost and hour and a half, so I had no idea what the whole process might cost. I was surprised to find that it was only 35 euro! I paid more than $70 (plus tip) for way less customer service and experience in the US.  I mean, I had an entire team and expert stylist helping me, for goodness sakes!

 

Final Review

My hair is now 8″+ shorter and the entire experience made my day. Everyone there was still so kind and accommodating. I got the best service and honestly, probably the best haircut I’ve ever had.  Well, I think so. But you can be the judge!

I’ll definitely return because it was the BEST experience I’ve had at a salon!

Oh, and I didn’t get towed.  So, bonus!