I went to Atelier based on a recommendation from a friend. It was for my bridal hair. The salon was very nice and the staff were very kind to me. I was able to get an appointment pretty quickly too. The hairdresser was sweet. The owner was rude, disrespectful, and needs a lesson in customer service and good manners.
Here's the meat of my experience.
I had a specific hairstyle for my wedding. I provided a picture of the hairstyle well in advance of my appointment to the owner. The owner instructed me, through my friend, to ask for this specific hairdresser who could definitely pull the hairstyle off. So, I booked my bridal trial.
While I appreciate the hairdresser's attempts at the hairstyle, she unfortunately could not pull it off. During the trial, she asked others for their opinion (which was kind of her for effort, but makes me wonder why the owner instructed me to ask for her, specifically). At the end of the trial, we had an action plan: another way to start off the hairstyle to ensure that it would last. Knowing that they could not pull it off, they gave me a second trial for free.
I came a week later for the second trial, and did everything instructed of me (e.g., do not wash my hair for at least a day prior and to use normal amounts/kinds of product in my hair). We went per our action plan, and the hairdresser purchased a specific wand that was needed for the hairstyle, and even tested it out on a dummy head before my second trial. Again, I applaud her efforts.
The hairstyle was successful, in that it looked very similar to the picture that I had provided. I was satisfied walking out of the salon, gave a big tip to the hairdresser, but by the time I made it to my car the whole hairstyle fell apart- all that was left was complete frizziness and no solid look.
I called the salon next-day, spoke with the hairdresser, and explained what happened, and how I am concerned with the ability of the hairstyle to keep together for my summer wedding (first day of summer, longest summer day of the year). She insisted that it would last, and things would be different the day-of. I explained that while I would like to trust her, I would do so only if I had known that the hairstyle could have lasted an hour- but to fall apart within minutes makes me concerned. I mean, it's my wedding day! I'll be dancing, sweating, hugging, etc... I explained that another trial would help to reassure me. She had to check with the manager.
I received a message informing me that I would need to pay for another trial. I called the salon back and asked to speak with the manager. The lady at the front desk told me that the manager was not there at the time, but was very clear that I would need to pay for another trial. I insisted to speak with the manager, and she agreed to have the manager call me back.
The manager did so, with the owner also on the line. I explained my situation, and very kindly explained how much I appreciated the efforts of the hairdresser, but that we have yet been able to pull off the hairstyle. The owner said that it was simple- if I wanted another trial, I would have to pay another $80. I reminded him that I shared a picture of my hairstyle and specifically asked whether it could be done, and I was told that it could. I also reminded him that it was for my wedding that was only a few weeks away, and that I would still want myself and bridal party to work with the salon for the wedding day. He said that I'd still have to pay and "what do you think happens at these bridal hair trials, anyway?". Well, I expect that the trial is run in the same way it would be on the most important day of someone's life, and that maybe there will be differences with some "fine tuning" here and there, but that I would expect a hairstyle to last more than just 5 minutes after it's complete. Note that another review on YELP has the same complaint.
He became extremely RUDE, aggressive, and insistent that I pay or get no other trial. He acted this way despite my normal behavior on the phone (my job makes me act and speak without emotion in the way).
It is ridiculous that the OWNER of a salon speaks to a client- a bride, with a WEDDING and bridal party coming their way for a lot of cash, I might add.
I told him- again- that I appreciate the efforts of his staff- but I will be taking my business elsewhere. Like a child, he said, "Fine by me!". At some point, he went on to say "good luck" finding another salon.
I worked with the manager to get my bridal party deposit back, which I was able to get back next-day. See what I mean- the staff is great.
I struggled finding another salon within 2 weeks from my wedding day. The salon I did fine charged me TONS. I'm glad that the wedding is over.
My recommendation to all who read this is the following: Do NOT trust this salon with your big day- whether it's your wedding day or date night with your hubby. And, encourage the owner to take a lesson in customer service. read more