Pros 
Cons A Tale of Two Experiences: Price vs. Precision at 88 Hair Salon
88 Hair Salon, located at 1A Diment Way in Hurstville, presents a curious case. With a 3.7 rating, customer experiences seem heavily polarised. Many are drawn to the salon’s incredibly affordable prices – particularly the $10 Wednesday male cuts and the generally reasonable pricing – and its convenient location near the Hurstville train station. Several reviewers explicitly praise the speed of service and the friendly demeanour of the staff. It clearly appeals to those seeking a quick, budget-friendly trim.
However, the low cost appears to come with potential compromises. A recurring theme in the negative reviews revolves around communication difficulties, particularly for English speakers. One customer stated they “cannot speak English,” while another highlighted the benefits for Mandarin speakers, where communication flows seamlessly. This suggests a potential language barrier significantly impacting the quality of service for some clientele. Here's a breakdown of what customers are saying:
- Pros: Affordable pricing (especially Wednesdays for men), Convenient location, Fast service, Friendly staff (for some).
- Cons: Potential language barrier, Basic cutting skills, Communication issues, Crowded environment.
The Good, The Smooth, and the Affordable
For some, 88 Hair Salon delivers exactly what it promises: a serviceable haircut at a great price. Multiple reviewers rave about the positive outcomes they've experienced. One customer specifically praised the treatment of severely damaged hair, where an oil treatment transformed dry, tangled hair into something “smooth 🥰!!!!”. This highlights a potential strength in addressing hair health, particularly appealing to those with specific needs.
Another customer states they “always go there” due to the price, convenience, and skilled “sharp crew cuts”. A reviewer willing to travel an hour illustrates the value placed on achieving “perfect hair” despite the distance, undoubtedly linked to the affordable pricing. Furthermore, the $11 weekday male cut is repeatedly mentioned as a significant draw.
| Service | Price (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Male Cut (Wednesday) | $10 | Highly Recommended, fast turnaround |
| Male Cut (Weekday) | $11 | Affordable option |
| Hair Treatment | Varies | Praised for repairing damaged hair |
Where Things Go Wrong: Tales of Haircut Trauma
Unfortunately, a significant number of reviews detail profoundly negative experiences at 88 Hair Salon. The most alarming reports describe disastrous haircuts, with customers feeling that their requests were completely disregarded. One particularly distressing account details a customer growing their hair after cancer treatment who had a substantial portion cut off despite requesting a small trim, leading to significant emotional distress.
Beyond the haircuts themselves, the behaviour of staff – particularly one male stylist – is repeatedly criticised. Complaints range from rudeness and lack of manners to accusations of a lack of skill and a dismissive attitude when mistakes are made. One reviewer reports the stylist blamed the shape of their head after a botched haircut. The insistence on cash-only payments, coupled with a dismissive response to a dropped Opal card, also raises concerns about customer service. As one disgruntled patron put it, "Worst experience Ever...Don't have manners and even doesn't know how to talk."
Hygiene, Crowding and Critical Communication Breakdowns
Several reviewers highlight issues with the salon's overall environment. Concerns include a feeling of uncleanliness and being overwhelmingly crowded. This indicates potential discomfort during the service and raises questions about hygiene practices.
The recurring issue of miscommunication frequently surfaces, not just in the language barrier context. Even when requests were understood, they were, according to some, blatantly ignored. A customer reporting their fringe being shaved off entirely when they requested a 3/4 length cut serves as a direct example. The result is a pervasive sense of frustration and disappointment, with some customers strongly advising others to avoid the salon altogether.
“Miscommunication in these sensitive things is worse.” - A sentiment echoed by multiple reviewers regarding haircut requests.