Gould’s Overton Square

I had a long lunch break after school so I decided to go for a hair cut since my hair needed it. When I called in right before I walked in, there were not many customers since it was right after the snow weekend, the weather was gloomy, and it was lunch time. The receptionist was nice and had me booked for a haircut in 15 min. When I walked it, they welcomed me in, and I figured out that Jeff was cutting my hair. He told me that I needed a shampoo, so I told him that I have washed my hair in the morning. But he told me that he still needed to wet my hair. Since I was getting the shampoo I thought he was going to give me what other usual hair salon did including head. But he only wetted and shampooed at the end of my hair and did not even touch my head or massag my head. I was little disappointed at the moment but the shampoo that he used masked my thought. At least, it smelled good. or Maybe I should have not told him that I washed my hair in the morning.
And then he cut my hair and blew my hair in 15 – 20 min. We had a short conversation, but I felt like he wasn’t really engaging himself into the conversation. But I understood that it’s just his personality. I didn’t mind much cause I thought it’s not fair to blame someone’s talent based on the first encounter. You never know what goes around him. He might be having not so much good day. you know?
Anyways, I walked out of that place in less than 30 min, and I was charged $ 45 (without a tip). Which I thought a little much If thinking about the service that I was provided. Since it was my first experience, and I wanted to get hair cut so bad, I didn’t mind much. At least he cut my split ends off, right?
On next day, I figured out that some of my hair was not cut and they were much longer than the rest of the hair. but since it was just a little bunch of hair, I didn’t mind it. I cut them myself.
Today, while I was getting ready for school, I noticed that my left and right hair length didn’t match up. My right side was longer than the left side. Now I’m truly disappointed.
Maybe, I should have checked my hair thoroughly before I left if my length were alright, maybe I should have worn makeup and nicer clothes to look like I cared about how I looked and insinuated that I CARE about my hair style, rather than wearing jeans and t-​shirts.
I don’t know. Maybe he wasn’t in a good mood. Maybe other dressers are better.
I’m not saying that he wasn’t good. He probably has a really good reputation and all according to other reviews on here. But I felt like he was careless, and I did’t think I received a good service on that particular day.

When I started working in midtown again, I was sooo happy to hear that hairstylist, Liz Sruggs was moving to Goulds in Overton Square. Not only is Liz the only person that I trust to cut my hair… it is now even more convenient for me! yay! and I was quite satisfied to find such a lovely salon… and they sell Obagi… no more having to run by my dermatologist office! Thank you Liz and Goulds for moving to midtown!

I’ve been going to Gould’s for years. Admittedly, I’ve been a patron of the Park Ave/​Ridgeway location so I’ve become very familiar and comfortable with the location and environment there. I had a really great stylist– Deborah– but due to scheduling conflicts, I had to change. In all honesty, I’m the kind of client that doesn’t like to wait more than a week for my appointment. (I know! I know!- SO HIGH MAINTENANCE!) Anyway, she was AMAZING! but we weren’t able to continue seeing eachother. (sigh). Ergo, I was on the hunt for a new stylist.
I became aware of the Madison/​Overton Square location about a year ago. I cannot say enough about the place! My first time in, I realized this was not the traditional, clean, «east memphis» salon. This was the younger, edgier, rebel punk sibling of the Gould’s family. AND I LOVE IT!
I have found my new great stylist and colorist, Jeff. Since I’ve been going to him, I’ve received so many compliments on my hairstyle and color. He’s amazing and is completely open about what would or would not look good for the client. He gives a great consult and personalizes the color/​cut to what will look great on the person in the chair. I’ve never seen any client leave there without looking ready for a photoshoot. I can honestly say that this place is worth the trip. The atmosphere is friendly and the stylists are all professional without being overly formal. They look like they enjoy what they do and take the time to form a relationship with their clients.
The only downside– is the parking situation, which can be a little bit annoying, but if you park in the parking garage, it’s not big deal. I highly recommend this place! :)

