Pros 
Cons A Wave of Positivity: What Customers Love About Zest Hairstylists
Zest Hairstylists, located at 9 Fraser St in Shepparton, VIC, currently holds a solid 4.2-star rating – and diving into the customer feedback reveals why. A common thread throughout the praise is the salon’s incredibly friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Repeatedly, reviewers highlight the staff's dedication to creating a memorable experience.
Here's a breakdown of the consistently mentioned positives:
- Exceptional Customer Service: Phrases like "very friendly and lovely!" and "welcoming staff" appear multiple times. It's clear Zest prioritises building rapport with clients.
- Skillful Stylists: Specific stylists, like Tegan, receive shout-outs for fantastic work – particularly colour and foiling techniques. One client specifically praised Tegan for successfully modernising an “old school” look, achieving a “new blended” foil effect.
- Loyalty & Longevity: Many customers are long-term, with one declaring loyalty of “more than 10 years plus." This points to consistent quality and a reliable service. The retention of staff through apprenticeships signifies a positive work environment that translates into experienced stylists.
- Relaxing Experience: The head massage during the hair wash is a particular highlight for newcomers, elevating the salon visit beyond a simple haircut.
- Listening & Collaboration: New clients appreciate that Zest listens to their needs and offers helpful suggestions, ensuring they leave with exactly what they envisioned.
Essentially, Zest Hairstylists appears to foster a supportive and skilled environment where clients feel heard, valued, and ultimately, satisfied with their hair.
Navigating the New Look: Ownership & Facility Updates
Recent reviews acknowledge a transition at Zest Hairstylists. The business has changed hands and undergone a refresh under new management. The feedback surrounding these changes is overwhelmingly positive.
The salon itself is described as “spacious and well presented”, situated conveniently in the centre of Shepparton. This upgrade enhances the overall client experience, providing a more comfortable and modern setting.
Zest Hairstylists also showcases a commitment to accessibility, a valuable feature for a diverse clientele:
| Feature | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair car park | ✓ |
| Wheelchair entrance | ✓ |
| Wheelchair toilet | ✓ |
Beyond accessibility, the salon features standard amenities like a toilet and operates on an appointment-recommended basis. Modern payment options including credit cards and NFC mobile payments add convenience. This focus on practical details demonstrates a client-centric approach.
The Family Affair: Building a Reputation in Shepparton
A striking theme emerging from the reviews is the tendency for clients to bring their entire families to Zest Hairstylists.
This isn't a coincidence. Customers repeatedly use words like “professional” and “friendly” to describe the salon’s team – Rachel Wilson, Storm, and Hannah are specifically mentioned for their consistently high standards.
This builds trust and confidence, leading to referrals and long-term loyalty. One reviewer shared that, after over a year of positive experiences, their “entire family go to the same place now”. This speaks volumes about the salon's ability to cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, creating a community around their services.
It demonstrates that Zest Hairstylists isn’t merely providing hair services; it’s building relationships within the Shepparton community.
Addressing Concerns: A Critical Perspective
While overwhelmingly positive, it's important to acknowledge the negative feedback. One reviewer had a significantly disappointing experience, describing the salon as “ridiculously bad”.
The complainant detailed an issue with stylists lacking the skill to execute the desired hairstyle, compounded by the owner refusing to attempt the style due to the perceived lack of expertise. This individual felt their hair looked worse after the visit and criticised the overall service as a waste of money.
It's crucial to note this is an isolated complaint in a sea of positive reviews. However, it underscores a potential vulnerability: the risk of unskilled staff attempting haircuts beyond their capabilities and a lack of willingness to accommodate client requests when skill limitations are present.
It is worth noting that Zest Hairstylists does appear to have new management and staff since the time of this review (July 2023). This could indicate steps have been taken to address these issues through training, staff development, or a more transparent approach to service limitations.