The salon is modern, immaculate, and spacious. I came in as a balayage hair model. The apprentice…read morehairdresser was very kind and easygoing. I came in fully aware that this was a teaching environment and therefore shouldn't expect pro level results. That said, I believe that even in a learning setting, it's essential for both the instructor and the apprentice needs to actively listen to the model, and be very clear and direct about what is and isn't achievable. Unfortunately, that degree of communication was lacking in my experience which led to me leaving very dissatisfied.
This review specifically reflects my disappointment with the outcome of the balayage and how my concerns were handled afterward.
As mentioned, I came in as a hair model. Before the appointment, I sent the apprentice photos of my current hair along with an inspiration image. I made it clear that I understood achieving the level of blonde in the inspiration photo wouldn't be possible in a single session. I was assured, however, that the look could be achieved gradually over time.
During the consultation, I showed both the apprentice and the instructor, Kimberly, the inspiration photo along with past photos of myself with blonde highlights. I usually find this helps communicate the level of lightness, tone, and overall look I'm going for. Every reference photo clearly showed me with light blonde highlights and no red tones. I emphasized four key points: 1. I did not want any red tones in my hair, 2. I wanted to avoid chunky pieces, especially around the front, 3. I preferred a root shadow to create a softer transition from the crown to the highlights, 4. I was aiming for a look on the lighter, blonder end of the spectrum.
The moment my hair was rinsed, I could tell the color was too dark. It was the complete opposite of what I had requested. 1. The highlights had noticeable red tones, 2. There were thick, chunky sections at the front and sides, 3. A stark contrast existed between my natural dark brown hair and where the lowlights began -- something I really disliked, 4. And most importantly, there were no blonde highlights at all. My hair looked brown, with some reddish highlights.
When I shared my concerns with the apprentice, he was very polite, but he didn't agree with my feedback. Kimberly, the instructor, said she thought it looked good and explained there were limitations to what could be done. She said I could have highlights done again.
At the front desk, Priscilla and another employee told me I had signed a waiver and reminded me it was a learning environment. I didn't bother correcting them--I was never asked to sign anything. If they had presented a waiver when I arrived, I absolutely would have signed it.
What really bothered me, though, was the response to my dissatisfaction. Instead of simply acknowledging that indeed I had chunky pieces in the front, it was excused as either you're wrong or this was a learning environment. Ironically, an employee from another salon happened to be outside, so I asked for his opinion. He confirmed that the end result was way off from what I had originally asked for.
I genuinely wish the apprentice a great future with hair coloring. He was kind enough to provide me with a list of the products he used when I asked, and I appreciated that gesture.
I have attached a couple photos that were taken right after the appointment, as well as the inspo. Maybe this is a style others might appreciate.
