Pros 
Cons A Wave of Positivity: Harbour Hair Design's Shining Moments
Harbour Hair Design, located on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour, generally enjoys a solid 4.0-star rating, and a quick look at customer feedback reveals why. Many clients consistently praise the salon’s friendly atmosphere and skilled stylists. Avalon, in particular, receives glowing reviews for her exceptional cut, colour, and blow-dry services, alongside her attentive customer care. One delighted customer even wished they lived in Coffs Harbour just to be able to frequent the salon!
Here's a snapshot of what customers are loving:
- Colour Expertise: Harbour Hair Design is repeatedly highlighted as having expert colourists, with perfect colour matching cited as a major drawcard, even for frequent root touch-ups (every 5 weeks for one regular!).
- Welcoming Environment: A recurring theme is the salon’s ability to make clients feel comfortable and valued – crucial, especially for special occasion appointments like wedding trials. Allison is specifically mentioned for creating a calming and welcoming experience.
- Blow-Dry Brilliance: This salon seems to excel at creating voluminous, bouncy blow-dries, with one customer proclaiming it “the best blow dry” they’ve ever had.
- Staff Kindness: The staff overall are consistently described as ‘lovely’ and ‘attentive’, truly listening to client requests and ensuring they leave feeling good. Christine is name dropped for being a “wonder”.
- Accessibility: Demonstrating inclusivity, Harbour Hair Design makes an effort to accommodate all, providing a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. They also actively welcome families, being described as "good for kids".
The Chris Factor: A Point of Contention
While Harbour Hair Design receives considerable praise, a significant portion of feedback centres around a less positive experience with Chris, the salon owner. Several customers have voiced their dissatisfaction with the length of his appointments and perceived lack of consideration for their time.
The core complaint consistently revolves around significant delays despite the salon being relatively empty. One customer detailed waiting 25 minutes with a four-year-old after being told the wait would be only five, while Chris was observed chatting on the phone.
Here's a breakdown of concerns:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Appointment Length | Appointements with Chris frequently exceed an hour, even for simple cuts. |
| Time Management | Reports of excessive wait times despite few or no other customers. |
| Prioritisation | Perception that personal calls take precedence over client appointments. |
| Customer Respect | A sense of feeling undervalued due to lengthy waits and perceived disinterest. |
The complainant specifically stated that the issue isn't about the cost (they were even offered a free haircut) but the principle of respecting customers' time and treating them with consideration. The core issue seems to be a perceived disconnect between the expected standard of service from the owner, and the reality experienced by some clients.
Practicalities & Provisions: What to Expect at Harbour Hair Design
Beyond the service experience, Harbour Hair Design offers several practical conveniences. Appointments are recommended, ensuring you won’t miss out on securing a slot with your preferred stylist. They are conveniently open six days a week, with extended hours until 7 pm on Thursdays, and accommodating opening times from 9 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Tuesday, whilst being closed on Sundays.
Here’s a closer look at their facilities and payment options:
- Facilities: Wheelchair accessibility is a key feature, with both a dedicated car park space and accessible entrance. The salon also has toilet facilities available.
- Payments: Harbour Hair Design offers modern payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments—ensuring flexible purchasing options for clients.
- Family Friendly: Harbour Hair Design welcomes families, explicitly stating they are 'good for kids'.
Mixed Experiences: A Reflection on Service Consistency
The feedback surrounding Harbour Hair Design presents a somewhat dichotomous picture. The majority of reviews highlight positive experiences, praising the skill of the stylists (especially Avalon and Allison), the welcoming atmosphere, and the overall quality of services like colouring and blow-drying. Services are described as reasonably priced, and the salon definitely caters to special events such as weddings.
However, the repeated complaints concerning Chris's service—specifically regarding appointment times and customer service – are noteworthy. While one customer had a positive experience with Chris directly, the recurring negative feedback suggests a potential inconsistency in service delivery within the salon. It highlights the importance of consistent service standards, particularly when an owner's actions are perceived to set the tone for the entire business.