Pros 
Cons A Long-Standing Reputation for Quality Cuts & Colour
Smart Tops, located in Burwood Plaza, has garnered a solid 4.1-star rating, reflecting a generally positive customer experience built over years of service – some customers recall it being a local fixture since their childhood! The longevity of the salon is frequently cited as a key strength, with many praising the consistency of haircuts, particularly those delivered by James and his team.
Customers repeatedly highlight Smart Tops’ skill in delivering precisely what's requested. One long-time patron who now lives overseas makes a point of scheduling haircuts with them whenever returning to Sydney, a testament to the salon's reliability. Another customer emphatically states the team “knows hair and colour”, specifically praising Lula’s talent for understanding client needs and preferences.
Here’s a snapshot of what makes Smart Tops stand out, according to customer feedback:
- Expert Cutting: Consistently described as “perfect” and skilled.
- Colour Expertise: Particularly notable, with Lula receiving special mention.
- Established History: A long-running business instilling confidence and trust.
- Professionalism: The team are repeatedly described as professional.
The Customer is Key: Positive Interactions & Comfort
Beyond technical skill, Smart Tops receives commendation for its focus on customer comfort and service. Rose specifically calls out a staff member ("V") for creating a relaxing and comfortable experience during eyebrow and upper lip waxing, noting her attentiveness and professionalism.
Several reviews echo this sentiment, highlighting a welcoming atmosphere. Clients appreciate the flexibility in fitting them in, even without a prior appointment, exhibiting a commitment to accommodating customers. The team is frequently described as “friendly” and offering “top level” customer service that goes above and beyond. This focus on creating a positive and comforting environment clearly supports the salon’s positive reputation.
Areas for Improvement: Inconsistency & Service Lapses
While the majority of experiences are positive, some customers have reported issues that detract from the overall Smart Tops experience. A recurring complaint centres around staff turnover. One customer notes a frequent change in staff, which, while not impacting the quality of the haircut, can be disruptive to building a long-term relationship with a stylist.
More concerning, however, are reports of inattentive service. One customer detailed a negative experience involving a stylist seemingly more engaged with their phone than the client. This, combined with criticism of service add-ons such as a distinction between “semi-blow dry” and “full blow-dry” was deeply unsatisfactory.
Furthermore, a deeply unsettling incident was reported: a barber blowing hair off a client’s neck with their mouth. This is clearly unacceptable and a significant hygiene concern. While isolated, this incident raises questions about salon protocols.
| Issue | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Turnover | Moderate | Disrupts rapport |
| Inattentive Service | Low | Negative experience |
| Hygiene Concern | Very Low | Major concern |
Practical Information & Accessibility
Smart Tops is conveniently located in Shop 25, Burwood Plaza, Railway Parade, Burwood NSW 2134. They operate seven days a week with consistent opening hours between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm, extending to 7:30 pm on Thursdays.
The salon actively encourages appointments, however is often able to fit in walk-ins. They offer modern payment options, accepting both credit cards and NFC mobile payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay). A key accessibility feature is a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making the salon inclusive to a broader range of customers.
Contact Details:
- Phone: +61 2 9747 8155
- Address: Shop 25 Burwood Plaza, Railway Pde, Burwood NSW 2134, Australia
- Opening Hours: (See listing above)
Please Note: One review indicates the business may have closed, but this appears to be inaccurate as the salon is still listed and actively taking appointments as of today’s date. Customers are encouraged to verify information directly with the salon.