I didn't plan on leaving a review until my friend informed me that my photos were being shared on a private Facebook group without my permission, and Ash, the owner and service provider I saw, was complaining about me in a group for local mothers. Being new to the area, I was not aware of the reputation the salon had and wish I had looked at the Google reviews before booking my appointment. It's not a good sign when an owner fights with community members and argues with reviewers.
I initially tried to book a partial highlight with Ash. The receptionist told me that what I was asking for was a different service called "baby lights" which didn't sound like what I was asking for and was quoted $500 for "partial baby lights and a cut". I told the salon representative that this was a bit higher cost than what I was anticipating and was told that "if you can't afford it then you can go to a level 1 stylist."
Not a good start.
I ended up booking a consultation with the owner, Ash. During the consult, Ash spoke over me, and I left feeling concerned that we weren't on the same page although I brought in pictures of what I wanted and had gotten in the past from my previous stylist . I stressed during the consult that I wanted fine partial highlights just around the front and 3-4 foils on the back to mask my grays when I pull my hair back, and I wanted to maintain my natural color as much as possible for low maintenance. I basically asked to have what my previous stylist did before I moved to Va Beach and had for nearly a decade. I have seen two junior stylists in Va Beach, and while both girls were super sweet, I really wanted natural, minimal highlights. I asked for an approximate cost, and Ash told me she could give me an exact price. When I saw the price breakdown, I asked to not have the additional conditioning treatment added since this was something I already owned and did for myself weekly.
During the actual appointment it was a very negative experience. Ash complained about many stylists who had quit her salon, colleagues in the local industry, all the way down to her children's school faculty. I could see during the appointment that Ash was coloring my entire head with highlights and taking big chunks around the front, which is not what baby lights are or what was described to me as the technique associated with baby highlights. When I could see the final product, my heart dropped. My hair was completely blonde. I voiced my concerns, but I felt dismissed and again not heard. I was not only charged for the conditioning treatment I had requested not to have but was also charged for an additional "density" charge because she had opted to highlight my entire head instead of honoring what I had asked for. I ended up paying over $400, which was well over what I was quoted. After coming home and crying, I ended up calling a few days later to see if the color could be fixed since it was neither subtle highlights or anywhere close to the pictures I showed her.
I was told I could come in for a consultation, and when I did, it was clear there was a lot of tension. At the salon, I was told I could come in for a "root shadow" which would cost $100 more. Ash sent one of her assistants to handle the situation and refused to talk to me directly. I offered to wait until she was available. Once this happened , Ash came over and accused me of trying to get services for free and said she did great work. I tried to assure Ash that I understood she was very talented, but the service was not what I had asked for. She said "Have a nice day" and pointed to the door.
The whole experience has felt very belittling from the booking to the check in process which involves documenting your medical history and current medications. I wish any small business success, but hope that Ash recognizes that clients and customer services are important to maintaining a successful business. read more