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Hair In The Square: A Mixed Bag of Experiences in Bankstown
Hair In The Square, located in the heart of Bankstown at Stacey Street & North Terrace, is a busy salon with a 2.7-star rating based on customer feedback. Offering a wide range of services, from cuts and colours to blow-dries and treatments, the salon promises convenience with its extensive opening hours (Monday-Sunday). It does accommodate accessibility needs with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, and offers modern payment options like credit cards and NFC mobile payments. It also caters to families with a "good for kids" designation. However, recent customer experiences paint a concerning picture, with a significant divergence in quality and service. Let’s delve into what customers are saying.
Severe Disappointment & Quality Concerns
A consistent theme emerging from customer reviews is a significant decline in service quality, particularly since the departure of a trusted stylist. Many describe a frustrating and disheartening experience, ranging from disastrous haircuts to poorly executed colour treatments.
- One customer was left with a haircut described as “like a mushroom,” drastically shorter and layered against specific instructions. They reported a complete lack of remorse or corrective action from the salon.
- Another individual experienced a botched colour job, where grey coverage was missed entirely during a two-hour appointment. Staff appeared indifferent to the issue, offering only to re-do the service with no apology.
- A third customer highlighted a troubling lack of professionalism, noting staff gossip and a dismissive attitude towards non-Arabic speakers. Concerns were raised about eye-rolling, a lack of appreciation for customers, and a general feeling of indifference.
These comments point to a pattern of careless execution, poor attention to detail, and a lack of accountability. There's a clear indication that consistency and quality control are major issues at Hair in the Square.
Positive Experiences - Moments of Shine
Despite the prevalent criticism, some customers have reported positive experiences, demonstrating that capable stylists do work at the salon.
- One customer praised "Zara" for a quick and efficient wash and blow-dry, noting it was significantly faster than her experiences elsewhere.
- "Faye" is repeatedly mentioned as an exceptional stylist, consistently delivering great cuts and colours, along with friendly service at reasonable prices.
- “Sam” and “Rachel” also received positive mentions, with customers highlighting their consistently good work.
These experiences hint at isolated pockets of skill within the salon, but they aren’t enough to outweigh the overall negative sentiment. The inconsistency in service is a key cause for concern.
Colouring Concerns & Potential Lack of Expertise
Several reviews specifically highlighted issues with colour treatments, raising questions about the staff's expertise in colour theory and application.
- A customer requested a dark brown colour to restore their natural shade after a nanoplasty treatment. Instead, they received a level 1 black colour, indicating a failure to accurately assess the initial hair colour and desired outcome.
- Despite requesting a toner that would fade over time, the customer believes a permanent colour was used, leaving them with an unwanted result.
- Another review indicated a possible lack of heat protection used during styling, leading to damaged hair.
These incidents suggest a need for further training or a more careful approach to colour consultations and application. The potential for unwanted and damaging results is a significant risk for customers.
Accessibility & Practicalities
On a more practical note, Hair in the Square offers several conveniences.
- Location: Situated in Bankstown, the salon is easily accessible.
- Opening Hours: Their extended hours (9am-5:30pm weekdays, 10am-4pm Sundays) cater to a wide range of schedules.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car parking and entrances are available, making it accessible for customers with mobility needs.
- Payment Options: Accepts both credit cards and NFC mobile payments.
- Family Friendly: Markets itself as 'Good for kids'
Overall Conclusion:
Hair in the Square presents a perplexing dichotomy. While it offers accessibility and convenient hours, the overwhelming majority of recent reviews point to significant issues with service quality, particularly regarding haircutting and colour treatments. The inconsistencies in skill level amongst stylists, coupled with reports of unprofessional customer service, create a risky experience. While positive experiences do exist, prospective customers should proceed with caution, potentially requesting a specific, highly-rated stylist (like Faye) when booking, and carefully discussing their needs and expectations upfront. It appears that the salon needs to address internal training, quality control and customer service to improve its overall reputation.