Looking for an alt-friendly salon in Phoenix that can do 3 generations in one day — willing to be a PR/promo story if it helps
I live out of state and I'm flying in this summer so my partner can finally meet my grandma.
(May or August, I'm flexible on timing, leaning May so I can see them sooner but August might make the most sense)
My grandma is getting older and my mother is disabled. They live in a crowded house with my uncle (mom's side). My grandmother helps support and take care of my mother.
Neither of them have much money and they save where they can and often that means not getting the clothes or haircuts they want. I want to surprise them by taking them to a salon together so they can have fun, relax, and feel pretty.
Here's what we're each looking for:
Grandma (sweetest most fun lady you'll meet): very short fine gray hair. she often complains that the people at greatcips cut her hair in such a way that she looks too masculine. for her I want an all-over fun color (no lightening needed since she's gray) and a cut that actually flatters her and makes her feel young.
Mom (very funny, laugh you'll wanna hear again): had to shave her head for surgery years ago and has been struggling with cuts/growing it out ever since.
Looking for a low-maintenance cut that grows out well so she won't have to constantly maintain it (they probably won't be able to go back to a salon at this level on their own, so it needs to last). Natural highlights would be amazing but might be out of budget.
Me: shoulder-length, just want a simple alt cut, nothing transformative. Happy to skip my service entirely if it helps the budget go further for them.
Budget: trying to stay around or under $500 total. I've gotten quotes ranging from $300 to $1,800, so I know it's a wide range and depends heavily on the stylist. I'd rather skip my own cut than cut corners on theirs.
Most important things:
they feel HEARD
they feel PRETTY
they have FUN
Why alternative: I trust alt stylists more. They tend to actually listen, and the technical/creative bar is higher because clients challenge them with a wider variety of looks.
Open to: junior stylists, newer stylists building their books, model rates, beauty school for grandma's color, staggering appointments across multiple stylists at one shop, or skipping my service. Whatever makes the math work.
The PR angle: if any stylist or salon wants to use this as content (before/afters, a "treating my mom and grandma" reel, whatever), I'm fully on board. Genuinely happy to be part of someone's portfolio piece if it makes this possible.
I also think they are adorable and so fun. Personally, they are the type of people I love to see online. If anyone deserves something like this, it's them.
Recommendations for specific stylists (Instagram handles especially helpful) or salons appreciated.
Thanks Phoenix.