I am deeply saddened to write this review...it's lengthy to be fair.
I started going to Rubal Beauty Salon for threading when the salon was located in Santa Clara. I felt badly when I noticed that the salon closed; it was never really busy, yet I thought I could have given her more business.
Years later, I noticed a Rubal Beauty Salon on Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose! What are the odds?! A second opportunity to support a nice lady with a small business.
Two weeks ago, I went in for some threading. The lady did not do a good job, but I tipped over 20% anyway - hair grows back, I could request a different person next time, and I was supporting Mandip's business...Did I see that bad experience as a sign (since I also made an appointment for henna that weekend)? Sort of, but I talked myself into keeping the henna appointment.
The weekend rolls around, I am running my errands on Saturday before my henna appointment on Sunday, and I miss a call from Rubal Beauty Salon. No voicemail/no text. I figured that they were calling to remind me of my appointment. I ended up calling back later that day, they told me that they were closed on Sunday and asked if I could come in that day. Saturday was nearly over, I was across town, and did not have time to adjust plans last minute. Why did they schedule my appointment if they were going to be closed? Further, why did they not leave a voicemail or text me that they were going to be closed? What if I did not return the missed call? I rescheduled for the following Saturday...Did I see this as a bad sign? Yes, vaguely, but I talked myself into supporting Mandip and keeping the henna appointment.
Finally, henna day arrives - I am excited! I took a Lyft, to avoid parking issues/delays, we got delayed by a train...Did I see that as a bad sign? Yes, I did, I almost called and just cancelled the appointment, but I talked myself into going. BAD IDEA!
I arrived at the appointment. My naturally curly hair clean, detangled, and ready for henna. When she finished applying the henna, the stylist asked if the manager mentioned the cost. I replied, "yes, on the website it is $35." She said that if we did a hot oil treatment, the henna takes better. Then, she said that she uses the steam machine for the hot oil treatment. I was very impressed that Mandip had such a great setup!
After waiting three hours, the stylist rinsed my hair and washed it once. I detangled my hair myself, as I could tell that she was not very experienced with curly hair. No worries, I was happy to help. I noticed that there was still henna left in my hair. Mandip said that was normal??
The stylist asked if I still wanted her to do the hot oil massage, I said yes. She told me that after the hot oil, my hair would be oily, we would have to wash it again. However, after the hot oil massage and steam, she did not wash my hair. I was directed to go checkout, with hair soaked in oil and dripping with water from the steam. Luckily I brought a few items with me that made leaving, looking decent, possible.
Mandip told me that she told the stylist about the extra charges, but no one told me until checkout. When I mentioned to Mandip that the stylist did not tell me about the extra charges, Mandip got upset with me?! And, the stylist was nowhere to be found.
Mandip charged me separately for the wash out of the henna, which one would think would be included; especially since the stylist only washed my hair once leaving henna still in my hair. If you are going to charge your customer $20 for a wash, shouldn't the hair be clean - no product left in the hair/washed more than once? I was also charged separately for the hot oil, head massage, and steam. The same steam the stylist told me that she uses for the hot oil treatment - how is steam extra if you advised me that you do the hot oil treatment with the steam?? Customers beware - heed the signs! read more
