Hair Extensions & Colour Bar: Styles, Struggles, and Successes

A Mixed Bag of Experiences at Hair Extensions & Colour Bar

Hair Extensions & Colour Bar, located in Cheltenham, VIC, presents a complex picture according to customer feedback. While some patrons rave about the impressive results, particularly with colour and extensions, a significant number of experiences point to frustrating waits, questionable practices, and unsatisfactory customer service. The business, accessible with a wheelchair-accessible car park and accepting both credit cards and mobile payments, aims to provide a full service, but consistently falls short for a frustrating portion of its clientele. The opening hours are fairly standard – 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and Saturday – with Sunday being closed. Appointments are recommended, though reports suggest even with a booking, expect potential delays.

Here's a breakdown of key themes emerging from reviews:

• Extension Issues & Damage: Several accounts detail concerning experiences with extension re-gluing. One customer recounts a particularly distressing situation where existing extensions were forcefully removed, allegedly due to poor quality (despite being purchased from a reputable supplier for around $1000), resulting in significant hair breakage and scalp burns. They were then charged $205 for the removal and a blow-wave that wasn't even fully completed, feeling they were overcharged and the damage dismissed.
• Time Management & Prioritisation: Long wait times appear to be a recurring issue. One individual waited 4.5 hours for a pre-booked appointment encompassing highlights, roots, extension re-taping, and a blow-wave, ultimately leaving in tears with glue still in their hair. Others report similarly excessive waits, with clients witnessing staff prioritising walk-ins over scheduled appointments.
• Customer Service Concerns: Multiple reviews highlight rudeness and dismissive attitudes from staff. One customer detailed a distressing experience with a brunette staff member who rudely brushed their hair and exhibited a condescending demeanour. Another felt belittled by the owner, Michael, when raising concerns about the timeframe for their appointment. Beyond poor attitudes, the salon also held onto a customer's extensions, refusing to return them without an additional fee for a service they claimed to have provided.

The Highs: Colour, Cuts & Compliments

Despite the negative reports, Hair Extensions & Colour Bar does garner positive feedback. It’s clear Michael, the business owner and stylist, has a knack for colour and extensions when things go right.

Here’s what customers appreciate:

• Exceptional Colour Results: Many express delight with their new hair colour, specifically praising Michael's skill. "Absolutely amazing!! I love my new colour and extensions ❤️ Incredible job my Michael!!" speaks to this satisfaction.
• Quality Men's Grooming: Men's cuts, particularly beard trims, receive positive mentions, with the addition of a hot towel service being a well-appreciated touch.
• Generally Professional Atmosphere: Some customers described the staff as "very professional" and "friendly," creating a comfortable salon experience.
• Confidence Boosting: Leaving "super happy and confident" appears to be a common feeling for those who have had a successful appointment.

Examining the Discrepancies: What’s Going Wrong?

The stark contrast between glowing compliments and scathing criticisms suggests a lack of consistency at Hair Extensions & Colour Bar. A potential issue lies in overbooking and difficulty managing appointments effectively. The recurring narrative of extensive waits, coupled with staff prioritising walk-ins, indicates a lack of respect for clients' time and pre-booked commitments.

Beyond scheduling, the technical issues highlighted – forceful extension removal, scalp burns, and incorrect charging – raise major concerns about the quality of service. The refusal to return purchased extensions unless an additional fee is paid is highly unprofessional and potentially illegal.

The emphasis placed on the owner, Michael, in both positive and negative reviews suggests he is a central figure. While skilled in certain areas, a need for improved staff training and better management of appointments seems vital. The selective application of attentive service, seemingly favouring some clients over others, needs to be addressed to ensure a consistently positive experience for all.

Navigating a Visit: Recommendations and Cautions

If you're considering Hair Extensions & Colour Bar, approach with realistic expectations and a degree of caution.

Here are some recommendations:

• Extreme Clarity on Services: Be extremely specific about the services you require during the consultation and confirm the estimated cost before proceeding.
• Time Buffer: Schedule your appointment with a significant time buffer, anticipating potential delays.
• Extension Condition: If you have existing extensions, clearly communicate their origin and any previous issues. Consider documenting their condition before your appointment.
• Politely Advocate: Don’t hesitate to politely but firmly advocate for yourself if you encounter issues, such as excessive wait times or unsatisfactory service.
• Review Policies: Familiarize yourself with the salon’s policies regarding damaged hair and extension returns.
• Consider Alternatives: Given the mixed reviews, explore alternative hairdressers in the Cheltenham area, especially if you have sensitive hair or require complex extension services.

It’s important to note that customer service experiences are subjective. However, the volume of consistent negative feedback regarding wait times, communication, and technical issues suggests underlying systemic problems that Hair Extensions & Colour Bar needs to address to improve its overall reputation and client satisfaction.