The Quality of Service

We live in a Wash-N-Go society.  A country full to the brim with cheap, fast solutions to any of life's problems and inconveniences. Our service industry has changed drastically with advancement in technologies, increase in population, and the ever-diminishing quality of products and service. The downwards turn that the economy has taken over the past decade does not help matters, either.  The service industry (particularly the hair world) is always one to suffer in times of frugality. Many people try to save a buck by opting for cheap, do-it-yourself dyes, synthetic hair extensions or hairpieces, and 15 minute haircuts over a relaxing experience in the hands of a skilled professional that knows your name and asks for the long version of how your day has been.
There's nothing wrong with watching your wallet. Everyone has to take cuts somewhere. A lot of people, however, have had the experience of a terrible cut, hairpiece, or dye job from an inexperienced stylist who has had an overbooked day. Bad attitudes, bad experience, and an unwelcome atmosphere. Once the cut grows out, they try a different discount cuttery, jump on the conveyor belt, and have the same poor treatment over again. All in the name of fiscal conservativeness.
There are several facts that should be made known for the skeptics. There are differences in service a client experiences in a private hair salon in comparison to a corporate one. There are also a few key factors that come into play when making a decision.
1. Corporate discount hair salons charge separately for a shampoo, a haircut, and a style-out (blow-dry).    So your haircut might be $15, but a shampoo is an extra $10 (sometimes &15), and a style-outs run between $20 and $35.  Thats a general range of $45 to $65. Plus tip.  Also, forget about specialized cuts. These are people who are used to doing quick, simple cuts and blow-drys without too much muss, fuss, or client consideration. I personally have never known anyone to get the best cut of their life at one of these places.
2. Most private salons charge anywhere between $35 and $75 for a haircut. However, this includes a full shampoo and conditioning (most also involve a scalp massage), a haircut that is EXACTLY (not someone else's version of) what you asked for, and a style-out that is appropriate for your cut. There is usually a complementary drink, and friendly conversation in an environment that is comfortable and private. So, you are getting a better full experience for roughly the same price.
3. Men and women are different. Women enjoy displaying their new hairdo, color, or extensions. It is a point of pride. Men, however, usually prefer to look natural. Needing a haircut is one thing, but incoming grays and male pattern baldness can be a sensitive issue for most men. Sensitivity that is not acknowledged by 'discount' hair clubs. Nor is it recognized in regular salons that agree to cut in that hairpiece because they assume it is exactly the same as any other cut. At a private salon or hair replacement studio, each visit is confidential. Each stylist is knowledgeable in their craft. And they recognize that if their job is done right, no one will notice it at all.
4.  You don't stay in business for 50 years if you are terrible at what you do.  Private businesses like David Hansen Custom Hair Replacement have unparalleled experience at the helm.  That much experience and passion in a career results in perfect pieces, every time. Consistency is one of the most important things lacking in the cheaper experience. Why get it right some of the time, when you can get it right EVERY time?
5. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but attitude tells all. Who would be more inclined to be genuine to a client, someone cutting 20 heads a day for minimum wage, or someone who has the time and confidence by building their own business?  It's not an easy thing to do; and men like David Hansen do not get to where they are today by treating his clients like numbers on a page.
6. Quality of product is the final major factor in choosing a hair experience. When it comes to specialty products like hairpieces, isn't it worth it to have something that will not only look amazing but will last? Quality custom pieces last longer, and undeniably look much better than their cheap, synthetic counterparts. Why waste money on some cheap throwaway?
So, yes, times are a little tough, but if you are considering something as important as a hairpiece, it is time to get old fashioned. Look for the best quality, and the most experience. The experience will be better, you will have better results, and feel better about the money well spent.