Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Style: What Customers are Saying About Irvin Day Hair & Beauty Excellence
Irvin Day Hair & Beauty Excellence in Wagga Wagga appears to evoke a range of feelings amongst its clientele. While the salon boasts a solid 4.3-star rating, a deeper dive into reviews reveals a patchwork of experiences, from heartfelt gratitude to significant dissatisfaction. It’s clear customers value expertise when it's delivered with attentive care, but price and service consistency are areas for potential improvement. Let's unpack what people are saying.
Here’s a breakdown of commonly cited positives:
- Exceptional Stylists: Several reviewers specifically praised individual stylists. Kyla is repeatedly mentioned as being incredibly patient, attentive and skilled at rescuing problematic haircuts – particularly resonating with one customer preparing for her graduation. Holly also receives consistent accolades for colour expertise, offering a "creamy blonde" transformation that exceeded expectations and for her ability to cater to a client's exact colour vision, even offering a adjustment a week later.
- Compassionate Care: A particularly touching review highlights Mackenzie's exceptional empathy. After a family bereavement, she, alongside the team, accommodated a last-minute appointment for a mother and her daughters, demonstrating a level of kindness that went "above and beyond”.
- Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere: Many mention the staff's consistent politeness, friendliness, and genuine warmth. The salon is described as treating clients like family, fostering a relaxed and enjoyable environment. The team remembers client names and readily offer assistance, like a phone charger when needed.
- Cleanliness: The physical space consistently receives positive remarks, described as being consistently clean and well-maintained.
The Price of Beauty: Cost Concerns & Value Perception
A recurring theme in the negative reviews centres around the pricing structure at Irvin Day Hair & Beauty Excellence. Several customers express shock at the cost of services, finding them dramatically inflated when compared to other salons in the area.
Here’s a comparative look at cost grievances:
| Service | Customer Reported Cost | Expected Typical Cost (Wagga Wagga) |
|---|---|---|
| Half Head Foils & Cut | $360+ | $180 or less |
| Full Colour (No Cut/Style) | $300 | $150 - $250 |
| Basic Trim | $95 | $40 - $70 |
One reviewer explicitly compared the prices to those of high-end Sydney salons (like Joh Bailey in Double Bay), suggesting that Irvin Day's pricing doesn’t align with its location or the general salon standard in Wagga Wagga. While good quality workmanship is acknowledged by some who paid premium prices, others firmly believe the cost is prohibitive and doesn’t represent good value for money. It’s worth noting that the salon's website or available public pricing information isn’t immediately available to verify these claims. Customers are advised to confirm costs before committing to any service.
Service Consistency: The Ups and Downs
While many praise the exceptional skill of certain stylists, others unfortunately report deeply dissatisfying experiences. A notable complaint involves a rushed and inattentive haircut, with the stylist appearing distracted and ultimately delivering a lopsided result, requiring correction at another salon.
Further issues raised include:
- Aggressive Technique: A harrowing account details a stylist allegedly pulling on the client’s scalp throughout the appointment, despite repeated requests to stop. This resulted in a severe headache and a feeling of being intentionally subjected to discomfort.
- Lack of Communication: The same customer also criticized the stylist’s complete silence during the service, contrasted with animated conversations with colleagues over the client's head.
- Salon Environment: The salon's small size and echoey acoustics contribute to a noisy and overwhelming atmosphere, particularly when busy – something several reviewers highlighted.
These instances underscore a concerning inconsistency in service quality – a stark contrast to the glowing reviews experienced by others.
Practicalities & Accessibility
Irvin Day Hair & Beauty Excellence operates with the following hours:
- Friday: 9am – 6pm
- Monday: Closed
- Saturday: 9am – 2pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Thursday: 9am – 8pm
- Tuesday: 9am – 5:30pm
- Wednesday: 9am – 8pm
The salon urges appointments to be made as walk-ins are not guaranteed. They provide modern payment options, including credit and debit cards, and NFC mobile payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay). Basic amenities, such as a restroom, are available.
The location at 82 Forsyth St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 is centrally located. Prospective customers should be aware that the overall experience can vary greatly. Researching specific stylists and clarifying pricing beforehand is strongly advised.