Rock Paper Scissors Hair Salon

After reading Cathryn K’s (owner) response to my review, I have revised my rating accordingly and can honestly say I will never go back to RPS and will definitely spread the word about their deceptive billing practices. I do not appreciate Cathryn’s condescension regarding going on the salon’s web site for pricing. I did visit the RPS web site to review pricing before I even stepped foot in the salon (and also while I was waiting to be seen). I inquired about pricing prior to my service because I wanted to be sure of the pricing prior to agreeing to any service that was done. Silly me to think a «professional» would stand by their quoted pricing. In addition, regarding my stylist, Jackie, spending extra time with me, which further set her schedule back, she did not spend «extra» time consulting with me, unless you consider five or ten minutes max (and that is being very generous) as «extra» time. As a matter of fact, Jackie’s scheduling errors were not my fault at all — other stylists in the salon were commenting out loud that Jackie was behind because she overbooked herself. So, were they lying about that? Again, how is a stylist overbooking themselves a customer’s fault? Even if I did have questions about my service, ALL hairstylists factor in «consultation» time when they book appointments, so why should my appointment be any different? The simple answer? It shouldn’t.
Cathryn stated that she contacted Jackie about «her version of what transpired.» That is wonderful, and I appreciate it, as there are definitely two sides to every story. However, Jackie’s statement of events is grossly FALSE and my husband is a witness, as he was present. Jackie stated she did a partial highlight on me and didn’t charge me the full price. She shouldn’t have charged me anything because she DID NOT perform that service! So, I suppose that means I am due a $ 65 refund? As I stated in my prior review, my hair was NOT highlighted. Jackie merely foiled pieces of my existing haircolor (which was brown) to create a «highlighted» look since she dyed the rest of my hair black. Had I known I would be charged $ 65 for foil to prevent my hair from being dyed black, I would’ve gone elsewhere. Further, Jackie specifically told me that it would be around $ 10 to do the foil, not $ 65. So, I stand corrected… I am owed $ 55.
In addition, Jackie did not inform me of what I was being charged when I was being rung up/​out. As a matter of fact, the conversation we had revolved around her commenting on my Louis Vuitton wallet I had (that she had never seen before as it is new) and knowing how much it cost. Perhaps that is why I was overcharged? I don’t mind spending money on items or service… but I also like to know what I am being charged and why. The onus should not be on the customer to question charges. It’s up to the business to stand by their quoted pricing. But again, since I am clearly to blame for not questioning the pricing right then and there, I will take the responsibility. Clearly, the customer is not always right at RPS in Newington.
The bottom line is that I will not visit a salon that lacks integrity, trust or belief in customer satisfaction. Regardless of whether your stylists «run» their own business or not, you, Cathryn K., rent out chairs to stylists and I hold you personally accountable as the owner of this salon. You may think you are competitive in price, but I assure you, what your salon lacks in customer service will definitely make RPS stand out in a negative light, and many other reviewers have echoed the same. I just wish I had read every review prior to stepping foot in the salon. Best of luck to you with your current business model.

Rock Paper Scissors Salon is located on the Berlin Tpke. If you know the area… You’ll know that Berlin Tpke is LONG and goes for miles and miles. That said, the first time I came here, I got lost (should’ve listened to the GPS instead of thinking I knew where I was going). It was trying. Well, I got there eventually and noticed it was located in a small plaza beside a pawn shop. There is ample parking!
Upon walking in, you’ll notice how sleek and modern-​looking the salon is. The seating area is comfortable enough (my then-​FI, now-​H used to wait 1.5−2 hours for me to get my hair done). I find the stylists’ area’s layout to be very attractive compared to typical salons whose mirrors are adhered to the wall… It’s just aesthetically pleasing!
I first came to RPS in 2012 after finding a Living Social voucher. I redeemed it by calling in and making an appointment with Frank. Simply put, Frank is an amazing stylist who listened to my concerns and did his best to give me the look I wanted. I went to him for over a year and a half (before moving) and he never failed to disappoint or entertain! I notice that he’s no longer at the salon, but I wish him the best of possibilities and hope he is happy wherever he is!
I never had much contact with the other stylists, but Catherine, the shop owner, was always in whenever I saw Frank. She was always jovial, bustling with energy and quick to say hello to each client walking in.
I docked a star due to its price ($ 40 + tip for a cut, ~$ 140 + tip for cut/​highlights). I find these prices to be expensive considering its location in Newington. At the time, I lived in West Hartford Center and the price at RPS was similar!

When I first moved to CT about five years ago, I had trouble finding a salon and resorted to doing walk-​in appointments at cheap chain locations. But… ugh. No one knew what to do with my wavy/​curly/​frizzy hair, and I’d frequently break out the scissors at home to «fix» their work.
Enter Cathryn and Rock Paper Scissors! I was referred here by a coworker shortly after the salon opened and have been a regular ever since.
Cathryn is so attentive during appointments, and she always makes sure I walk out looking my best, with hair full of curls and bounce. Every time I leave her chair, I feel 100% pampered and ready to conquer the world!
Can’t say enough good things about Cathryn, and recommend Rock Paper Scissors to anyone else looking for a «home» for their hair.

Christina cut my hair and did a great job! It was so easy to make an appointment. The salon is modern, clean and small… which I prefer. She was very laid back, easy to talk to, she took her time, but was still very efficient. She listened to me, and gave me exactly what I asked for.
I will be back!
$ 35!
Update: Christina has opened her own salon in Newington, The Front Room.

