To complain about hairdresser?

[crazycatgal]

I decided to go to a new, quite pricey hairdressers and went for a consultation a couple of months ago and had my appointment this weekend. At the initial consultation the stylist wasn't overly warm but I didn't let it put me off.

I got there and went to the desk, said hello and smiled at my stylist who was at the desk. She asked me for my name and sat me in the waiting area all without a smile.

Throughout her doing my hair she didn't speak to me apart from to ask me to remind her what I wanted. I saw all of the other stylists chatting away with their clients whilst I was sat there feeling incredibly unwelcome.

At the backwash the chairs had built in massagers, other stylists asked their clients if they would like their chair on and offered to fetch the clients phone or magazines to the backwash. Again I got nothing.

At the end my hair didn't even look like what I'd shown her (I'd wanted a shadow root and it hadn't taken so just looked like highlights) and I was left to pay £170. I feel like a complete mug.

Would you complain, or just see this as a lesson learned and not go back?

The time to complain was then and there. I can understand your reluctance though. Maybe a call to the manager explaining that you are unhappy and why, but not sure what that will achieve in reality - I'm sure the manager (and your stylist) would want you to be happy but I think the time has passed.

I understand what you mean about complaining then and there but I have social anxiety, I generally manage well with it now but I wouldn't have been able to turn around and complain to the stylist or her manager right there with a salon full of people.

I'd rather put a fake smile on, pay and walk out unhappy.

@crazycatgal I can totally understand why you are upset. Semi don’t hugs.
I had the same happen to me. The difference is I had been going for a good few months and paid top dollar.
I had my last appointment mid/end of December and my hair was rushed and ended up a disaster for Xmas. The pre-Xmas appointment was rushed and as they were drying my hair - they told me it was wrong. They threw a darker toner over it. I knew it would wash out, as did they. but they rly me leave anyway. I was right. Washed out to the wrong colour and I have been researching replacement hairdressers with caution ever since.

*sending hugs. Not semi don’t hugs 🙈

I would complain. Part of hairdressers' training is learning how to deal with customers, chat to them and put them at ease.

I did complain privately through Facebook messenger and told them I would never bad mouth them publicly because they were building a new business, but why should take heed.
They actually burnt the back of my head with bleach and making me actually bleed and leave big scabs. Their response was “sorry for the inconvenience”
After my final complaint with pictures they offered me a free colour. I declined.

Like this

I would be so relieved to have a hairdresser who didn't talk to me. I also have social anxiety, but mine includes a genuine fear of small talk! Hairdresser visits are a bloody nightmare!

I would phone on Tuesday and ask to speak to the manager, and explain what has happened and that you are not happy. Just explain it's been a couple of days and it's not what you paid for.
I have done this and they sorted it for me.

@crazycatgal,
I totally understand what you are saying and how you felt as I went through this many years ago about 12 years ago actually now that I’m thinking back .
I was in one of the Top salons in London and was having a cut/blow( reshape, you know layers put in, my hair was shoulder length .
Without going into detail as it would take up half a page , but I’m happy to do so if anybody wants to hear the story but you must call and speak to the salon manager and say your not Happy .
Let’s be honest £170 is a lot of money and they don’t want to lose you as a customer so it’s nothing for them to correct your hair and I’m sure you will return again if they put your right .
It’s always easier to complain over the phone so please make that call .
Xx

Sorry I meant to say “put your hair right “

I absolutely hate small talk, but to not even smile or make you feel welcome, not on.

I haven't been to the hairdressers for years because of my anxiety. I hate the small talk! And also the thought of having a panic attack halfway through and bolting without paying and having wonky hair lol. Maybe tell them through a message if you can so you don't feel put on the spot or pressurised talking to them directly

Just posted some images as well to show the difference between what I asked for and what I got. I showed the picture attached and asked for the roots stretching right down through the hair and a really bright faceframe. You can't see the front of my hair but it all blends in together.

Your hair does look gorgeous. But the experience was lacking and you were also paying for this. I would definitely call and speak to the manager to raise a complaint. I am sure they will want to hear what you have to say and have the opportunity to put it right

@Witchofzog It does look nice but I don't think that it looks anything like the image shown which is gutting because I was hoping to go for something really low maintenance.

OOooh gorgeous hair OP ... sorry that that was of no help whatsoever 🌺

Gosh okay... the first image is YOU... and the second image is what you wanted.. Yes I totally see what you're saying....

I like yours better op. I am also aware this probably isn't helpful

I thought the last one was you. Yours is still nice but I get what you are saying now too

Sorry I could have been clearer, the photo taken from the back is me, the photo taken from the side is what I wanted.

I prefer yours actually. Gorgeous hair. It’s a shame she was so shit with you. If you complained would you go back and try again or leave it?

Yours is way more natural. The second one looks really obviously highlighted. Yours looks like it will be lower maintenance.

Your hair is lovely but it isn't what you asked for, and you're right that is high-maintenance compared to what you wanted.
You'll have to get the roots done, because it isn't a root stretch!
I understand and agree that you should say something. Ideally, they should offer to do a root stretch in about 8-10 weeks when it's grown out a little.

FWIW, I too prefer yours, OP.

Do ring them, though, as it's not what you asked for.