Pros 
Cons A Tale of Two Experiences: The Divisive Reality of Time Corridor Salon
Time Corridor Salon in Preston, running seven days a week with extended hours (9am-9pm daily), presents a perplexing picture to potential customers. While the salon boasts a spacious and well-maintained interior, and accepts debit and NFC mobile payments, customer reviews paint a dramatically contrasting landscape. The $18 price point for basic cuts initially seems appealing, but appears to be a major point of contention, consistently linked to diminished service quality. Some customers have experienced positive outcomes, notably one individual praising Jien, the owner and stylist, for a successful "New Yorker hair do" – a testament to his capabilities when operating at a higher price point. However, overwhelming feedback suggests a very inconsistent experience.
Here's a breakdown of observed patterns:
- Price & Service Correlation: Multiple reviews explicitly state that the quality of the haircut diminishes significantly with the $18 option. One customer highlighted that a $30 haircut yields professional results, implying Jien reserves his expertise for higher-paying clients.
- Positive Feedback (Limited): While scarce, positive reports exist. One mentions feeling “hella fresh” after a $20 haircut, noting the barber listens to directions and cares about the customer's look. Another praises the salon’s modern décor alongside the successful styling received.
- Inconsistent Pricing: Confusion around pricing is a recurring theme. Reports detail discrepancies between advertised prices, particularly regarding charges for women’s haircuts (allegedly $100) versus men’s ($18). There's a call out to alleged misleading advertising.
Hair Horror Stories: When Time Corridor Falls Short
Unfortunately, a significant number of reviews detail profoundly negative experiences at Time Corridor Salon, often revolving around poor technique and combative customer service. The most alarming reports involve substantial hair damage, particularly stemming from chemical treatments. One individual alleges Jien performed a permanent rebonding treatment instead of the requested keratin treatment, resulting in brittle, breaking hair, severe scalp irritation, and a 2/3 reduction in hair thickness. This customer spent years attempting to recover their hair and sought, albeit partially successfully, a refund.
Other, less drastic but equally concerning issues include:
- Disregard for Customer Preferences: Several customers report Jien outright refusing to follow reference photos or requests, imposing his own vision on the haircut. One review described being “practically shaved” against their wishes.
- Aggressive & Dismissive Behaviour: Numerous accounts describe Jien as rude, dismissive, and unwilling to take responsibility for errors. One customer details attempted excuses to avoid a refund for a demonstrably poor haircut.
- Unprofessional Conduct: Complaints about a lack of transparent pricing and charging based on perceived customer willingness to pay were raised. The owner's boasting and self-promotion during appointments were also noted as unsettling.
- Hairline Disappearance: Permanent damage to hairline reported with excessive use of chemicals.
Examining the Facilities and Accessibility
Time Corridor Salon markets itself as being "good for kids," which seems incongruous given the reports of a potentially abrasive and inflexible stylist. The salon currently does not offer wheelchair accessibility, a factor potential customers should consider. While the salon accepts debit and NFC mobile payments, credit card acceptance is absent.
A table summarising the available facilities:
| Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Entrance | Not Available |
| Debit Cards | Accepted |
| NFC Mobile Payments | Accepted |
| Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
| Good for Kids | Advertised |
These facilities, while functional, don't appear to be a strong selling point, particularly when weighed against the documented issues with service quality. The absence of wheelchair accessibility limits access and the payment options are standard but not comprehensive.
A Pattern of Complaints & Potential Red Flags
The recurring themes within the negative reviews raise serious concerns. From accusations of intentionally poor haircuts at the lower price point to potentially damaging chemical treatments and consistently reported rudeness, a clear pattern emerges. A customer reported being charged $100 for a purposefully botched haircut, spending an additional $50 elsewhere to correct the damage. The claims of misleading pricing and the owner’s dismissive attitude towards complaints are particularly alarming.
It's also important to note the pervasive sense of frustration and regret expressed by many reviewers, with repeated recommendations to avoid the salon entirely. One reviewer explicitly labels the experience "the worst…of my life with any hair salon." These testimonies, while anecdotal, collectively present a strong warning to prospective clients. The fact that a customer felt the need to state "BEWARE!" in their review encapsulates the overall sentiment.