I have been a client of Cathryn for years, and followed her to this great salon when it opened. Needless to say, she has a devoted client in me. She is amazing at what she does. She has a knack for listening and really understanding the look you’re going for. She recently encouraged me to go short with a bob. I was hesitant as I’ve had long hair for years but trusted her judgement, and the new cut looks so much better than my old look. I’ve received many compliments, and always tell everyone who was responsible for it!
Everyone in the salon is friendly and approachable. The space itself is contemporary but comfortable. Appointments are on time. They have beverages. What more can you ask for? I highly recommend this place.

My experience at this salon was in a word… disappointing. I obtained a Groupon for a wash, cut, and style and made my appointment with Kathryn. I showed up for my appointment, feeling quite nervous as this was my first time, and unfortunately, the initial reception I received when I showed up only intensified my feelings of nervousness. As I walked in, a chime or bell went off, which is obviously there to notify the salon that a patron has walked in. I stood there awkwardly waiting for someone to acknowledge me for several minutes. No one was at the front desk, and every station seemed to be attended by a worker. It was obvious that I had walked in, but no one stopped to even look up. To their credit, I will say that the lady at the front desk was doing someone’s makeup so she was not where she normally was, but at the very least, a «hello, we’ll be right with you» would have been appreciated. Kathryn finally in her own time got around to acknowledging me after letting me just stand there aimlessly twiddling my thumbs. I was told to sit down and that she would be with me in a moment. She later told me to fix myself a drink if I wanted one. Really? Fix my own drink? I am not in any way a person who needs to be catered to, but in a real salon, they offer to make the drink and bring it to you. I found myself fumbling around for a few minutes trying to find the creamer and making my own tea. Not classy. On to the haircut. I had a picture with me, and ask for angled layers, starting at my cheekbones. Pretty simple. I’ve had it done many times before, so I knew I wasn’t asking for anything difficult. After she styled it, I noticed it hadn’t been layered to my liking. I asked her if she could put more layers in it, and she insisted that it would not look good. I also asked her if she could not take off much off the back, and she insisted on cutting more than I wanted, because again, it would not look good. The impression that I got was that my opinion does not matter, and that she is just going to do what she wanted. I like it when my hairstylist listens to me, and doesn’t impose their will on me. I am open to suggestions, but in the end… it’s my hair. Anyway, I gave her a good tip (just my habit), and she didn’t even say thank you. Folks, it’s the common courtesies that will get you somewhere. Trust me, the little things count. After I washed my hair the next day, I realized that she did not layer my hair starting at the cheekbones, like I asked. The layers were only at the bottom, like I suspected. Anyway, needless to say, I won’t be heading back to this salon. The haircut was not horrendous, but the attitude I received there was not exactly what I want in a hair salon. I would expect that kind of attitude from a salon in South Beach, and not some place in a dingy strip mall on the Berlin Turnpike.

I had my first appointment at Rock Paper Scissors last weekend by a simple twist of fate! I had cancelled my plans due to Hurricane Sandy, and was sitting at home stalking Facebook lol. One of my coworkers posted a check-​in to Rock Paper Scissors, so I decided to make a last-​minute appointment that same day! Sure, why not?
Two hours later, I walked in and instantly recognized Cathryn, the salon’s statuesque owner, from a wedding I attended over a year ago! I would recognize those piercing blue eyes, amazing dimples, and red hair anywhere. Then I spotted bubbly makeup artist Tori, who I knew years ago when we both worked at Macy’s Cosmetics department! What a small world.
Anyhow, I usually have a tough time at salons, because every stylist in CT who ever got their hands on my über-​dry, frizzy, heavy hair loved to criticize it, thin it with a razor, or chop it all off. But at Rock Paper Scissors, my stylist Cristina was friendly, listened to my concerns, and gave me a small trim… no cattiness or razors involved. ;)
The salon even offered Keurig coffee and mini cupcakes/​pastries from Vida Doce. You KNOW that’s the way to this foodie’s heart. Now Rock Paper Scissors AND Vida Doce have a new customer/​fan. Everybody wins. I will definitely be back!

I was weary when I bought a groupon for this salon because I seem to be the queen of bad haircuts. I actually associate getting my hair done with coming home showering and restyling it.
However, I was BLOWN away by Rock Paper Scissors! For the first time in 25 years, I walked out with a hair cut and style that I LOVED! Not only did i feel fabulous but I got so many compliments on my hair, I knew it looked fabulous. Christina, my stylist, listened to what I wanted done, was so sweet and personable. The owner, Cathy was so welcoming and helpful. The salon was clean and funky. They even offer you wine, coffee or tea!
If you are looking for a new hair stylist but have don’t want to cheat on your current one… CHEAT! You will love everything about Rock Paper Scissors!

If I could give this salon 6 stars — I would. It was my first time trying a new place and I loved it. It was fabulous! Beautiful atmosphere inside and very relaxing. Clean, modern, and sophisticated. Another plus is that my haircut was significantly cheaper than my previous salon. I got my hair cut & styled by Cristina — who does an amazing job with layers. Definitely returning again in the near future!

ok. i won’t pretend that i’m not picky about a lot of things. i am. but one thing in particular that i’m very picky about is salons. and it isn’t even necessarily the service. (when it comes to my hair, that is)
for instance, i am willing to accept a less than amazing cut/​color for other portions of my experience to be amazing.
with that being said, RPS was amazing all around.
1. easy to get to. plenty of parking.
2. friendly reception.
3. clean and cute atmosphere.
4. totally reasonable prices.
i had toni. it was my first time. i’m honestly looking forward to going back. the last time i could truly say that about salon and stylist was 2004. in the time between then and now i’ve paid all the way up to $ 100 for a cut and been to some of the best salons i can find in boston and ct.
if you’re in need of a stylist, do yourself a favor. call toni at RPS. you won’t regret it.