Should I leave a review about this? Unprofessional hairdresser

[TealSqueal]

I think it was unprofessional, anyway. I've attached a pic but it might take a while to upload so I'll explain it quickly. If the image looks a little funky it's because I had to splice the texts together.

I booked a new client appointment on the 27th December and my appointment was for late January. It was booked through Vagaro, an online booking system separate to the salon itself. The hairdresser texted me today to say prices had increased and I'd be paying more, despite my booking being accepted in late December. She mentions she'll see what she can do if it's out of my budget. I push back saying I think the original price should be honoured and that I can't currently afford the new price. I am told everyone will be subjected to the new pricing system. She offers a refund, I accept.

I thought it was unprofessional and it left me feeling put out. The principle of it doesn't sit right with me and I don't think it was good customer service. I know a lot of you might tell me to forget about it and move on!

I would normally leave a review but they've just rebranded/opened a new business in the same building (the previous owner moved). I suppose it feels a bit mean to leave a bad review since it's technically a new business.

Keen to hear opinions, I've not done anything yet. If I did leave a review it'd be after getting my deposit back.

For what it's worth, it's a curl friendly salon so not as easy to find.

Your opinion on what people should post about isn’t relevant.

That’s a crazy price for a haircut!

I’m saying it’s not worth the energy.

You will look like an arsehole if you leave a mean review

I think you’re right but she’s refunded and there’s nothing you can do.

I think she was reasonable, otherwise her clients could wait till the end of December every year and then book their year's worth of appointments and be able to pay the old price every time. However they should have a statement saying that prices are subject to an increase on Jan 1st.

This is Style & Beauty…

I am self employed, and I would honour the fee you booked at. If you paid a deposit, you entered into a contract and she has changed it.
that said, I wouldn’t leave a bad review.

They messed you around, they deserve a shitty review.

if it was just that the prices had gone up in between booking and the appointment, then fair enough, but not when they’ve taken a deposit. That’s a horrible way to treat customers.

Yes she should have honoured the original price but she was polite and is refunding you. I wouldn’t leave a negative review

I'm torn between feeling like this and like I should just leave it. It wouldn't be a "mean" review, just expressing disappointment and describing what happened.

Ideally the original price would have been honoured (the appointment was made for the 22nd January, the earliest one available) but the hairdresser can conduct her business however she likes and she was polite.

I do think I'm in the right haha and it'd feel cathartic to leave a review but as @AgnesMcDoo said, I'd look like an arsehole for leaving one and I'd feel like one too!

Definitely agree with @EnchantedDays, I wouldn't have been bothered at all if there'd been "a statement saying that prices are subject to an increase on Jan 1st.".

I'm glad I made the thread, I have form for fixating on things that I deem as unfair/unjust and the venting has helped.

The right thing to do is to start and tell people that prices in 2026 will be rising as soon as they start booking in appointments for Jan.

It’s shit and unprofessional of her to change her prices after accepting your booking, especially after the deposit, I’m actually not sure if this is even legal. However, I’d just let it go especially as it’s a new business so technically your review could be refuted anyway .

I dont get it,
I thought she was really nice.

I think they should have honoured the original price. They advertised it as £75, they accepted your booking at £75, they should charge you £75.

I don't think she's been unprofessional, you've been told in advance in a very polite manner and you have been refunded the deposit.

She hasn’t done anything wrong but I’d want to understand the reason for 20% increase. It’s significant.

How could you leave a bad review for a service you haven’t had?
She was not unprofessional in her tone.

Yeah it’s unprofessional and they probably should have honoured the original price but it’s only a haircut appointment, she was polite and you’ve got the refund. Book somewhere else and move on. Leaving a review for a service you haven’t actually received, that relates primarily to the previous owner of the business and won’t help anyone in the future because presumably this is unique thing regarding the change of management and the new year is just pointless and petty. I personally couldn’t be bothered to care that much!

She should have honoured the price, the conversation was perfectly polite but she has essentially lost a customer for the sake of £15

£75 for a haircut? they must be rolling in it! Never mind the 20% increase. Was that hair colour as well?

The deposit secures the appointment rather than the cost. They told you the price increase upfront before you arrived at the appointment and refunded the deposit when you asked.

no need to leave a bad review for a service you never had.

I get your annoyance, however they gave you plenty of notice and they were very polite. They could have raised their prices without letting you know well in advance. Could have been awkward post hair cut.

Out of curiosity, what would you write in a review?