I went to A Cut Above with extremely long hair, clear reference photos and one request:…read moremedium-sized, full, defined curls. I also explained that another stylist had previously damaged my hair and that trusting someone again was difficult.
Dianne began cutting without first confirming how much length I wanted removed. I did not see her perform a preliminary test strand or check a test curl before removing the rods. I firmly believe my hair was not sufficiently saturated and the solution was not left on long enough.
Before I even arrived home, I called because an entire section had not curled. That was only the beginning--the remaining curls fell out within hours.
I followed every instruction and waited exactly 48 hours before washing my hair. Time-stamped photographs prove the curls were disappearing long before that wash. Within days, there was barely even a wave left. My hair was frizzy, wiry and uneven, and I stayed home because I was too embarrassed to go outside.
All I wanted was an apology and a full refund. I received neither.
When I reported that the perm failed, Dianne did not ask what happened or express sympathy. She immediately focused on telling me I should not have washed my hair early, even though I had not. When I explained that I waited 48 hours, she said she had no proof. She blamed me and defended her formula and timing instead of acknowledging the visible result.
Dianne then claimed an in-person examination was required by "policy." No such policy was disclosed, provided in writing, posted on the salon walls or presented for my signature. Owner Tonia later confirmed that neither she nor Dianne had a written policy and that nothing was posted on the walls.
I provided extensive time-stamped photographs, but they were dismissed as insufficient. I briefly agreed to an inspection, then canceled after Tonia called me before reviewing all the evidence, raised her voice, made assumptions and accused me of being unable to regulate myself while she was yelling. I experienced her treatment as hostile, demeaning and bullying.
A failed service could have been resolved with compassion, an apology and a refund. Instead, I was blamed, dismissed and treated with hostility. I have retained the receipt, reference photos, time-stamped images and complete conversation. I left with failed hair, no refund and no apology. I cannot recommend A Cut Above.
