Private i Salon

I don’t mind paying for a good haircut but Private i at IFC definitely didnt meet my expectations of a good haircut, at a pricetag of hkd790. I’ve asked for a blunt cut with slight layering at the sides, and even showed the stylist a few photos of what I wanted but ended up with a heavily layered haircut which doesn’t flatter me at all. And the haircut took forever, the stylist doesn’t seem to know how to deal with my hair and clumsily blew dry it. There’s also no water or whatsoever served to customers. At this price in such a supposedly upmarket salon, I was expecting to get at least a glass of water — something which I frequently get in a hkd$ 200 haircut salon. The hairwash was mediocre as well, nothing spectacular. I tied up my hair immediately right after leaving the salon because the haircut made me look like a teenager who couldn’t afford a good cut and ended up with an ugly one. Lesson learnt — expensive salon doesn’t equate to good haircut/​service.

I have been cutting my hair with the same hairdresser for 10 years now in HK. Alpha pays a lot of attention to details and my favorite part is he doesn’t talk to you while doing his job. This is important for me as I don’t like to chit chat or gossip like other clients. Alpha has been with different salons before but currently he has been with Private i for a few years now. Try a haircut with him. My ex boss who swears by her hairdresser in Taipei swears by Alpha now. Avoid Sundays as its his off day.

The relationship a woman has with her hairdresser is very much like love. One that is full of trust and loyalty. This only rings true if you’re lucky enough to find the perfect person for the job. Too often, we get disappointed and hurt, leaving the salon fuming with rage because of incompetence or the lack of being fully heard of our needs. When we DO find ‘it’, come hell or high water, we’re there for good and won’t leave… ever.
I’m so happy to say that I’ve found the salon that I can trust! Private i is a well known chain of salons all over Hong Kong. They hold a good reputation for professional cuts and great staff. I must say that each chain is different and some may have experience different from mine, but to me, Private i in central does it right. I never look at just the company, but rather the individuals that work there to base my opinion on the quality. The employees here are excellent.
I get my cuts with on of the Chief Directors. Him, along with his team, work hard to make sure they deliver exactly what I want. You are greeted by reception when you arrive for your appointment. Then, given a robe and having your coat checked, you’re shown to your seat. Drinks are offered while you wait for the consolation to begin. A little chat with the CD to make sure we’re on the same page in terms of expectations, and you’re off to get a wash with one of his team members.
This is a large space with over 20 work stations and two VIP rooms for people who rather a more private cut? lol I can’t imagine who would use them, but it doesn’t bother me that it exists.
Getting a cut or treatment done here is an experience. Don’t come if you’re expecting to walk in and out in 30 minutes. Thats just not possible. After my cut, my coat is waiting for me and I take a few moments to get sorted. A few days later, I get a follow up call from Private i to make sure that everything is still as fabulous as it was when I left, and it always is. I would recommend anyone who enjoys a little pampering when they get their cuts to Private i in IFC.