I want to begin by sharing that I've worked in the service industry and understand how challenging…read moreit can be--so I always try to be respectful and accommodating. That said, I've never felt more disrespected than I did during my interactions with Samantha the day before my wedding.
Months in advance, I booked hair services through Samantha's team. Since she was unavailable, her artist Mandi did my hair trial. Mandi was lovely and perfectly recreated the style I wanted. I then booked Mandi for both my wedding and a pre-wedding event, along with services for four family members. This was all confirmed in our contract.
18 days before the wedding, Samantha informed me she'd be doing my hair instead. I had no issue and sent her videos/photos from my trial, plus a reference braid for the first event. She confirmed everything. However, just days before, I learned she wasn't aware she was booked for the pre-wedding event. I clarified it was in the contract, and she said she'd be there.
At the pre-wedding event, Samantha arrived on time but was visibly irritated that a few family members hadn't yet arrived for their appointments. Although we reassured her they were on the way and she could leave by 7:30 PM regardless, she continued expressing frustration. While doing my hair, she was aggressive--jerking my head, using a harsh tone, and at one point accidentally stabbing my eye with her nail without apologizing. My friends and family felt the tension. I stayed quiet until the end, when I gently asked her to direct concerns to me or my aunt instead of my already-stressed mother. She agreed.
She finished by 7:00 PM, and we offered her food and drinks. While the style itself looked great, I couldn't shake how disrespected I felt.
The next day, she again arrived on time but was distant. She claimed not to have the reference pictures I had already sent her (again), so I resent them. She then told me part of my hair was too wet--despite washing it five hours earlier--and had no blow dryer. A friend had to dry it in the hotel bathroom. The hairstyle was decent but didn't fully match my trial look.
In the end, while the hair was okay, her attitude, lack of organization, and dismissiveness were not. For the price paid, I expected professionalism and basic respect--neither of which I received. I won't be recommending her services.
