I truly did not want to write this review about my experience at The Color Bar on June 27, 2026…read more However, after a new stylist declined to schedule a second appointment following my disclosure of what happened, I felt it was only fair to share an honest account so prospective clients could make an informed decision. I will not publicly disclose the name of either stylist, but I am willing to provide that information if contacted directly.
I was at The Color Bar for approximately six hours. The foils on the right side of my head seemed to be processing normally. However, after the stylist remixed the color and began applying it to the left side, the foils became extremely hot. The heat was burning my neck and scalp, and my hair itself was burning. I was terrified that my hair was going to burn off, so I began pulling out the foils myself. They were so hot that they burned my fingers as I removed them. Even the salon owner felt the excessive heat. I did not learn until after the incident that she was the owner, but she did not show any concern.
The stylist at The Color Bar accused me of putting something in my hair that caused the burning. However, the only product I had used was a natural black-hair shampoo approximately two weeks earlier. I have never experienced anything like this--not even after using boxed hair dye.
In an attempt to correct the color, the stylist applied a toner that left my hair looking essentially black. My hair is neither thin nor straight, so perhaps its texture was more challenging for her to work with. However, I trusted that she had the experience necessary to color my hair safely. My hair was severely damaged, my shirt was left with major bleach stains, and although I did request a discount due to the less than professional service, I was still charged and PAID HER $300. I have included pictures showing the bleach damage to my shirt from that appointment.
Despite everything that happened, **I never became angry or raised my voice.** I showed the stylist considerable grace because her child had also been at the salon for several hours, and she shared that her husband had been deployed that day.
In August, I visited a stylist at another salon, which I will not name in this review but it's at Hollywood Beach. During that appointment, I privately explained what had happened at The Color Bar and why my damaged hair required extra conditioning and care. When I later tried to schedule a second appointment, she declined to book me and said she had spoken to the other stylist - I didn't even provide her with a name, just an initial! (I could barely remember her name).
**I cannot know exactly what was said between the two stylists, but I was shocked to be blamed for what happened**!! The fact that one side processed normally while the newly mixed color on the other side became dangerously hot speaks for itself.
Clients should be able to trust that their hair will be treated safely. If something goes wrong, they also deserve honesty, accountability, and compassion.
I hope this review encourages others to book with caution, research their stylist thoroughly, and ask questions before committing to a service.
Regards, Ventura Resident