From the first phone call to make my first appointment, I’ve had A-​plus service.
Rick is in charge of juggling appointments at the boutique day spa. He is an amazing logistics guru, especially if you have more than one service.
Larry is an incredible hair stylist. He used to own «Hi Gorgeous» so he knows the business inside and out. He’s up-​to-​date on all the latest styles and can recreate your look from a mere photo. He’s the first stylist I’ve allowed to lighten my hair in years, after a terrible experience of widespread breakage. He has somehow been able to keep my hair healthy, despite the highlights!
Amy is the best aesthetician I’ve ever had. Her facials are so relaxing I wake up snoring (so embarrassing). My skin has never looked better. When I mentioned once that my sinuses were bothering me, she worked on my pressure points and by the time I left the spa that day, it was as if I had taken medicine for my sinuses.
Liza is a phenomenal nail tech! Every week, she makes suggestions of which colors I should use, according to my occasion. I always get compliments on her handy work. She’s totally up-​to-​date on all the new techniques in the industry. I’m grateful she is there to make this my favorite spa to pamper myself.
I must add that I absolutely love the décor! It’s one of my favorite parts of the experience. They also decorate during the holidays.
I sure hope this team stays in place. It’s the first time I’ve ever found a «spa home.» Yaaaaaay!

So true to fashion a few weeks ago Memphis lost their shit over a rather minor snow fall & both my go-​to and back up salons were closed for days. Unfortunately I needed to head out of town early Monday morning so out came the trusty Unilocal app for mani/​pedi and (good luck finding threading) waxing services.
Never having a reason to go to any Gould’s locations in the past I am certain in my opinion that, if my Overton Square experiences are any indication of the service offered in other locations, it’s unlikely I will ever cross the threshold again.
My technicians were good. If they were to ever leave Gould’s (perhaps good advice) I imagine they would have no trouble finding work in other salons. This review is really about Gould’s and not these two women.
The Overton Square location is cramped and dark. My waxing service was performed in a dimly lit hair washing sink station! a) multiple times I had to point out areas the aesthetician missed. b) for lack of another place my coat and bag were sitting in the next chair. Without a by-​your-​leave a stylist picks up my things and drops them on the color mixing station counter. If I wasn’t in the middle of a brow wax I would have jumped up to remind this person his gaff while retrieving my things. Who touches a strangers property without acknowledgment? Who does that?
Again, my beef is with the salon not really with the techs. I am not calling these women out by name. My dissatisfaction is with the myth of Gould’s.
Overall, my mani/​pedi was good. If the lighting was better I think the tech would have noticed that there was a chip in my toe nail and made the correct trim to avoid the inevitable chip in my polish.
Between both services I paid about $ 85-​$ 90. 20% more for 50% less service. Smh. It will need to be raining spaghetti and meatballs in Memphis before I go back.

Update. Within two washes the dye washed out. Also after further examination of my hair when i got home, he completely missed some spots underneath!
I went back for Larry to correct it and he gave me attitude immediately. This is something I did not appreciate as I am a paying customer. After I explained to him two toned hair is not what I wanted he mixed more dye and after drying I noticed a) it was still two different colors meaning my roots were dark red and the middle to ends were more light red and b) IT WAS an entirely different red. A more purple! So now my hair has been damaged from being dyed twice in a week, it’s two toned and purple red. Come on. Just don’t go to this place. Now I have to walk around with f’d up hair for a while. Unbelievable

I’ve only purchased the wax services at Gould’s. Amy Gregory is INCREDIBLE. She is the best brow-​waxer alive.
Yesterday, I went and got my brows mowed… oops I mean waxed. They were bushy, unruly, just ridiculous! Amy pulled me together in less than 10 minutes. Today, a hair stylist stopped me in Target to compliment me on how beautifully arched my brows were.
Amy is the truth! They’re open late for your convenience. Rick at the front is always polite and pleasant.

Gould’s is a pretty reputable salon brand in this area. Ever since I was a college student (ahem) years ago, I’ve known that I could count on Gould’s for a competent cut/​color job, and maybe a massage if I needed it.
This location is new (grand opening is happening on Feb 20), and it seems to maintain the professionalism I expect of this reputable operation. They have enough stylists working that I was able to call in on Saturday morning and book an appointment for the same afternoon. Many of the stylists appear to have relocated from the recently-​closed Hi Gorgeous, which I also loved for cut/​color back in the day.
The space itself is open and clean, though I did notice that the 2 manicure stations seemed awfully close together (a minor and easily-​fixed issue). I love the Aveda and Bumble & Bumble product lines, so I’m glad to find a spot in Midtown that carries them.
My haircut is nice — maybe not quite as short as I was hoping for when I went in, though I can see why a stylist may not have wanted to do something so dramatic the first time cutting my hair and risking that I’d hate the change from long to short. All in all, solid and convenient (especially the weekday hours — open til 9). I’ll be back!