Pros 
Cons A Salon of Contrasts: Exploring the Customer Experience at Cuts N All
Cuts N All, located on Nepean Hwy in Cheltenham, presents a rather mixed bag according to customer feedback. While boasting convenient facilities like wheelchair accessibility and modern payment options (including NFC mobile payments), and being deemed ‘good for kids’, the salon's reputation is significantly impacted by experiences revolving around specific stylists, particularly Michael. Many customers highlight a disparity in service quality, praising the work of stylists like Kaitlynd and the ‘girls’ who work there, while simultaneously expressing serious concerns regarding Michael’s professionalism and skills.
Here’s a breakdown of the recurring themes:
- Positive Experiences: Numerous clients report consistently positive results with certain stylists, noting beautiful cuts, friendly service, and a generally pleasant atmosphere. Kaitlynd, in particular, receives frequent praise for consistently delivering excellent results. Some customers even describe Michael as "one of the best hairdressers in Melbourne", appreciating his natural-looking results and careful approach.
- Concerning Trends: A significant number of reviews detail negative encounters with Michael, citing rudeness, yelling at clients regarding previous hair treatments, and a lack of care when performing services. Several reports mention burnt scalps from wet hair straightening and uneven cuts.
- Pricing and Transparency Issues: A consistent complaint regards unclear pricing. Customers report discrepancies between displayed prices and the final bill, as well as being charged significantly more without prior quotes. One client was charged a staggering $1,412 for colour and half a head of extensions, a sum they felt was excessive given their hair length and condition.
- Operational Concerns: Several comments mention a lack of a working computer system long enough to make a booking, leading to extended wait times for other clients. A single staff member managing appointments and services on a busy day appears to be a recurring issue.
The Michael Factor: A Polarising Presence
The name ‘Michael’ appears repeatedly in Cuts N All’s reviews, and overwhelmingly, the sentiment is negative. Multiple reviewers explicitly advise avoiding him. The accusations range from poor technical skill – including badly applied colour with visible leaks and uneven cuts – to unprofessional behaviour.
Here’s a more detailed look at the concerns:
| Issue | Details from Reviews |
|---|---|
| Skill/Quality | Foils leaking, patchy colour, badly cut hair, significant length removed unnecessarily (reported as a tactic to facilitate bleaching), burnt scalp. |
| Professionalism | Rude and verbally aggressive towards clients (especially those who have previously altered their hair elsewhere), dismissive of concerns, argumentative. |
| Pricing Practices | Unquoted prices, charges exceeding advertised rates, alleged cash-only requests (implying potential tax evasion or underreporting of income). |
| Client Care | Performing straightening on wet hair despite causing pain, ignoring client dissatisfaction, offering unsolicited home services, "telling off" clients for home dyes. |
One review highlights that Michael allegedly told a client they needed half their hair cut off to achieve a colour change, which many consider an extreme and unnecessary measure. This pattern of behaviour leads many to question his qualifications and ethical practices.
Colour Concerns & Financial Discomfort
Beyond the issues with individual stylists, a recurring theme revolves around unsatisfactory colour results and financial anxieties. Several clients were dissatisfied with the quality of their colour service, specifically mentioning patchy applications and uneven tones. This is especially troubling given the potentially high cost involved, as illustrated by the $1,412 charge.
The lack of transparency around pricing is a major source of frustration. The absence of upfront quotes, coupled with discrepancies between advertised prices and final bills, leaves clients feeling exploited and distrustful. The incident where a stylist increased the price on repeat visits, without explanation, further exacerbates these concerns.
Here's a breakdown of some additional price-related concerns:
- A client was charged $95 for a haircut described as "terrible" and deviating significantly from their requested style.
- Increased pricing for the same service across multiple visits without justification.
- The concerning suggestion from one stylist to continue appointments at their home salon – a potential breach of professional standards and a potential safety risk.
Accessibility & Family Friendliness: Bright Spots Amidst Criticism
Despite the considerable number of negative reviews focusing on specific service quality and business practices, Cuts N All does appear to excel in a few key areas. The salon’s accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, are consistently praised. This makes it a more inclusive option for clients with mobility issues.
Furthermore, the salon is marketed as "good for kids," which aligns with observations by some customers who describe it as accommodating to families. While there aren’t many detailed reviews specifically addressing this aspect, the presence of these features suggests a deliberate attempt to cater to a broader clientele.
Here's a quick comparison of services:
- Accessibility: Excellent – wheelchair-accessible facilities are a clear strength.
- Family Friendliness: Positive – generally considered a suitable environment for children, though more detailed feedback is lacking.
- Payment Options: Convenient – accepts credit cards and NFC mobile payments.
- Overall Service: Highly Variable – dependent on which stylist you are assigned, with significant risks associated with requesting Michael.
These positive aspects underscore the salon’s potential, but they are overshadowed by the recurring issues of inconsistent service quality and questionable business practices.