Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Styles: Decoding Imely Creative Salon & WHS Reviews
Imely Creative Salon & WHS in Springvale, VIC, presents a decidedly mixed bag of customer experiences. With a 3.5-star rating, it’s clear that while some patrons leave delighted, others have faced significant disappointments. Located at 35B Buckingham Ave, Imely caters to a wide range of beauty needs and operates seven days a week (9 am - 6 pm daily). While accessibility includes wheelchair-accessible parking, payment options are somewhat limited, accepting debit cards and NFC mobile payments but not credit cards. Let's delve into the recurring themes within the reviews.
Here's a breakdown of common points:
- Hair Cutting - A Highlight: A consistent positive revolves around the work of stylist Johno, frequently praised for meticulous blending and consistently skillful cuts. Many reviewers specifically recommend him, and have recommended his work to friends and family. The standard price for a styled cut is $20.
- Colouring Concerns: Several customers reported significant issues with hair colouring services. Complaints centre around uneven colour application, failure to match the desired shade, and – most seriously – hair damage. One customer experienced problems which were only partially addressed, with the salon offering to fix only the uneven portions, rather than correcting the entire head.
- Price Discrepancies: Transparency in pricing appears to be a recurring problem. A customer was quoted $40 for a wash and cut but charged $70 upon completion, with no prior warning of the additional cost.
- Hygiene & Professionalism: Disturbingly, some reviews detail unacceptable hygiene practices and a lack of professionalism. Tales include a stylist consuming snacks while working, burping on a client, and generally maintaining unsanitary conditions.
The Colouring Controversy: A Deep Dive into Client Concerns
The most alarmingly frequent complaints at Imely Creative Salon & WHS revolve around the hair colouring services. It's clear this is an area where significant improvements are urgently needed. Several reviewers describe experiencing severely uneven colour, requiring correction at another salon.
Here, we examine the details of the reported issues:
| Issue | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Application | Colour not consistently applied across the hair. | Moderate-High |
| Incorrect Shade | Colour drastically different from the client’s request. | Moderate-High |
| Hair Damage | Chemical damage leading to dryness & breakage. | Critical |
| Lack of Apology/Remedy | Salon owner shown as dismissive of complaints | High |
One particularly troubling account details a stylist applying chemical perm-straightening solution directly to the scalp, resulting in burns and redness. This raises serious concerns about the stylists' training and safety protocols.
Beyond Hair: Examining Service & Atmosphere
While hair services are the focal point of most reviews, other aspects of the Imely Creative Salon & WHS experience deserve attention. The atmosphere, as reported, seems inconsistent, swinging between acceptable and deeply unprofessional.
- Rushed Service: Multiple reviewers reported feeling rushed, with hairdressers appearing pressured by the salon owner (communication observed in Khmer between owner and stylist). This reportedly led to a choppy, uneven haircut for one customer.
- Communication Breakdown: A client requested a specific low fade haircut with defined lengths, but the stylist disregarded their instructions and proceeded with their own interpretation, leading to dissatisfaction.
- Unexpected Costs: As mentioned previously, the unexpected price increase for a wash and cut left one customer feeling deceived. A comparable haircut elsewhere was available for a significantly lower price ($35 vs $70).
- Positive Experiences: A customer, hesitant after reading negative reviews, enjoyed a 5-star experience, praising the care taken with damaged hair and the selection of a manageable colour toner. This illustrates a clear inconsistency in service quality.
A Salon Divided: Consistency and Trust
Despite some positive feedback, Imely Creative Salon & WHS appears greatly segmented in the quality of service clients receive. While Johno consistently receives high praise, other stylists seem to fall short of expectations. The wide range of experiences – from exceptional care to blatant unprofessionalism and potential safety hazards – raises serious questions about quality control, training, and the overall salon culture.
A quick comparison to a nearby salon, Hollywood Hair Salon (charging $35 for a comparable cut), highlights a significant price/quality disparity. With experiences ranging from “absolutely disappointing” and “do not waste your money” to rave reviews, potential clients are strongly advised to carefully consider the risks before booking an appointment, and if possible, specifically request Johno for hair cutting services. It is also crucial to clarify pricing before any services are commenced.