Above the Cut
For many girls, a haircut can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if like us, you’ve spent years trying to grow out a coif that no girl should have to endure. (“Is this your son?”) Fortunately, having paid our dues to the hair gods, we figured we were safely out of harm’s way-a thought that was reaffirmed as we stepped into Charly's new Sofitel location and saw the luxurious surroundings.

Out of six promotions, we opted for the salon’s ￥1065 Cut and Color package, asking Charly himself to take our straight, black hair up a notch with layered textures and a richer color. After slipping on a black smock, we found a seat in the cutting area and spent the next hour eyeing the floor-to-ceiling mirror in front of us, hypnotized as Charly mended 12 years of questionable ￥20 haircuts, stopping only to ask if we were alright. Next, we were led to a separate washing station, where we eased into one of three sleek recliners, and tilted our heads back onto the soft, round pillows lining the sink.

The dye portion of the package was surprisingly quick. Owing to our newly layered 'do, Charly recommended subtle highlights, first bleaching narrow sections before dying them a vibrant shade of chestnut-red. While we waited, a “heater” circled around our heads, hastening the coloring process.

The result was a shorter coif that was hardly boyish and a reformed outlook on the worth of a good haircut. After such an amazing and stress-free experience, we’re beginning to think that a good haircut is like a good pair of jeans, hard to come by and worth the splurge.

Details

Address: 5/F Sofitel Luxury Hotel, Tower C Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Rd. 北京市朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C座索菲特酒店五层美发厅
Tel: 8599-6666 ext. 6910.