I have now had two negative experiences at Sharkey's Cuts for Kids, and unfortunately this most recent one was for a very special occasion for my daughter.
My first visit (about a year ago) was for a haircut. I selected "first stylist available" because I wanted to give someone a fair chance rather than automatically booking one of the highest-rated stylists. We were assigned to (I believe) Leanne. The haircut ended up significantly shorter than requested, and the layers were extremely choppy. I chose not to say anything at the time because my daughter is very sensitive and would have left in tears if she sensed I was unhappy. I fixed the cut at home.
This past weekend was my daughter's Daddy Daughter Dance -- a very special event to her as a 7-year-old. I booked an updo and mini cure and specifically selected a higher-rated stylist to avoid repeating my previous experience. The only notification I received prior to the appointment was a 10-minute time change. I was not informed that the stylist would also be changed. When I arrived, we were again assigned to the same stylist I had previously had concerns about.
The updo took close to an hour. At around the 35-minute mark, the style was coming together ok and somewhat reflected what I had requested, which did include braids incorporated into the back. However, the entire style was then taken down and redone into a messy bun base with braids leading into it and hair pinned around the bun. While braids were part of the original inspiration, the final execution was significantly worse. The braids lacked clean sectioning, structure, and definition, and appeared loose and uneven. The finished look did not resemble a polished salon-quality updo and felt more reflective of inexperience than professional styling.
The only positive part of this visit was that they placed us into a "Day of Beauty" service rather than what I originally booked, which included makeup. This ended up being slightly cheaper because the updo was included in that package. However, this was not clear during online booking. The website lists "hairstyle" separately from an "updo," so if an updo is included in that package, it should be clearly stated to avoid confusion.
Unfortunately, the makeup application was also poorly done and barely visible. I understand that makeup for children is meant to be age-appropriate and light, but there was hardly any noticeable product applied.
The service cost $55 plus tip. I always tip out of respect, regardless of satisfaction. However, the biggest issue was durability -- the pins were placed incorrectly and the style began falling apart before the dance even started. I had to redo approximately 80% of the updo myself, including re-pinning and redefining the braids. It ultimately looked much better once corrected at home than it did leaving the salon..
As a licensed cosmetologist since 2010, I understand technique and the importance of proper structure and pin placement for longevity. I booked this service not because I couldn't do it myself, but because I wanted my daughter to enjoy the full salon experience for a special event.
I'm disappointed not only in the quality of the work, but in the stylist switch without notice -- especially after intentionally selecting someone specific, so I wouldn't end up with this particular stylist after my last experience. For the price paid, I expected a polished, secure updo that would last through the event.
I truly hope this feedback is taken constructively. My intention is not to attack anyone personally, but to express genuine disappointment after repeated experiences. read more