A hair cut at Medusa
Medusa have three salons in Edinburgh, two of which are in the city centre: Bread St and Teviot Place. The third is based on Musselburgh’s High St. I’ve been to both city centre salons and have been impressed each time.
My hairdresser on both occasions was Gary, The Creative Director. He used to move between both city centre branches but is now based solely at Medusa’s Bread Street salon. Medusa do a brisk trade, so it is always advisable to book; although if you call in before 4/5pm they may be able to fit you in. The Teviot branch receives a lot of trade from students, with Edinburgh University just opposite. Medusa’s Bread Street salon probably has more regular/repeat custom, although guests at the adjacent Point Hotel often pop through for a quick cut. It’s difficult to say with the snapshot view I have had, but there’s always been a balanced mix of male and female clientele at Medusa.
What do I like about Medusa? The main thing is the friendly, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. At both salons I’ve found everyone from the receptionist, person washing the hair and the hairdresser to possess every social quality you should expect, but sometimes fail to find. The salons are all well designed, although I prefer the larger layout of the Bread Street salon. My hairdresser of choice, Gary, also listens to what you say and is responsive to what you actually want. Again this should be expected at such a salon, but sometimes its not. Thursday late night opening is also a must, so I can get my haircut after work, without having to leave early. Oh and did I mention the free drink? After your hair wash you can select a drink including tea, coffee, water and, more appropriately in my case, beer. Although last time it was only a bottle of Tennents, while the guy sat across from me had Grolsch!
Given the quality of the haircut on offer I don’t find Medusa’s prices unreasonable. A sample is given below, although check their website or telephone the salon direct for the latest prices:
- Gents cut and blow dry. Stylist (£24), Senior Stylist (£27), Director (£31), Creative Director (£35)
- Ladies cut and blow dry. Stylist (£30), Senior Stylist (£38), Director (£44), Creative Director (£49)
Obviously all the other services - colours, highlights, hair up, etc. are available at Medusa, so give them a call to discuss requirements.
My previous hairdresser was Freddy Antabi, on Dundas St. I think Medusa’s quality of service, friendliness and surroundings compare much better. There is a plethora of salons to choose from in Edinburgh but I’m happy to have found Medusa and if you’re looking for a new hairdresser The Edinburgh Blog is happy to recommend you give Medusa an opportunity. Obviously my experience has been limited to one of their hairdressers and a few visits so it would be interesting to hear other’s experiences of hair cuts/styles from Medusa.
Medusa’s official website is a good source for information or the salons can be contacted on their respective numbers: Medusa Bread St (2021 225 6627), Medusa Teviot Place (2021 622 7277), Medusa Musselburgh High Street (2021 665 2021).
This is an excellent article (The Edinburgh Blog), I was searching for Hair style for short hair on Yahoo and stumbled on this Monday.
I had my hair cut to celebrate the end of a gruellign third year examination diet at Edinburgh University. I was asked to pay £30 (but with a student discount)for a haircut which was like this: hair washed only at front and sides, no conditioner or shampoo applied to middle of head at all. Hair tugged out with comb despite discussed dryness and damage from colouring. Shown picture of smooth long bob, I was told it would “need layers” whichproceeded into every trendy hairdresser in town’s only skill set: hacked layers ’softened’ with thinnning scissors and straightened. It’s not straight even, at the back, the left side is significantly hacked more into than the right leaving me with a lopsided, hacked, chunky, uneven and messy looking, ragged cut, which might be fashionable, but the hedge-dragged look wasn’t what I asked for. I’m letting it grow out until I can go to a different hairdressers, as it’s been ‘layered’ too short to do anything with at all. Mention the name ‘Medusa’ to two of my freind’s who had exactly the same experience. Even though we all have very different hair ranging from smooth fine blonde bob, shoulder length curled and dark, and wavy red, astonishingly skilless.
I have been a client with Medusa for several years as have my family and several of my friends, I always visit the Bread Street salon and have to say I would not go to any other hairdresser in Edinburgh.
I have many very bad experiences at other salons and have or should I say had a fear of visiting the hairdressers, not any more! all the staff at medusa are wonderful they are so friendly and not the least bit pretentious like some staff in high end city salons.
I would recomend medusa to anyone who enjoys being treated well and who wants a great haircut.
I have also been a client with Medusa for many years, in fact I moved with Gary from another hairdressers too many years ago to remember and when he moved from Teviot to Bread Street I naturally moved with him then as well. I have always had confidence in both the cutting and colourwork done by Gary even when challenged by extreme postnatal hairloss. The Medusa salons have been my little oasis of tranquility and after my head and neck massage I am often reluctant to leave - I have never had a bad experience there.
can anyone tell me where I can learn how to do hair extensions in edinburgh. I would particularly like to train with Great Lengths.
Thanks
i was looking for a new hairdresser and read the articles on the blog so decided to give medusa on bread street a try, I had a cut and blow dry and was DELIGHTED with the whole experience I was geeted with a warm and sincere welcolm then had a full consoltation to decide what would be the best style for me, I was also told about a glossing treatment which would make my hair super shiny I went for that too and I am so glad I did it made my hair look amazing. I felt relaxed and very confident at the end of my visit and to my delight as I was leaving the salon I was given a couple of xmas cards with loads of discounts on hair and beauty to use in the new year I will definatley be back infact I cant wait.
hi just thought i would add my feedback on the blog ,finding a good hairdresser is hard and i moved from a so called big name salon because i thought for the prices and 30 min appointments it was not worth it
medusa offers all it says ,friendly unpretencious and enthusiastic staff,45 min appointments make the prices even better. customer care and quality of the cut 10 out of 10
edinburghs best find for me !
I am also a very happy Medusa customer :)
I have had my hair cut in their salon in Bread Street, by Ryan who specialises in short hair (up to medium lengths) and he did a great job. We had a long conversation to make sure I have communicated my ideas through (it is worth bringing some “visual references” especially if you are getting a new style).
The appointment was approx 45 minutes, Ryan was very friendly, helpful and he did an EXCELLENT job.
It is one of the best haircuts I have had (and I had many in really prestigious salons too) and I would recommend this hairdresser to anybody with short hair like mine. Great job, Medusa! Thank you Ryan!
I needed my hair cut on a Sunday last month and as Medusa were closed, I thought I would try a traditional barber shop.
I chose Show Barbers in bread street, as it was just across the road from Medusa and I have to say for £8 you cant go far wrong.
I have enjoyed the Medusa experience and I would still recommended them, but with the credit crunch hitting us all, I think I will return to the barbers shop…….for the time being!
i’m new to Medusa, but must echo the rest of the good reviews. had my hair cut there by Hannah and was very impressed. not only one of the best cuts i’ve had, but really friendly, unpretentious staff and a great atmosphere. I live north of Dundee, but will be making regular trips to this salon. I am very I impressed & can’t rate Hannah & the team highly enough.
I loved the way Ryan at Medusa cut my hair! I would say I haven’t had a better hair cut anywhere else. I usually go to Cheynes and recently I went to Tony & Guy as I was given vouchers for my birthday…..big mistake! The next appointment I make will be with Ryan at Medusa Bread Street! Everyone complimented the cut and I was very happy indeed.