Jean G.

I am a busy, money-conscious, woman with a discerning eye and high standards who has been the unfortunate survivor of countless hair-maiming jobs in and around Santa Fe.  Those of you who have been in the area for many years know how difficult it is to find a hair stylist who keeps up with the latest innovations in her craft, gives an excellent cut, has fair prices, doesn't close her shop or move around as soon as you get comfortable, who really LISTENS to what you want, and whose professional suggestions are both intelligent and relevant.  Mary Quintana, the owner of Shear Perfection, embodies all of these qualities. With nine years of experience under her belt, she fixed a terrible haircut that I had received two weeks prior. Not only was she efficient and quick about it, but when I walked out her door, I happened to have one of the best haircuts I had experienced in the past five years.  She blew it out, styled it, and judiciously applied the correct products at different intervals throughout the styling process, not just spraying me with a cloud of hair spray at the end.  She even offered to touch it up for me in the next few days if I wanted minor changes to be made or if I wasn't happy with it after I washed it. My hair remained clean with excellent movement and looked salon-fresh for THE NEXT THREE DAYS.  I was ecstatic.  Mary's style is to cut, dry, then refine the cut and texturize the hair when it is dry in order to maximize movement, style, and liveliness.  This is a critical step that other stylists usually ignore (or don't know anything about). A few weeks after my wonderful cut, which remains so great that I hardly need to style it in order to look good, I brought my teen daughter to her.  Mary's skilled hands quickly detected an excess amount of buildup on her hair.  She asked us some specific questions about our hair care routine, made an assessment, and gave us expert advice on the best products and ways to keep our long hair healthy, sleek, and static-free this winter.  I've never enjoyed such in-depth, proficient, caring treatment by any other stylist in 15 years in Santa Fe.  Unequivocally recommended.