Went in to Smart Style (inside our local Wal-Mart) today for cut, color and highlights. As recently as Feb 08 I was paying $50 to $60 for this same service at this shop, as well as another I frequented in another Alabama city. Today I was charged ONE HUNDRED AND SIX DOLLARS AND NINETY-SIX DOLLARS for the exact same service!!! When I questioned it the manager showed me the price book and when I told her the price earlier in the year was nearly half, she said I "must have gotten it done on sale."

I called Regis customer service who called the stylist to be sure I'd been "charged correctly" - the manager had already verified I had - and missed the point which was not a correct charge but an OVER CHARGE. This price is exorbitant - local stylists in private salons charge $55 to $75 for this service.

Those of us who shop at Wal-Mart and its lessees have a preception of value for money. Smart Style certainly doesn't offer that - and really, I am angriest at myself for not asking the cost before getting my hair done. "Assume" STILL means "making an ass of you and me (especially me!) and never violate that old axiom: "Let the buyer beware." By the way, that price included a THREE DOLLAR charge for conditioner!