Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Brushes: Customer Experiences at Deja Vu Hair & Beauty
Deja Vu Hair & Beauty in Goulburn receives an overall rating of 4.1, suggesting a generally positive experience for most clients. However, a closer look at recent feedback reveals a spectrum of opinions—from resounding praise to significant disappointment. The salon, located at 200 Auburn St, offers services Tuesday to Friday (with extended hours on Thursdays until 8pm, though recent accounts contest this), and Saturday mornings. They strive to accommodate a variety of needs with wheelchair-accessible facilities, accepting card and mobile payments, and even catering to families with younger children. While often lauded for its skilled stylists and relaxing atmosphere, several customers have raised concerns about pricing transparency and service consistency.
Here’s a breakdown of what people are saying:
- Positive Mentions: Numerous clients highlight the exceptional customer service, often specifically naming stylists like Rachel and Sophie. Rachel is praised for her welcoming demeanour and exceptional head massage in a massage chair, combined with skillful cutting and helpful advice. Sophie receives commendation for being a personable and talented hairdresser. Many appreciate the personalised service for cut and colour.
- Areas for Improvement: The most consistent complaint centres around miscommunication regarding desired results. Instances of incorrect colour tones (creamy blonde requested, ash blonde delivered) and unsatisfactory makeup applications (specifically a failed attempt at a natural brown look resulting in excessive pink and uneven application) are recurring themes.
- Pricing Concerns: A noticeable complaint involved a $350 bill for a cut and foils on short hair, and particularly, the surprise $80 charge for Olaplex, presented as an exclusive salon product. Customers rightly point out that Olaplex is widely available elsewhere, leading to feelings of being overcharged.
The Ups and Downs of Colour Services
Deja Vu Hair & Beauty appears to be particularly strong in their cutting abilities, but colour services draw a more fragmented response. While some customers are thrilled with their results – routinely mentioning a great cut and colour – others report significant dissatisfaction.
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | Colour accurate to desired shade | Colour deviated significantly from request |
| Consultation | Stylist attentive to client’s vision | Stylist didn’t listen to client’s preferences |
| Product Knowledge | Stylist offered informative colour advise. | Questionable claims about product exclusivity |
| Overall Result | Vibrant, healthy-looking colour | Undesired tone, potentially damaging results |
The discrepancy suggests that colour consultations may not always be thorough enough to manage expectations. Clients are encouraged to bring visual references and clearly articulate their desired outcome, and perhaps even confirm pricing for any add-on treatments (like Olaplex) before the service begins.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: A Mixed Report
Deja Vu Hair & Beauty advertises wheelchair accessibility, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance which is positive. The salon also states it is 'good for kids'. However, one particularly distressing account details a negative experience for a 70-year-old client with a neck condition preventing her from reclining for a hair wash. The customer felt “made to feel abnormal” as the entire salon observed the discussion surrounding her limitations.
While the hairdresser was reportedly polite, the lack of sensitivity and the public nature of the discussion caused significant distress. This raises a critical point about inclusive service practices:
- Discretion is Essential: Staff should handle clients’ physical limitations with utmost discretion, avoiding drawing unnecessary attention.
- Proactive Accommodation: The salon should proactively ask about any physical concerns during the booking process or upon arrival and offer alternative solutions before the service begins.
- Training: Staff require training on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for all clients, regardless of age or physical ability.
This incident casts a shadow on the advertised accessibility features and suggests a need for improved staff sensitivity and customer care. While a positive blow-dry experience isn't always guaranteed, respect and understanding should be a baseline expectation.
Logistics and Practicalities: Knowing Before You Go
Planning a visit to Deja Vu Hair & Beauty? Here's a rundown of the logistical details, along with considerations based on customer feedback:
- Operating Hours: Officially open until 8pm on Thursdays, but reports indicate closure at 6pm—it's advisable to confirm this directly by calling +61 2 4822 4748, especially if booking a late appointment. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
- Appointment Recommendations: Deja Vu Hair & Beauty explicitly recommends booking appointments, which is a wise move given the salon’s popularity.
- Payment Options: Conveniently accepts both credit cards and NFC mobile payments.
- Makeup Caution: Based on a specific, detailed account, those seeking natural makeup looks should be extremely specific about their desired style and colour palette, potentially providing visual examples.
- Olaplex Inquiry: If Olaplex is recommended, inquire about the price before agreeing to the treatment and research its availability at other retailers to ensure fair value.
- Children Accommodation: Considered good for kids; however the experience during peak times may be crowded or less tailored to children's needs.
Overall, Deja Vu Hair & Beauty offers a range of services in a potentially welcoming environment. However, navigating these services effectively requires informed expectations and open communication.