Pros 
Cons A Tale of Two Experiences: The Hair Studio's Customer Feedback
The Hair Studio, located within Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, boasts a 4.3-star rating but recent customer reviews paint a decidedly mixed picture. While many praise the salon’s affordability and the skill of specific stylists, a significant number report frustrating and disappointing experiences. Located at Shop C00/26A/340 Craigieburn Rd, Craigieburn VIC 3064, and operating with convenient hours (9am-8pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-5pm Saturdays, 10am-5pm Sundays and 9am-5:30pm Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays), The Hair Studio aims to cater to a broad client base, including families with children, evidenced by feedback indicating it’s “good for kids”. However, consistency appears to be a key issue.
Here's a breakdown of the common themes emerging from customer feedback:
- Positive Mentions: Amal consistently receives glowing reviews for kindness, professionalism, and excellent results – particularly with colour treatments. Multiple customers specifically requested her by name, citing her skill and personable service as reasons for their satisfaction.
- Affordability: Several reviewers highlighted the reasonable pricing, with one noting a wash, cut and blow dry at $65 as good value.
- Accessibility: The Hair Studio scores points for accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.
- Payment Options: The salon accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
The Cutting Edge: Where Styles Go Wrong
Unfortunately, a concerning number of customers have reported subpar haircuts and a rushed, uncaring service. Several reviewers felt the stylists prioritised speed over quality.
Here are some key complaints:
- Poor Cut Quality: A recurring theme is dissatisfaction with the actual haircut. One customer specifically requested curtain bangs and a simple trim but felt the hairdresser didn’t even attempt to deliver. Another described a "sloppy cut" aimed at quickly moving onto the next client.
- Lack of Consultation/Check: Customers expressed frustration at not being shown the back of their hair to ensure satisfaction, resulting in uneven or unwanted results. “Red flags should have been when she didn't show me the back of my hair at the service,” one reviewer stated.
- Refusal to Correct: One customer reported being denied a minor adjustment to their haircut, with the stylist refusing to cut any more hair and practically forcing them to leave.
- Rough Handling: One customer noted a "very rough" brushing technique.
Payment & Presentation Issues: Areas for Improvement
Beyond the haircuts themselves, several reviews pointed to issues with the salon’s business practices and general presentation. Although the Hair Studio accepts card payments, inconsistencies in payment communication caused considerable frustration for one customer.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash-Only Surprise | A customer was informed after their haircut that only cash was accepted, requiring a trip to the bank. |
| Lack of Signage | The customer suggested a "cash only" sign should be prominently displayed. |
| Pricing Concerns | The same customer felt the $45 cash price was a "rip off" |
| Staff Behaviour | Two staff members were observed using their phones while the salon was reportedly empty. |
These issues contributed to a negative overall experience, significantly damaging the salon's reputation in the customer’s opinion.
Praised Professionals & The Importance of Consistency
Despite the negative feedback, The Hair Studio clearly has strengths, particularly in its talented staff like Amal and Maryam. Maryam has been praised for her gentle touch, especially when working with clients with skin sensitivities like eczema. This demonstrates a level of care and attention to detail that other customers lament lacking.
The salon's facilities also cater well to families with 'Good for kids' being noted as a facility, coupled with the accessible car park and entrance these are positives.
The conflicting reviews highlight a critical need for The Hair Studio to address inconsistencies in service quality. Investing in ongoing training for all stylists, implementing thorough consultation processes (including showing clients the back of their hair), and ensuring transparency regarding payment options are vital steps. While the positive experiences are encouraging, a commitment to consistent quality is essential for The Hair Studio to maintain a strong reputation and thrive in the competitive Craigieburn salon market. The salon’s phone number is +61 478 277 773 for those wishing to book appointments, as appointments are recommended.