Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Experiences: Diving into Sheer Expression Reviews
Sheer Expression, located at 27 Riches St, Tarneit VIC 3029, presents a fascinating case study in customer experience. Sporting a solid 4.5-star rating, the salon clearly resonates with many, yet a starkly negative review stands out, creating a nuanced picture. The business proudly identifies as women-owned and actively fosters an inclusive environment, being LGBTQ+ and transgender safe, and even offers gender-neutral toilets – a bold move demonstrating commitment to diversity. They also accommodate families with a ‘good for kids’ designation, and conveniently accept various payment methods including credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments. Importantly, appointments are highly recommended, highlighting a focus on personalised service. But what do the customers really think? Let’s break down the feedback.
The Shadow of Disappointment: A Cautionary Tale
One customer’s experience casts a significant shadow over the generally positive sentiment. This individual reported a deeply unsatisfactory colouring service, stating a request for lighter brown hair resulted in an “orange, streaky, and completely uneven” disaster after a lengthy five-hour appointment. The monetary cost – $300 – only compounded the frustration.
“I came in with darker brown hair and asked for a lighter brown… My hair turned out orange, streaky, and completely uneven – nothing like the warm brown I was told to expect.”
More concerningly, the customer alleges a dismissive and unhelpful response when voicing their concerns. Requests for rectification or a refund were reportedly met with demands for further payment. The reviewer, surprised by a lack of professionalism, especially considering the stylist’s claimed two decades of experience, emphatically advises potential clients to “proceed with caution” to avoid similar issues. This detailed account is a strong warning, showcasing a breakdown in service recovery and communication.
Here's a table summarising the customer’s experience:
| Aspect | Detail | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Request | Lighter Brown Hair | N/A |
| Outcome | Orange, Streaky, Uneven | 1 |
| Appointment Length | 5+ Hours | 1 |
| Cost | $300 | 1 |
| Customer Service | Rude, Dismissive, Unhelpful | 1 |
| Resolution Offered | None, additional fee requested | 1 |
The Chorus of Praise: A Skilled Colourist at Work
Despite the negative experience, a consistent theme emerges across multiple reviews: overwhelming praise for Steph, the stylist at Sheer Expression. Several customers specifically highlight her colouring expertise, ability to correct previous damage (particularly from box dye), and commitment to achieving desired results. A recurring comment is the “one-on-one” experience, with clients appreciating a less hectic salon environment.
One loyal customer reminisced about Steph’s talent even from her time in New Zealand, expressing genuine disappointment at her previous absence. Another described her as the "Queen of colour," continually confident in her craft. These endorsements underscore Steph’s apparent skill and dedication to client satisfaction. Other positive points consistently mentioned included:
- Personalised advice: taking facial structure and complexion into consideration.
- Problem-solving attitude: Willingness to fix issues and ensure client happiness.
- Exceptional service: Offering refreshments (coffee, drinks) and creating a welcoming, "homely" atmosphere.
- Skill & Competence: Consistently delivering fantastic colour, cuts and styling.
Beyond the Chair: Amenities and Inclusivity
Sheer Expression appears to be thoughtfully designed with several practical and social considerations. The salon acknowledges its environmental impact by recycling plastic bottles, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The availability of gender-neutral toilets and explicit statements confirming an LGBTQ+ and transgender-safe space actively position the salon as inclusive and welcoming to a diverse clientele. While wheelchair accessibility is currently lacking (no wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating or toilet), this information is transparently available. The ‘good for kids’ tag suggests an awareness of family needs. This deliberate focus on inclusivity and convenience beyond the core hairstyling services creates a positive impression and likely contributes to the salon's overall reputation – and reinforces the stylist’s dedication to client comfort, as noted by many.