Why I Love Working at Hyde Vista (And Why My Clients Keep Coming Back)

By Lex Johnson, Level 5 Stylist at Hyde Salon Vista

I've been cutting hair for about twelve years now, and I can honestly say I've never worked somewhere that feels quite like Hyde Vista. Maybe it's because we're tucked into this great spot in Columbia where we get everyone from USC students to business professionals to moms who finally have two hours to themselves. Or maybe it's because our owner, Sarah, actually cares about creating a space where both stylists and clients feel comfortable.

Either way, I thought I'd share what makes this place special to me, and why I think my clients genuinely love coming here.

We Actually Have Time for You

This might sound weird, but one of the things I'm most proud of at Hyde Vista is that we don't overbook. I know that sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many salons pack schedules so tight that you feel rushed from the moment you sit down.

When Maria comes in for her cut and color every eight weeks, we have real conversations. I know about her job stress, her teenager's drama, and how she's training for her first 5K. That's not just small talk, it helps me understand what she needs from her hair. Is she looking for something low-maintenance because life is crazy? Does she want to try something bold because she's feeling confident? Those conversations matter.

The Learning Never Stops

One thing I love about Hyde Vista is how much we invest in education. Last month, I spent a weekend in Atlanta learning new balayage techniques, and before that, I got certified in a smoothing treatment that's been a game-changer for my clients with frizzy hair.

Jessica, one of my regulars, was so frustrated with her curly hair that she was straightening it every single day. After I learned about this new treatment, we tried it on her, and now she air-dries her hair and it looks amazing. She told me she's saving 30 minutes every morning, which as a working mom is huge for her.

Color is My Happy Place

I'll be honest, color work is where I geek out. There's something so satisfying about mixing the perfect formula and watching someone's whole face light up when they see the result.

Last week, I did this gorgeous dimensional brown on Ashley who'd been box-dyeing her hair black for years. It took three sessions to get her where she wanted to be safely, but the end result was this rich, multi-tonal brown that moves beautifully when she styles it. She sent me a selfie two days later because a stranger complimented her hair at Target.

The technical side fascinates me too. Understanding how different hair textures take color, how to protect integrity while lifting, how placement affects the overall look, it's part art, part science, and I love that challenge.

The Little Things Add Up

We do a scalp massage with every shampoo because, honestly, when else do adults get that kind of care? I watch people literally melt into the chair during that part of their service.

Our shampoo bowls are positioned so you're actually comfortable (no neck strain), we have good coffee, and we play music that doesn't make you feel like you're in a doctor's office. Rachel, who's been coming to me for three years, always jokes that her appointment is better than therapy.

When Things Don't Go Perfect

Look, I'd love to say every service goes flawlessly, but that's not real life. A few months ago, I had a color lift differently than expected on a client, and we had to pivot mid-service. Instead of pretending everything was fine, I was honest about what happened and how we'd fix it.

We stayed an extra hour, I didn't charge her for the additional time, and she left happy with her results. She still comes to me because she trusts that I'll take care of her even when things get complicated.

The Columbia Connection

What I really love about working here is how connected we are to this community. We do hair for local business owners, teachers at the elementary school down the street, nurses from the hospital nearby. There's something special about being part of people's lives in that way.

When COVID hit and we had to close for two months, our clients were texting us asking how we were doing personally, not just when we'd reopen. That meant everything to our team.

Why People Choose Us (From What They Tell Me)

My clients often say they come here because they feel heard. We're not trying to talk them into the trendiest cut or push products they don't need. If someone wants to grow their hair out, I'm honest about what that timeline looks like and how we can keep it healthy along the way.

Tom has been coming to me for clipper cuts for two years, and he always says he loves that I remember exactly how he likes it without him having to explain every time. That consistency matters to people.

If You're Looking for a New Salon

I'm not going to promise we're perfect or that we're for everyone. But if you want a stylist who listens, takes time with your service, and genuinely cares about how you feel when you leave, we might be a good fit.

The best way to know is to book a consultation. We can talk about what you're hoping for, I can assess your hair, and we can make a plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and budget.

I love what I do, and I think that shows in the work. If you've been thinking about trying somewhere new, give us a call. I'd love to meet you.