Pros 
Cons A Local Favourite: What Customers are Saying About John He Hair Stylist
John He Hair Stylist, located on Forest Road in Hurstville, consistently receives a solid 4.0-star rating – but what do those stars really mean? It’s clear from customer feedback that this salon is a bit of a mixed bag, offering incredible value and skill alongside some noted service issues. Many customers highlight John himself as the main draw, praising his expertise, particularly with Asian hair types. He’s built a loyal following, with some clients reporting over 15 years of consistent patronage.
Here's a breakdown of what people love:
- Exceptional Cutting Skill: Customers repeatedly mention the long-lasting quality of John’s cuts. Several reviews state cuts look better over time, lasting over six months, a testament to his technique and attention to detail.
- Unbeatable Value: At $35 for a wash, cut, re-wash and style, John He Hair Stylist offers services at a highly competitive price point. Men’s cuts are even more affordable at just $12.
- Patience & Dedication: It's repeatedly mentioned that John is patient and takes his time, showcasing a dedication to his craft. He appears to genuinely love his work.
- Kid-Friendly: The facilities are noted to be suitable for children, making it a potential option for family haircuts.
However, at this price point and reputation, it's not without its drawbacks.
The Waiting Game & Staffing Concerns
The most consistent complaint surrounding John He Hair Stylist revolves around wait times. Numerous reviewers mention lengthy waits, often attributed to being understaffed. This seems to be a common experience, with potential customers feeling ignored and overlooked.
Here’s what customers have experienced:
- Long Waits: Expect to potentially wait a significant amount of time, even during standard opening hours (9am-6pm, Friday - Sunday). Tuesday and Wednesday are closed.
- Poor Initial Service: Several complaints detail being ignored upon entering the salon, with customers waiting 15 minutes or more without acknowledgement. Some observed other customers being served immediately after arriving, raising questions about fair service.
"I walked in, no one said anything to me. I sat down, waited for 15 mins. Still no one said anything."
- Understaffed: This appears to be the core issue driving the other complaints, creating a bottleneck and impacting the overall customer experience.
Haircut Hit or Miss? Exploring the Quality Variations
While John's personal skill is widely lauded, the experience isn't uniformly positive across all haircuts at the salon. The reviews reveal a distinct disparity between the results when John himself is cutting hair and when others may be handling the service.
Let's compare:
| Aspect | When John Cuts | Other Stylists (Implied) |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent, precise, long-lasting | Uneven, potentially misaligned |
| Attention to Detail | High, considers hair texture & requests | May not fully consider customer input |
| Customer Satisfaction | Very High | Low |
| Reported Issues | None significant reported | Uneven volumes, poor alignment |
One customer experienced a "horrible haircut" with noticeable alignment and volume issues, feeling their requests were disregarded. This suggests that while John's expertise is undeniable, the quality control might vary depending on who is providing the service.
Facilities, Payments & Overall Vibe
John He Hair Stylist offers basic amenities, including a toilet, satisfying essential needs. They readily accept a range of payment methods – credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments – making transactions convenient for most customers. The salon is described as small, which likely contributes to the feeling of being crowded and the reported wait times.
Here's a quick summary of the practical aspects:
- Address: 152 Forest Rd, Hurstville NSW 2220, Australia
- Contact: +61 2 9585 0183
- Payment Options: Credit/Debit cards & NFC mobile payments.
- Amenities: Toilet available.
- Atmosphere: Described as being run by an "old couple," implying a potentially traditional and perhaps cosy, but limited, space.
- Overall Impression: A no-frills salon focused on providing affordable and skilled haircuts, particularly for Asian hair, despite potential service and space limitations. Many describe John as "very nice" and that his colleagues are also "nice and friendly".