Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Experiences: Decoding Phuong Le's Hair Springvale Reviews
Phuong Le's Hair Springvale, boasting a 4.0 rating, presents a fascinating dichotomy in customer feedback. Situated at Shop 7/15 Windsor Ave, Springvale VIC 3171, this salon appears to offer a wide range of services – from colour to cuts – alongside commendable accessibility features like wheelchair access and assistive hearing loops. It proudly identifies as women-owned and actively welcomes the LGBTQ+ community, creating a potentially inclusive environment. However, a deeper dive into reviews reveals a palpable inconsistency in service quality, swinging from glowing praise to deeply concerning complaints.
It’s clear attention to detail is a strength when Phuong Le's Hair Springvale gets it right. One customer, originally from the Philippines and possessing thick, black hair, specifically highlighted the salon's ability to deliver their desired result. This speaks to a level of skill and patience often missing in fast-paced hair salons. Another visitor praised Ms. Phuong and Ms. My, citing a "great vibe," "friendly, helpful staff," and “quality service,” noting the reasonable pricing. Lucy also receives individual commendation for excellent colour work. These experiences paint a picture of a salon capable of delivering beautiful results and fostering positive client relationships. Furthermore, the provision of parking (free multi-storey, free lot, on-site, and paid options) and accepting various payment methods suggests convenient accessibility for a broad customer base.
| Positive Aspects Frequently Mentioned | Details |
|---|---|
| Skilled Colourists | Particularly noted for handling challenging hair types (thick, black) |
| Friendly Staff | Ms. Phuong, Ms. My, and Lucy specifically praised |
| Reasonable Pricing | Often mentioned in positive reviews |
| Accessible Location & Amenities | Wheelchair access, parking options, diverse payment methods |
| Inclusive Environment | LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space |
The Shadow Side: Reports of Damaged Hair and Scalp Burns
Unfortunately, the positive experiences are starkly contrasted by a series of alarming reports detailing serious issues with hair colour services. Several reviewers recount cases of severely damaged hair, scalp burns, and uneven colour application. One customer described a "terrible" experience, detailing a badly burnt scalp and a patchy colour result achieved after paying $250. Another claimed a “0 star” experience, alleging their hair became a “mess” with uneven colour, ranging from grey to blonde and back again, and that the owner dismissed their concerns, suggesting silver shampoo as a solution – a remedy which proved ineffective.
The most disturbing accounts detail aggressive dye application causing severe chemical burns and lasting skin staining. One reviewer reported dye dripping onto their face and ears during the process, with the stylist ignoring requests to wipe it off. This resulted in prolonged skin irritation, dryness, and even a diagnosis from a dermatologist confirming dye penetration into the skin layers, necessitating further and costly treatments. This customer advises others to avoid the salon altogether, citing unprofessional technique and poor products. The intensity of these claims raises serious concerns about the salon's safety protocols and the expertise of the stylists involved in colour treatments.
Beyond Colour: Concerns Regarding Cuts and Professionalism
The problems at Phuong Le’s Hair Springvale aren’t exclusive to colour services. Complaints regarding haircuts also surface. One customer described a “terrible haircut” and cited unprofessional behaviour, specifically referencing a stylist taking loud phone calls during the service and scratching their scalp with long nails during washing. This suggests a lack of attention to client comfort and basic professional etiquette.
Another customer expressed disappointment with their highlights, stating the colour faded after just one wash, the highlights were too thick, and the overall result was far from the desired silver/grey tone, having spent $545. This points to potential issues with product quality or application technique impacting the longevity and accuracy of the colour. The negative experiences aren't isolated incidents, but rather a pattern of complaints regarding service quality and professional conduct.
- Key Concerns:
- Aggressive dye application & chemical burns.
- Uneven colour results.
- Poor customer service and disregard for client comfort.
- Stylists exhibiting unprofessional behaviour (loud phone calls, rough handling).
- Expensive services not delivering expected results.
Accessibility vs. Application: A Contradiction in Terms?
While Phuong Le’s Hair Springvale demonstrably prioritises physical accessibility – offering wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and an assistive hearing loop – these features feel somewhat overshadowed by the reports of inconsistent service and potentially harmful practices. The salon's inclusive stance, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, is commendable. However, the stated commitment to inclusivity rings hollow if all clients aren't receiving a consistently safe and professional experience.
The salon does accept walk-ins alongside appointments and caters for children, adding to its perceived convenience. Yet, the accounts of extreme neglect during dye treatments – dye dripping onto faces, ignored requests for assistance – suggest a system under pressure or a lack of adequate supervision. The presence of amenities like gender-neutral toilets is progressive, but ultimately doesn’t address the core issue: the potential for severe damage and dissatisfaction that appears to plague a significant number of customers. The seemingly paradoxical combination of strong accessibility features and concerning service complaints raises questions about where the salon’s priorities truly lie.