Unfortunately, this service went very, very wrong. I signed up on the website for a partial highlight and haircut. My appointment was at 7:30 PM. They were able to take me at 8:30 PM. The facility is nice and I was offered two glasses of wine, which was great (and I had a book, so the waiting wasn't bad).
My hair was chest length, dirty blonde, and my last highlights were grown out (but were done at a reputable salon in town). I showed Baxter a picture of what I was looking for and explained that I wanted warm/natural highlights, easier for upkeep, and less of the brassy/light blonde I had over the summer. He said he knew exactly what I was asking for and he went to mix up color.
Him and his partner foiled the front of my hair (I'd say probably 10 foils, estimating) and then "painted" the back/under the head. I was told I would process for 15 minutes and then he washed me out.
The wash/head massage was great and the chair vibrates, a total plus. I'll also note that the comradery was great as well and I really enjoyed chatting with them/laughing.
They blow dried/curled my hair and I went to check out. It was around 11:30-11:45 PM at this point. I bought a $43 serum. When they rang me up, they told me it would be $770 dollars. I obviously said what? and they explained it would be higher this initial time, but future appointments would not be. I felt overwhelmed, it was late, I was alone in the salon, so I tipped and paid. The total for my highlight and haircut, with the product and tip was $920 dollars.
After I left, I contacted Baxter about providing an itemized receipt because I think there was an error. He was very busy and kept saying he would check the computer and get back to me, which was fine, but never did he say the total was wrong, even when I mentioned it multiple times. Baxter eventually provided the receipts (after threatening legal action), and he charged me $575 (before tip, any other services, products) for a highlight and cut. He says the website states "Corrective Color-$75+100+ per hour, consultation required" and this is what he was billing under, even though there was no discussion of an hourly rate or a consultation.
While I plan to dispute the charge further (and Baxter told me not to contact him again or I'd be trespassing), I think I'll leave this open to the court of public opinion...what would you have done if you were me? Is $575 or $770 or $920 a reasonable cost for a haircut/highlight in Moore County NC? Is this a scam?
Not to mention, end result picture next (which also needs a corrective treatment, ironically). read more
