I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding a recent experience I had Best Kept…read moreSecrets Salon on Rosemont Avenue, which fell far below the standard of professionalism and service that their pricing suggests.
Prior to my appointment, I communicated my desired hairstyle and even provided a reference photo. Based on this, I was quoted a premium price--an amount I was prepared to pay under the assumption that I would be receiving a service reflective of professional standards and products.
However, upon arrival, I was met with several concerning issues. There was only one stylist on duty, and she not even close to finish with her customer. I waited 90 minutes for her to finish. Before my hair was washed, I inquired about the products that would be used, as I am particular about maintaining my hair with professional-grade items. To my surprise, the stylist presented products I had never heard of, and when I voiced my concern, the other stylist (who arrived 45 minutes late for her appointment) openly laughed. My stylist then offered to use Mane and Tail or Head & Shoulders and questioned my objection to them being labeled as professional products. I began to feel apprehensive about the trajectory of the appointment.
The situation further deteriorated when the stylist washed my hair using cold water, struggling to get the temperature to a comfortable level. Still, I remained patient. After shampooing, we returned to her station where she prepared to blow-dry my hair. I asked why, as I had clearly requested "flat twists" and shared a photo during the booking process. She responded that she did not know how to do that style. The other stylist, who had booked the appointment, expressed surprise and admitted she assumed her colleague had the necessary skills. What followed was an awkward silence as my wet hair remained untouched.
To make matters worse, my stylist then left the salon--without informing me--to purchase food for her child, leaving me alone in the chair. Not knowing when she would return, I began detangling my hair myself. I asked the other stylist for a wet brush; she appeared unfamiliar with the term and later informed me none were available. When I requested sectioning clips, none could be found. I ultimately had to use dusty rubber bands from a shelf to section and detangle my own hair.
I informed the remaining stylist that I would be leaving once my original stylist returned. I offered to pay for the shampoo service. She contacted the salon owner, who arrived ten minutes later--still before my stylist returned. I explained the situation, only to be met with a smug "Okay, have a nice day" in response.
This experience was not only disappointing, it was deeply unprofessional. Charging high-end salon prices while using subpar products and providing disorganized, dismissive service is unacceptable. I left feeling disrespected, frustrated, and inconvenienced.
Clients deserve transparency, respect, and professionalism--especially when paying premium prices.
African American women with natural hair often face significant challenges when seeking high-quality hair care services. It is not uncommon to travel long distances and pay premium prices to find stylists who are knowledgeable and respectful of their hair texture. This ongoing struggle highlights a broader need for more inclusive and professional hair care options within Frederick county.
