Pros 
Cons A Melbourne Hair Haven: Saint Louie Hair's Consistent Charm
Saint Louie Hair, nestled on Russell Place in Melbourne, consistently earns a solid 4.6-star rating – and a deep dive into client experiences reveals why. The salon clearly cultivates a strong sense of community and prioritises a welcoming atmosphere, explicitly advertising itself as LGBTQ+ and transgender safe. Beyond inclusivity, Saint Louie demonstrates commitment to sustainability with plastic bottle recycling initiatives, and offers convenient payment options including NFC mobile payments. While a beautifully designed space, some clients note the lighting is a little dim, which can slightly alter the perception of colour results – an important note for those seeking precise shades. Importantly, appointments are highly recommended, suggesting a healthy demand for their services.
Here's a snapshot of what sets Saint Louie apart, based on customer feedback:
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures inclusivity.
- Amenities: Basic comfort with toilet facilities available.
- Values: Strong commitment to LGBTQ+ and Transgender inclusivity.
- Practicalities: Appointments are essential, reflecting popularity.
- Sustainability: Shows a commitment to recycling.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts a range of payment methods.
The Stylist Spotlight: Exceptional Talent & Personal Connections
The true strength of Saint Louie Hair appears to lie in its team of stylists. Numerous reviews highlight individual talents, creating a buzz around specific haircuts and colour transformations. Ivan consistently receives praise for finally achieving the perfect blonde colour for a client after multiple unsuccessful attempts elsewhere. Jenny and JP are lauded for years of reliably maintaining platinum blonde hair, earning them a loyal following and strong recommendations.
Morgane, the French hairdresser, is described as having 15+ years of experience, expertly understanding client needs and delivering hair that looks “many times better than before”. But beyond technical skills, stylists like Todd leaving a lasting impression—described not only as a gifted hair stylist who understands curly hair, but also as someone clients genuinely want to befriend. Mitch, the newest stylist, is already gaining notoriety, with clients receiving an overwhelming amount of compliments after a blowout – to the point of nearly triggering international travel simply to secure his services! Jade, an apprentice, receives special mention for her care and skill in colour application.
| Stylist | Speciality | Key Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Ivan | Colour (Blonde) | Perfect colour match, highly recommended. |
| Jenny/JP | Platinum Blonde Maintenance | Consistent quality, years of reliable service. |
| Morgane | Overall Hair Styling & Consultation | Experienced, skilled, creative, attentive. |
| Todd | Curly Hair | Understanding, friendly, delivers excellent results. |
| Mitch | Blowouts | Exceptional results, highly complimented. |
| Jade | Colour | Caring, skilled, consistently wonderful results. |
Transformations & Triumph: Client Hair Journeys
Saint Louie Hair isn't simply about a haircut; it’s about empowering clients and enhancing their confidence. One client described feeling "refreshed and confident" after a visit, particularly praising Jade and JP for their attentive care and friendly energy. Another client, after years of searching, finally found a stylist (Todd) who understood how to work with their natural curls, leading to a newfound love for their hair. The salon excels at understanding individual needs – one client found Morgane’s recommendations to be transformative, vastly improving their hair's appearance.
Importantly, the salon facilitates achieving replicable styles. One client specifically noted being able to recreate Todd’s styling at home, a significant win for busy individuals. Beyond the improvements to style, the positive experience offers a reprieve from the stresses of daily life, with one client noting that a conversation with Morgane over coffee eased their fatigue.
“I have been a client at Saint Louie for 18+ months and every time I consider exploring other hair salons I always find myself back in their chairs. When it comes to the customer experience, products, expertise, price and salon atmosphere - everything is a 7/5 stars!” – Long-term Saint Louie Client
Areas for Enhancement: Addressing Client Concerns
While overwhelmingly positive, feedback isn’t universally glowing. A concerning review details a deeply unsatisfactory fringe trim by JP, described as rushed, poorly executed, and ultimately damaging to the client's overall look. The lack of consultation about parting and the stylist’s dismissive response to the complaint were significant points of frustration, creating a harsh disparity between the overall salon experience and the specific service provided.
The salon needs to actively address issues regarding stylist accountability and ensure consistent quality across all services. While the team are highly praised as a whole, this incident highlights a crucial need for greater attention to detail, thorough consultations, and a more empathetic approach to resolving client concerns. Maintaining a consistently high standard of customer service is paramount to upholding Saint Louie’s reputation and ensuring all clients leave feeling valued and confident.