To think this is the worst customer service ever?

[Stormzy]

Booked a day off to get my hair done last week (single parent, lack of childcare etc). Prepaid and booked on a website (will never be doing that again).

They rang me as soon as I got to the front door saying they had forgot to ring and their colourist was off sick. They said if I come back today they'll give me some free treatment to make up for it. I was miffed, but I guess these things happen.

Booked my DD into nursery for the morning (my hair is seriously bad and desperately needs doing). Just turned up and the shutters are down and the door is locked. I rang and the owner said he meant to ring me yesterday 'to see where we were with the booking', and my name was put in the wrong column etc etc and so there was nobody in to do my hair. Said come back another day and he'd give me some more free stuff.

I just said that it was ridiculous and I'd like my money back today. He said his junior (!) stylist is on their way in and will be here in 45 minutes. I said I'd have to leave by 1 to get my little girl and he said he'd see what he could do so basically they'll do my colour but not my cut or blow dry I reckon.

And they'll probably do it horribly because I've had a bit of a Barney with the man (who tbf was very apologetic but it's the bloody 2nd time, 1 day of annual leave and about £25 for nursery down the drain)!

Just ordered myself a fry up while I wait to cheer myself up. Really not looking forward to going back. I hate getting my hair done at the best of times and it's in such bad condition and really snapped.

[FuzzyCustard]

I just want to agree with you that this is shit. I'd be bloody miffed too.

[BatteredBreadedOrSouthernFried]

Yep that’s really shit. TBH when the stylist gets there I would just say you want your money back as youre not interested in a half assed service.

[WanderingTrolley1]

I would want a refund. They’ve messed you about enough as it is.

[PandorasXbox]

Sounds appealing. What sort of hairdressers demands paying up front?
Enjoy your fry up!

[PandorasXbox]

Bloody auto correct! Appalling!

[Stormzy]

Definitely not appealing I wish I asked for a refund. But the owner said I wouldn't be able to get one from anywhere else today, and he's right. And I can't bare to go another day with my hair red and brown and blonde and snapped and just awful 😖☹️

[AncoraAmarena]

But you've said that they'll probably do it horribly? So don't risk it and don't give them your money.

Go back and get a refund and to Trading Standards if they refuse.

I wouldn't get my hair done there after what's happened. It's hardly going to be a pleasant experience is it? What difference will waiting a bit longer wait? You could probably find a mobile hairdresser to come and do it at home so you don't need to use nursery.

Stand up for yourself - don't let them treat you like this and have you pay them for the privilege.

[ArchchancellorsHat]

Wear a hat till you can find a better hairdresser - what are the reviews like for this one, as I'd be leaving them a proper stinker, and asking them to pay for the wasted childcare!

[Awwlookatmybabyspider]

Why are deliberately trying to make themselves unpopular. Are you stupid. Do they not understand that people talk.
I went into Avant Guard around 20 years ago with my to ask for colour advice and got called a 'divvy' because id miss under stood her.
I just walked out. I was too stunned at her woeful lack of social not just customer skills to do anything.

[KungFuPandaWorksOut16]

I'm a hairstylist, please do not let them do your hair. You've paid for a service, with how they have conducted themselves so far I can guarantee you won't get the full service you have paid for. The minute they touch your hair they'll do half a job and claim what you paid upfront covers what they've done.
I understand messing up an appointment I've been there and got the t-shirt but twice? And not inform you until you arrive at the salon - not a good sign. Get your money back.

[RhiannonOHara]

Stand up for yourself and demand a refund, OP. Put your hair up/in a scarf/in a hat/whatever you need to tide you over until you find someone half-decent to do your hair.

'forgetting' to ring twice is fucking shocking. What a waste of your time. Get your money back and make clear to them that you won't ever darken their door again.

[FuckFaulkerILikeTheGruffalo]

I wouldn't do the appointment today OP, how can you have any confidence in them? I don't think you'll get your money's worth either.

I'd demand my money back and then go to/call another salon, explain the terrible way you've been treated by their competition, and get booked in with them.

[PandorasXbox]

I think you should use the experience so far with them as a warning NOT to let them cut/colour your hair. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Get your money back and ask friends for a recommendation.

[justilou1]

Definitely worth writing a yelp review after you're done

[FadedRed]

Very sloppy on their part. If you are having colouring, you should have a patch test done at least 48 hours beforehand to test for allergy, have they done that?

[LemonShark]

Insist on a refund. You paid for a service at a certain time and they didn't deliver. You're entitled to a refund. Def wouldn't risk trusting them with your hair after this. You won't remotely enjoy it and I guarantee it'll be a shit job!

I had something similar recently, at my regular appointment for my hair (£60) I was talked into buying fancy shampoo and conditioner 'to extend the colour', cost £35 total and I only bought it cos the stylist assured me if I didn't like it I could return it for a full refund. I'd never have taken the risk otherwise, I'm normally a £1 a bottle girl!

Anyway I used it at home and I swear it was the worst I've ever tried, it was impossible to rinse and left my hair thick with what felt like wax/grease. I had to shove my freshly washed hair in a bun for work and I hate wearing it up. Tried it again the next day, spend 10 mins thoroughly rinsing it out in case it was my fault and still the same problem, just a head of limp greasy hair. If it had cost 50p I'd have been unimpressed.

At my next appointment I took it with me and asked for the refund and they tried to tell me as I'd used it I couldn't have a refund only an exchange, obviously I didn't trust anything else there and just wanted my money back to go buy something cheap that works. The stylist spend my whole cut and colour talking me into which other one to get and when I want to pay I felt so pressured to just have a swap but decided I was gonna have my refund and stood my ground. I explained I had been explicitly told I could have a full refund and they relented and did it. To be fair although they tried to save the sale they did give up within 30 seconds and processed it no problem, still took a lot of guts though with four of them and the manager stood there saying I could only have a swap.

I'm glad they sorted it as if they'd been shitty I'd have never gone back whereas I spend hundreds there every year.

So if I can do it so can you! Don't be intimidated. Get your cash back.

[hollowtree]

Good point about the test patch fadedred
I agree OP sounds shocking I would book elsewhere

[Stormzy]

So the hairdresser finally turned up at 11.10 , 1 hour and 45 minutes late and said very rudely that she wouldn't put any dye on the top of my hair due to the bad condition. Told me every hair dye has peroxide in it (does it? I'm sure there are no ammonia dyes in the shop). This is just to cover the red btw, not lighten.

I burst into tears and he said he couldn't give me a refund as the money was with the external booking website.

I am so so so fucking angry

[LemonShark]

What external website? I don't understand, is it part of a chain like Toni & Guy or something?

[Only1scoop]

Should be FOC

[Only1scoop]

If it's a chain head office complaint at the double stating every fact

[Venusflytwat]

WTF? This is appalling. Name and shame.
I don’t know who you need to take this up with. Trading Standards maybe? Look on their website and see if they are registered with any professional bodies and put some formal complaints in?

Terrible, I’m so sorry.

[BatteredBreadedOrSouthernFried]

Oooh I am so angry for you OP! publically name and shame them. Go to trading standards for full refund. They are cowboys!!

[Stormzy]

What external website? I don't understand, is it part of a chain like Toni & Guy or something?

It's called treatwell, you can book appointments from loads of different hairdressers/ beauticians. Usually works well as you can see exactly where and when's available, and lots of reviews. I'll be writing the worlds worst review. Just doesn't solve being out of pocket childcare wise, and 1 day of annual leave down. And having to sit around waiting for nearly 2 hours. And bloody crying

[BatteredBreadedOrSouthernFried]

WAS it a groupon type offer?