Pros 
Cons A Symphony of Styles: Highlighting the Positives at Serenity Hair & Co
Serenity Hair & Co in Surry Hills consistently earns praise for its skilled stylists and welcoming atmosphere, reflected in its 4.3-star rating. Many customers highlight the expertise of individual team members, leading to overwhelmingly positive experiences. Mhylena, specifically, receives recurring accolades for her nail services, particularly BIAB full sets and Russian E-file manicures. Clients rave about her meticulous attention to detail, neatness, and overall value. It's clear Mhylena delivers a high-quality service, retaining clients even through significant life changes like upcoming motherhood – a testament to the trust she builds.
But the talent extends beyond nails. Renata’s balayage work is another standout feature, with clients appreciating her clear pricing structure, affordability, and stunning results. She’s described as knowledgeable, communicative, and focused on creating a look the client truly desires. Furthermore, the salon continually earns praise for achieving challenging colour transformations, like the coveted beige blonde, where other salons have failed, often preserving hair health in the process.
Here's a quick snapshot of the commonly mentioned positive aspects:
- Exceptional Colourists: Balayage and blonde transformations are a particular strength.
- Detail-Oriented Staff: Mhylena and Renata consistently receive recognition for their precision.
- Reasonable Pricing: Clients frequently mention affordability and good value for money.
- Welcoming Environment: Described as chic, inviting, and relaxing.
- Accommodating Stylists: Sarah stands out for her flexibility and willingness to adapt to client preferences.
The Sarah Effect: Blonde Transformations and Hair Health
Sarah, a stylist at Serenity Hair & Co, appears to be a particularly sought-after talent, constantly garnering glowing reviews. Clients consistently commend her ability to deliver stunning blonde shades, from lived-in blondes requiring minimal maintenance to icy, radiant tones. What sets Sarah apart isn’t just the aesthetic result, but her commitment to hair health during the process.
The usual trade-off with bleaching—damage and fragility—appears almost non-existent under Sarah’s care. Clients express surprise and delight at the softness and smoothness of their hair even after the first wash at home. This suggests a skilled hand and a deep understanding of hair science, utilising techniques and products that minimise damage. Sarah's ability to confidently handle last-minute changes to a booked service, demonstrating flexibility and a client-focused approach, elevates the overall experience. This is particularly valuable to those unsure about the correct style.
Here's a breakdown of why clients favour Sarah:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Blonde Expertise | Excels in diverse blonde shades, from natural to vibrant. |
| Hair Health | Maintains hair softness, smoothness and shine during and after bleaching. |
| Adaptability | Accommodating to last-minute changes and client preferences. |
| Client Focus | Prioritises achieving the client's desired aesthetic and addressing concerns. |
Navigating the Practicalities: What to Expect at Serenity Hair & Co
Beyond the stylistic expertise, Serenity Hair & Co offers a fairly straightforward experience regarding logistics and amenities. Appointments are highly recommended – a clear indication of their popularity. Payment options are comprehensive, accepting credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments. Parking in the Surry Hills area is a mix of free on-street parking (availability isn't guaranteed) and paid street parking, a common feature of the inner-city location. The salon provides a toilet for customers, a basic but essential amenity.
Here’s a summary of the key practical information:
- Location: Shop 45/322 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
- Phone: +61 2 9360 1652
- Opening Hours: Vary throughout the week, closed Mondays and Sundays. Extended hours available on Thursdays and Wednesdays.
- Payment Options: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, NFC mobile payments.
- Parking: Combination of free and paid street parking.
- Appointment Booking: Recommended.
A Note of Caution: Addressing Concerns & Room for Improvement
While overwhelmingly positive, reviews reveal a significant outlier - a deeply negative experience with a stylist named Amy. This incident highlights potential issues within the salon’s customer service training and inclusivity. The customer reported rudeness upon arrival despite a pre-arranged tardiness confirmation, dismissive communication, and an uncomfortable atmosphere potentially rooted in racial bias. The details regarding hot water during washing, careless cutting (deviating from the requested style), and inattention during the blow-dry, paint a picture of unprofessionalism.
Moreover, the unresolved issue of a partial refund for unreceived services (the balayage portion of a Groupon deal) further compounds the negative experience. The incident served as a severe disappointment, particularly as the service was intended as a birthday gift.
However, it's important to note this appears to be an isolated incident. Serenity Hair & Co has an overall strong reputation, and addressing the concerns raised regarding Amy’s conduct and the refund process could further solidify its position as a premier hair salon in Surry Hills. A swift, sincere follow-up with the affected customer would be a welcome first step to improving this concern.