SitStil

Jake is amazing!!! Love the salon. Sweet and quiet and no pretence. Just talent.

After doing a lot of research about hairdressers in Dublin, I booked an appointment with Mark for a cut and to color my tips for the first time.
Like a lot of people, I’m always nervous with new hairdressers and today wasn’t any different. Luckily, everyone was really friendly and helpful, Mark put me at ease straight away and he made a huge effort to grasp the concept I wanted.
The area downstairs where the shampoos are done is like a spa, the lights are dimmed, the chairs are leaned back, feet up. I definitely could’ve fallen asleep.
I guess it is a bit pricey but as they say, you get what you pay for.

I only get my hair cut once a year and so don’t mind spending a little bit more for a decent cut. I’d tried Style Club around the corner, but left feeling they gave me a mom cut, so wanted something different.
I was lucky and got Emma as my hairdresser — and wouldn’t you know, it was her first day on the job! At first, I was a little nervous thinking she might be nervous cos it was her first day and all (and she looks so young!), but I had a wonderful experience and I came away with a fantastic, über-​professional cut.
I’m a bit finicky and have a hard time articulating what I want and so was delighted that Emma helped talk me through what I actually wanted. I’ve noticed that Irish hairdressers don’t like giving me exactly what I want re: thinning out my hair/​making it choppy because they’re concerned it’ll look ‘wispy’, even though I tell them that’s actually what I would like. Emma not only patiently listened to me, but also delivered on the promise of the haircut I actually desired.
Further, she said I could come in anytime to change the cut if I wanted or to trim my fringe. She didn’t deliver it in the ‘this is our policy’ kind of way, but actually made me feel welcome to come back.
I will definitely be coming back!

Three weeks ago I got my hair cut here and I’m still conflicted about how to rate it.
I asked for someone who knew what to do with waves and curls. Was booked with the top stylist, to my wallet’s chagrin. Tuesday they told me «tomorrow,» but when I came in on Wednesday they said they had me booked for Thursday. They even sent me a robo-​text message asking me to confirm, and had I checked the date on it, I would have seen their mistake. But in my excitement for the haircut, I didn’t, and walked in on Wednesday!
Mark still started with me, thoroughly discussing my options, weighing my hair, coming up with three totally different suggestions until eventually we came to a compromise. Criteria: A. must be thinned out loads to keep me cool in West African heat. B. must make the most of wavy hair. C. should be no longer than my chin. He talked me into a half-​and-​half between what he wanted and what I wanted. Then he took me downstairs to get my hair washed by the assistant.
As I was getting my hair washed, his «real» Weds appointment showed up. The assistant gave me a deep conditioning treatment and a bit of a scalp massage while Mark coloured this lady’s hair, and promised me he’d be back in «ten minutes.» I was only out of the chair half an hour later. You know, I would have been fine with coming back on Thursday.
At any rate, the haircut continued. Mark made light conversation which was nice — the typical hairdresser stuff I recognize from the States. Where was I from, why was I moving to Ghana, what was my life like, etc, etc.
In the end I came out with a haircut that’s pretty great. It’s totally different from anything I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t have trusted other hairdressers to do something the way Mark described it!
Does it fit the criteria? A. It’s impossible to stay cool when it’s 30+ degrees outside. This haircut, however, goes far. B. My curls look gorgeous– he even managed to get the super-​straight part to curl! C. Yes, it is short enough.
He gave me some good tips on hair care. Like, that wavy-​hairers pretty much never need to shampoo. True Story! Also, he told me I needed one hair product only, not the three I was using.
End of the story: I like the haircut, it’s flattering to my looks and to my hair, and they did fit me in on a day when I wasn’t in their books. However, I would have appreciated not waiting half an hour without being told. Also, all stylists but the top one offer student discounts, so no joy for me with my li’l card. In total I’ll offer them 3.8 stars. Deductions for waiting time, clerical error, and lack of student discount.

The streets looping around the back of the Powerscourt Townhouse are where you’ll find Dublin’s best and most expensive hairdressers and beauty salons.
Located on the Corner of Fade Street and Drury Street, SitStil is one of the most popular of these hair salons. The décor is very French, with lots of white and powder blue on the walls, huge gilded mirrors and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
The point that struck me first about this place is that unlike most «conveyor-​belt» salons that rush you in and out, with the hairdressers running between clients cutting several people’s hair at a time, SitStil allocate a full 60 minutes for each appointment. The stylist will discuss with you what you would like done and make recommendations before your hair is washed, which is crucial to getting a good result that you can replicate at home after the first wash.
Prices are high but average for the area, with a simple wash cut and blow dry coming in between € 60 – 90.