A Mixed Bag of Experiences at Smart Cuts and Color Langwarrin
Smart Cuts and Color Langwarrin, located in The Gateway, Frankston, receives a somewhat lukewarm average rating of 3.2. Customer feedback paints a decidedly mixed picture, ranging from glowing praise for specific stylists to deeply frustrating experiences with service and results. Accessibility appears to be a positive, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance readily available, and the salon accepts modern payment methods like credit cards and NFC mobile payments. They also market themselves as good for kids, however, experiences seem to vary. Let's delve into the specifics.
The High Notes: Stylists Shining Through
Despite the overall rating, several customers specifically highlighted exceptional service and skill.
- Erin and Cindy consistently receive 5-star commendations. One customer explicitly stated they "work to the absolute capacity" and suggested management consider a well-deserved pay rise. This repeated mention suggests a strong work ethic and positive client interactions.
- Katrina also garnered praise for a recent foiling appointment. A delighted customer noted Katrina went "above and beyond," was "lovely," and delivered "absolutely beautiful" results, alongside brilliant service from both Katrina and Erin.
These individual successes demonstrate that Smart Cuts and Color can deliver excellent haircuts and coloring when clients are paired with these particular stylists. It raises the question of consistency across the entire team.
Stylist | Positive Feedback Summary |
---|---|
Erin | Exceptional work ethic, positive interactions, consistently praised. |
Cindy | Exceptional work ethic, positive interactions, consistently praised. |
Katrina | Went above and beyond, lovely personality, beautiful foiling results. |
Where Things Go Wrong: The Customer Service Concerns
Unfortunately, a significant number of reviews detail negative experiences, with customer service being a recurring theme.
- A particularly distressing account details a mother whose 8-year-old daughter waited nearly two hours only to be told the stylist couldn't complete the haircut. The customer expressed extreme disappointment and vowed to never support the business again. This type of situation strongly suggests issues with appointment management or stylist availability.
- Another customer reported a disastrous attempt at a curly perm with frosted tips, resulting in a look reminiscent of chemotherapy patients. This strongly implies a risk with complex styling requests.
- Several customers complain about incorrect haircuts and styles. One stated that a “small trim” turned into a 3-4 inch cut, while another needed to return to have a “basic ladies trim” fixed.
- A frustrated customer shared that their haircut resulted in a look that prompted a friend to mistakenly believe they were undergoing a gender transition, highlighting a significant miscommunication or skill gap.
These examples are worrying and indicate issues with listening to customer requests and executing haircuts accurately.
The Details That Matter: Facilities, Price & Cleanliness
Beyond the haircuts themselves, issues regarding the salon’s facilities and overall atmosphere arose in the reviews.
- Price vs. Value: Customers highlighted experiences of paying premium prices for subpar service. A $60 wash and blowave was described as “disappointing,” with a poorly designed washing station resulting in water running down the customer's back. The blowave itself was deemed “VERY average” and required re-styling at home.
- Salon Condition: Several reviewers described the salon as "tired" and "unclean," with damaged chairs. This suggests a lack of investment in maintaining a comfortable and professional environment.
- Payment Policy: A customer expressed dissatisfaction with the salon’s cash-only policy, deeming it "unprofessional" in today's market. This can be inconvenient for customers and potentially raise security concerns.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Wash Station: Poorly designed, leaks water.
- Salon Environment: Dated, unclean, damaged furniture.
- Payment Options: Limited to cash – potentially inconvenient and unprofessional.