Worst Salon Experience Ever
If you don't feel like reading the full review, here are the main snippets:
* Horrible color and cut service
* Significant chemical burns
* Rude salon owner
* An amazing studio alternative!
My appointment was with Kayla, during which she provided a cut and color. I brought in several reference photos, thoroughly explained what I wanted, and trusted the stylist to do what she thought best. Unfortunately, I quickly realized I would not receive the service I anticipated.
My first red flag was during the bleaching process. I experienced fairly intense burning along my scalp, but wrote it off as general sensitivity. After the appointment, however, I realized that my entire scalp was covered in chemical burns from the bleach. I had burning and scabbing for about a week, often to the point where I couldn't sleep from the pain. In addition to the expensive salon visit, I then had to buy a new shampoo, hair mask, oil, and lidocaine cream to ease the pain and restore my scalp. As somebody who suffers from chronic pain, this was the last thing I needed when paying for a "professional" service.
Aside from the pain, the color result was nothing like I had described. I came in asking for a silver/gray dye and showed several specific photos. The result was bright yellow. Not a soft or platinum blonde, but a straight yellow with slightly green hues. Not only was the color deficient, but the cut was also unsatisfactory. After explaining what I wanted, Kayla trimmed a small section and ignored my initial request. When I asked to cut additional length off the sides, she seemed annoyed that I took up more of her time and quickly made the adjustment.
After this extremely disappointing experience, I called the salon to request a color correction. A week later, I met with Renee, the salon-owner. After kindly explaining why I wanted a color correction, she admitted the service was far from complete and that she would have done it differently. She explained how she would attempt to correct the color over the process of up to six weeks (due to the damage they did to my hair). I was informed that the salon charges a $40 minimum for color correction appointments to pay for the cost of the dye. I expressed that I was not comfortable paying additional money for a service I had not received in the first place. Immediately, her tone shifted and she became extremely combative and abrasive. After refusing to waive the fee, she diverted into a highly unprofessional conversation about how much money Kayla would receive for the initial service. Without letting me finish a sentence, she continued to explain that they couldn't make exceptions for all her customers - an interesting remark for a salon that was empty both times I visited. I'm not sure what costumers she was referring to, but I knew I would never again be amongst that group.
Furthermore, she did not apologize for the significant pain incurred by one her stylists. Instead of listening and empathizing, she brushed off my symptoms and implied that my scalp was simply too sensitive. She refused to admit any culpability and rushed to change the subject. As somebody who has grounds to sue, I found her diversion extremely telling as to how she runs her business.
I asked if she would be willing to offer a partial refund, which she immediately denied. After going back and forth, she offered to lower the dye cost to $20. At this point, I had lost all respect for her and the studio, and politely declined. I thanked her for her time and left the salon with yellow, burnt hair.
Thankfully, I found a wonderful studio that excels in both hair care and customer service. Instead of wasting your money at Deco, please consider booking an appointment at Studio Hair Salon: A Collective of Stylists. I met with Lauren, who listened to my experience, collaborated with another stylist, and informed me of every step of the process. She completely transformed my hair into exactly what I had envisioned in under two hours. She was exceptionally kind, professional, and skilled at her craft. From somebody who finally loves their hair, please seek out Studio Hair Salon over Deco!
Also, while a small grievance, I realized that Kayla had bleached the entire back of my shirt during the appointment. While I understand accidents happen, it felt like the cherry on top to the whole ordeal.
Overall, this is definitely the worst salon experience I have ever had. If you value your time, money, and physical wellbeing (chemical burns are no joke), DO NOT go here! read more