It really depends on the stylist. You have many in the trade that are out for a quick buck, and you have those who have a genuine interest in keeping their clients and taking care of their hair...I am fortunate to have a stylist in the latter category, who also attends my church. She's been my stylist for at least a dozen or so years.
...As for going to a major department store salon, FORGET it! I made that mistake once with JC Penney back in 1988. Never went back.
-Regards, T.
I would never go to a department store. I mean the local JC Penny's has one. I get my brows threaded at a Lemon Tree. One day I was too lazy to wash my own hair (I have big hair) and asked the lady how much to wash and set my hair. She started asking me twenty questions and I said in my mind 'you must be kidding she'll turn my head into a bird's nest'. The price wasn't higher I wasn't confident and willing to test the claim that Lemon Tree sux :-)