Pros 
Cons A Buzz About Town: What Customers are Saying About Little Rebel Barbershop
Little Rebel Barbershop in Preston has quickly gained a reputation, boasting an impressive 4.8-star rating. But what are people actually saying about their experiences? It’s clear from a scan of recent reviews that the experience is often fantastic, but not always without its hiccups. The shop openly identifies as women-owned and actively fosters an inclusive environment, advertising itself as LGBTQ+ and transgender safe, a major draw for many. Facilities include wheelchair accessibility (parking & entrance), gender-neutral toilets and plastic bottle recycling, contributing to a modern and considerate approach. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted, reflecting a flexible booking policy. It appears many customers, like one who’s been a regular for almost two years, attest to consistently excellent results, specifically highlighting success with curly hair – a notoriously difficult cut to master.
Here’s a snapshot of the positives:
- Exceptional Curly Hair Cuts: Maxx receives consistent praise for his skill with curly hair, restoring confidence in clients who have previously had bad experiences.
- Welcoming & Inclusive Atmosphere: The LGBTQ+ and transgender safe space messaging resonates with customers, providing a comfortable environment.
- Positive Vibe & Friendly Staff: Julia and Prince are specifically mentioned for their friendly demeanor and excellent cuts.
- Neurodivergent-Friendly: One reviewer highlighted Prince's patience and understanding, creating a relaxed experience for a neurodivergent client, which is a rare and valuable quality in a hairdressing context.
- Convenience for Women with Short Hair: The barbershop caters to women seeking barber-style cuts, filling a niche often overlooked by traditional hairdressers.
- Adorable Pup: The presence of Dave the dog adds to the shop's charm.
The Ups and Downs of a Trim: Detailed Experiences
Despite the overall high rating, some customers have unfortunately experienced less-than-stellar service at Little Rebel Barbershop. A common thread in negative reviews revolves around a perceived lack of communication and attention to detail during the haircut itself. One customer paid $100 for a cut where their preferences were disregarded, resulting in a replication of a disliked previous style and a stylist who seemed impatient with requests for minor adjustments. Another reported a "worst fade ever”, needing corrective work from another barber due to poor blending.
Here’s a breakdown of specific complaints:
| Issue | Details | Resolution Attempted | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor Communication | Stylist didn’t ask about preferences; replicated unwanted previous style. | None | Unresolved |
| Poor Fading | Blending was poorly executed, requiring a second barber for correction. | None | Unresolved |
| Uneven Fringe | Fringe was cut extremely jagged and uneven, significantly shorter in sections. | Refund offered | Pending |
| Lack of Expertise | Hairdresser lacked the qualifications for a “Long Hair” haircut. | Encouragement to re-book | Unresolved |
Furthermore, one new resident of Melbourne reported an uncomfortable experience after being turned away for a walk-in service, noting a lack of clear signage about the appointment-only policy and finding the subsequent laughter from staff unsettling, especially as a queer individual.
The Refund Saga: A Frustrating Delay
One particularly troubling issue repeatedly mentioned is the delay in processing refunds. A customer who received a disastrous fringe cut – described as an "extremely jagged, uneven mess" – was offered a full refund by the owner. However, over three weeks later, the refund remained unpaid. Despite follow-up inquiries and assurances from the salon, the money hadn't appeared in her account. She’d been told to “keep waiting a few days” on multiple occasions, and requests for investigation into potential issues with the transaction were met with vague promises to "check". This ongoing issue highlights a significant problem with their customer service procedures and impacts trust and credibility. This prolonged delay is not only financially inconvenient but also adds further stress to an already negative experience.
Navigating a Visit to Little Rebel Barbershop: Practical Considerations
Planning a visit to Little Rebel Barbershop requires a little forethought. Appointments are highly recommended – and it’s clear from the reviews that adhering to this is important. While walk-ins are accepted, you risk being turned away, particularly during busy periods. The shop is open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, closing on Mondays and Sundays. Their operating hours extend to 7pm on weekdays and Saturdays, offering flexibility for after-work appointments. Street parking is available, and the shop is located at 141 Plenty Rd, Preston, VIC 3072. Customers with accessibility needs will find wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, though, unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet isn’t currently available. Little Rebel also caters to children, making it a convenient option for family haircuts. Contacting the barbershop directly can be done via their phone number: +61 491 161 282.