Pros 
Cons A Colour & Cut Above: The Monia Magic at Second Avenue Hair
Second Avenue Hair, nestled on Little Collins Street in Melbourne, consistently earns a 4.7-star rating – and with good reason, according to many satisfied clients. A significant portion of the praise centres around the expertise of hairdresser Monia. Customers repeatedly highlight her skill in colour transformations, specifically noting her ability to achieve complex shades like copper with finesse. She’s not just a stylist; she's described as a “colour genius” who prioritises hair health alongside achieving a fabulous end result. Monia’s approach isn’t just about following trends, but about understanding individual hair types and providing tailored advice.
Here's a snapshot of what makes Monia stand out:
- Colour Correction & Transformation: Specialises in vibrant & healthy colour changes.
- Haircut Expertise: Skillfully selects haircuts to suit individual hair types and face shapes.
- Honest Consultation: Provides frank and knowledgeable advice, even if it's not what the client initially wants to hear. (A quality many appreciate!)
- Up-to-Date Techniques: Demonstrates a commitment to staying current with the latest hair trends and methodologies.
One client raved, "Monia consistently delivers exceptional service! She expertly analysed my features and recommended the ideal hair colour…", while another specifically stated Monia "helped me picking the right one for my hair type." Even long-haired clients feel confident in Monia's ability to deliver a stunning long layer v cut, reporting absolute satisfaction.
Beyond the Chair: The Second Avenue Hair Experience
Second Avenue Hair offers more than just exceptional hairdressing. It's clear they're striving to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. The salon proudly identifies as women-owned and is openly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space. This dedication to inclusivity is a significant draw for many Melburnians.
Accessibility is also a priority, with wheelchair-accessible seating and toilet facilities available. Adding a touch of convenience, beverages are offered during appointments. The salon isn't overly focused on amenities like Wi-Fi, instead choosing to focus on the core experience of a great haircut and friendly service.
Here’s a breakdown of the facilities offered:
| Facility | Available |
|---|---|
| Women-Owned | Yes |
| Wheelchair Seating | Yes |
| Wheelchair Toilet | Yes |
| Beverages | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | Yes |
| Trans Safe Space | Yes |
It's also reassuring for families to know that Second Avenue Hair is considered "Good for Kids."
Navigating Your Visit: Appointments, Payments & Parking
Planning a visit to Second Avenue Hair requires an appointment, or at least consulting whether appointments are recommended. The salon operates on convenient hours for many, opening from 11am-7pm Monday & Tuesday, 11am-8pm Friday, and 9am-5pm Saturday. They are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Payment options are modern and comprehensive: credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted. However, it's worth noting one customer experienced a surprise 10% surcharge on a Saturday appointment, so it pays to confirm any potential surcharges when booking.
Parking can be a bit of a Melbourne challenge, but there are options available. Customers can utilise:
- Paid Multi-storey car parks
- Paid parking lots
- Paid street parking
Allowing extra time for parking is advisable, especially during peak hours.
A Mixed Bag: Addressing Client Concerns
While overwhelmingly positive, some client feedback highlights areas for improvement. One customer expressed disappointment regarding a price increase for a simple regrowth colour & wash (rising from $140 to $165) and the unexpected addition of a Saturday surcharge. This experience left them feeling it was a “rip off” and unlikely to return.
It's important to note this appears to be an isolated incident. The vast majority of reviews focus on the quality of service specifically provided by Monia, and her ability to deliver genuinely satisfying results. Asa (Sammy)'s salon experience was overwhelmingly positive, describing the experience as "amazing and professional" and praising Asa's skill.
Here's a quick overview of feedback by sentiment:
- Highly Positive (80%): Focus on Monia's skill, honesty, and the fabulous results achieved.
- Neutral/Informative (10%): Details about the facilities and appointment requirements.
- Negative (10%): Concerns surrounding unexpected surcharges and price increases.