Candy Hair: A Mixed Bag of Experiences at This Kids' Salon

A Whirlwind of Opinions: What Customers Are Saying About Candy Hair

Candy Hair in Cheltenham boasts a respectable 4.6-star rating, but digging deeper reveals a fascinating – and sometimes conflicting – picture. While many parents rave about the salon's kid-friendly atmosphere and skilled stylists, a concerning pattern emerges around the owner’s communication and adherence to strict timings. Let’s break down the experiences, starting with the positive buzz.

Customers consistently praise the stylists as being patient, kind, and skilled, particularly with young children. Several reviews highlight the salon's ability to make first haircuts a positive experience.

• Thick & Curly Specialists: One parent specifically calls out a stylist’s expertise with incredibly thick, curly hair, noting thoughtful advice and a reassuring demeanour. “They are always both professional & delightful - always consults directly with my daughter & offers thoughtful advice & has a reassuring demeanour. She's absolutely brilliant & I couldn't recommend more highly!”
• First Haircut Success: The salon clearly excels at easing anxieties surrounding first haircuts. A review details how a nervous 5-year-old left feeling “like a princess” and eager to return.
• Engaging Environment: The playful décor, especially the car-shaped chairs, receives frequent positive mentions, creating a fun and comfortable environment for little ones. A little one was so comfortable, he didn’t want to leave!
• Midweek Magic: A customer highlighted a midweek visit as particularly positive, experiencing a less crowded environment and a stylist who was "so kind and patient" with a reluctant 20-month-old.

These reviews suggest Candy Hair can deliver a truly delightful experience when everything aligns.

The Time Crunch: A Recurring Theme

While the stylists generally receive high marks, a significant number of reviews center on the salon's stringent timing policy and the owner's inflexible approach. This appears to be the major source of negative feedback.

Here's a breakdown of the issues:

• Strict Punctuality: Several customers report being turned away or receiving a frosty reception for being even a few minutes late, despite attempting to notify the salon.
• Disputed Timing: There are accusations of the owner inaccurately claiming lateness and justifying the refusal of service based on this discrepancy. “My appointment was at 10:15am. I was inside the salon at 10:19am. I even showed the time to the staff member".
• Lack of Flexibility: Parents express frustration at the lack of understanding given the realities of parenting – traffic, parking, and the unpredictable nature of young children.
• Relocation Complication: One customer accidentally went to the previous address but was accommodated with a rescheduled appointment after speaking to a kind staff member.

This points to a potential disconnect between the salon’s needs for efficient scheduling and the understanding required when catering to families with young children.

The Owner’s Response: Where Things Take a Turn

The most scathing reviews revolve around the owner’s responses to customer complaints, described as defensive, sarcastic, and unprofessional. This has significantly amplified negative sentiment, with customers feeling their concerns were dismissed rather than addressed.

Here's what customers are saying about the owner's interactions:

"Shocking Owner Response – Even Worse Than the Salon Experience"

• Defensiveness & Sarcasm: The owner is accused of twisting narratives, justifying strict policies without empathy, and responding with sarcasm instead of professionalism.
• “Match Your Energy” Remark: A particularly concerning quote from the owner’s response – "at times we may match your energy" – is widely criticised as unacceptable customer service.
• Attitude Over Atmosphere: Several reviewers state the owner's attitude completely overshadows the positive environment created by the staff, turning what should be a kid-friendly space into a stressful one.
• Uptight Behaviour: Some customers describe the owner as “extremely uptight about time”, immediately confronting parents upon entry and pointing out lateness.

This communication style appears to be a major deterrent for prospective customers and has led to pledges to never return.

Accessibility & Practicalities at Candy Hair

Despite the controversies, Candy Hair does offer some practical benefits and caters to a range of needs. It’s worth noting these facts when considering a visit.

Here’s a quick guide to the salon’s facilities and opening hours:

Candy Hair Opening Hours:

Address: Office 5/321 Charman Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia Phone: +61 3 9585 0855

While Candy Hair presents as a welcoming space for children’s haircuts, prospective customers should be aware of the potential for inflexibility regarding timings and the possibility of a less-than-positive interaction with the owner.