Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Experiences: Diving into Escape Hair & Aesthetics' Reputation
Escape Hair & Aesthetics, nestled on King Street in Newtown, boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating, promising a haven for hair transformations. However, a closer look at client feedback reveals a fascinating duality – a salon celebrated for its vibrant creativity and skilled stylists, yet occasionally marred by inconsistencies in service and communication. The salon clearly caters to a diverse clientele, openly advertising as LGBTQ+ friendly and offering wheelchair accessibility, making it a welcoming space for many. Appointments are definitely recommended, a testament to its popularity, and they readily accept various payment methods including credit/debit cards and mobile payments.
The core of Escape’s appeal seems to lie in its ability to deliver stunning, particularly vibrant, colour work. Multiple reviewers rave about Alex, a stylist who repeatedly appears in positive feedback. Patrons highlight his expertise in achieving eye-catching results, even without extensive bleaching. A customer triumphantly stated their hair felt "super colourful even without bleach" and felt "much healthier with my dead ends off!" Another praised his skill, declaring him an "absolute legend and one of the best stylists" they'd encountered, consistently leaving them “absolutely thrilled.” This recurring praise suggests a genuine talent for colour and a dedication to hair health. The salon also demonstrates versatility, successfully working with straight, curly, long, short, dyed, and bleached hair. Furthermore, their pricing is regularly lauded for being “well priced” and even offering “cheap” trims and touch-ups, establishing loyalty among repeat customers.
The Colourful Highs: What Clients are Loving
The consistent theme throughout much of the positive feedback centres on Escape Hair & Aesthetics’ ability to deliver on colour transformations. Here’s a breakdown of what clients are specifically praising:
- Vibrant Results: Numerous clients mention achieving bright, bold colours they love, often exceeding expectations, particularly with pink hues.
- Expertise with Colour Techniques: Alex specifically receives recognition for his knowledge and experience in achieving desired colours while maintaining hair health.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Clients repeatedly mention feeling "welcome and comfortable" and appreciating the "friendly service" from the team.
- Patience and Collaboration: Several reviews mention stylists being patient and willing to collaborate, working to understand and achieve the client’s vision. One client explicitly noted the team were "extremely patient" and "good with me when I tried to explain what I wanted."
- Affordability: The salon's pricing earns consistent praise, with many finding it "reasonable" and "cheap" for the quality of service.
| Service | Positive Mentions |
|---|---|
| Colour (Pink) | 5+ |
| Haircuts | 3+ |
| Bleaching | 2+ |
| General Styling | 4+ |
| Customer Service | 6+ |
A Shade of Disappointment: Where Escape Falls Short
Despite the glowing reviews, a significant number of customers have experienced issues that detract from the overall experience. Several reviews point to inconsistent service, particularly relating to communication and attention to detail. The most common complaint revolves around requests not being fully met – a client specifically requested a "light baby pink" and received "electric pink", expressing disappointment despite attempting to avoid being "picky or rude".
However, a more concerning pattern emerges around the conduct of Alex. Two reviews detail instances where he appeared dismissive and rushed. One customer recounted an experience where Alex laughed and abruptly cut their sideburns diagonally after being asked to tidy them, leaving the client feeling “extremely uncomfortable”. Another reviewer reported similar frustrations with hairline trimming, remarking he seemed to “just want to get rid of you” even when the salon was quiet. These accounts suggest a potential lack of attentiveness and a disregard for client comfort – issues that significantly impact the experience, even amidst positive technical skill. The lack of Wi-Fi, despite the salon’s modern appeal, is another minor, but potentially relevant, omission.
Navigating the Experience: Key Considerations for Potential Clients
Escape Hair & Aesthetics presents a compelling, if somewhat inconsistent, option for those seeking a vibrant and potentially innovative hair experience. To ensure a positive outcome, several considerations are worth bearing in mind:
- Be Specific: Clients should bring clear visual references (photos) and be extremely specific about their desired colour and style to minimize misunderstandings.
- Communicate Concisely: Given potential communication issues, articulate your expectations clearly and don't hesitate to reiterate requests if necessary.
- Consider a Consultation: A thorough consultation prior to the appointment could help clarify expectations and address any concerns.
- Be Prepared to Advocate For Yourself: If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service, don’t hesitate to politely but firmly voice your concerns.
- Check Availability: Booking in advance is essential, given the salon’s popularity, especially on weekends (Saturday 9am-6pm) and evenings (Thursday and Wednesday 11am-9pm). Remember the salon is closed Monday and Sunday.
- Prioritise Comfort: if you feel uncomfortable during your service, you are entirely within your rights to speak up.
Escape Hair & Aesthetics is clearly a salon with a strong artistic core, but prospective clients should approach with informed expectations, ready to actively participate in the process and advocate for their satisfaction.