Pros 
Cons A Whirlwind of Opinions: What Customers are Saying About Total Bliss Hair + Body Spa
Total Bliss Hair + Body Spa in Wollongong presents a distinctly divided customer experience, hovering around a 3.8-star rating. While some patrons rave about attentive stylists and beautiful results, a significant number express profound dissatisfaction – even recounting experiences that have left lasting emotional and physical scars. The salon, located at 114 Kembla St, offers a range of services and operates with convenient hours (9am-5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Friday; 8am-4pm Saturday; 9am-9pm Wednesday, Thursday), accepting various payment methods including credit/debit cards and NFC mobile payments. However, a deep dive into the reviews reveals a complexity that potential clients should carefully consider.
The Shadow of Past Experiences: Serious Allegations
Perhaps the most concerning feedback revolves around a treatment performed approximately 14 years ago by Rosa, the salon owner. This individual alleges a permanent disfigurement resulting from the procedure, claiming Rosa initially displayed charm, only to become dismissive and blame the client when the results were unsatisfactory.
"I still to this day have to cover what she has done to my face with a thick layer of concealer every day, I am embarrassed and she destroyed my self confidence."
This is a deeply alarming accusation, highlighting potential risks associated with services offered by the owner and raising questions about accountability. While dated, the severity of the claim warrants serious consideration. It's important to note the alleged lack of legal action taken at the time, potentially impacting the ability to verify these claims independently.
It's crucial for prospective clients to understand that despite the salon remaining in business, such serious allegations remain unresolved publicly.
Blonde Ambition Gone Wrong: Damaged Hair & Heated Disputes
Multiple reviews detail distressing experiences specifically related to blonde hair services, particularly bleaching. One customer recounts requesting a blonde transformation from Milla, a stylist marketed as a "blonde specialist". The initial result was streaky and didn’t match the reference photos. Despite assurances from Milla, a second bleaching session in the same appointment was performed, resulting in severely damaged, brittle hair and the complete loss of natural curls.
The customer further alleges a dismissive and even aggressive response from both Milla and the salon owner when she raised concerns. Key points from this review include:
- Lack of Transparency: The customer states she wasn't informed of the potential damage from a second bleaching session in quick succession.
- Blaming the Client: The owner reportedly blamed the client for the damage and attempted to forcibly brush her damaged hair to “prove” it wasn’t breaking.
- Inadequate Resolution: A $44 hydration treatment was offered as compensation – a sum deemed woefully inadequate given the $455 initial cost and the extent of the long-term damage.
- Hostile Environment: The customer describes feeling bullied, manipulated, and lacking empathy throughout the interaction.
The salon owner responded to this review, framing the situation as a “blonde journey” and attributing the damage, in part, to the client’s post-appointment activity (salt water swimming). They highlighted their use of low-volume developer and a consultation process, but the customer's experience of feeling unheard and unsupported remains central to the complaint.
Mixed Reviews & Positive Encounters
Despite the serious complaints, Total Bliss isn't without its advocates. Some customers praise Rosa's attentiveness and ability to deliver desired results. One review states:
"Rosa Listen to exactly what I wanted and what I didn’t want and was able to talk me through the process…I walked out of there smiling ear to ear Because the hairdresser finally listen to what I’d wanted..."
Another positive account details a successful full head of foils and trim performed by Milla, with the client delighted by the colour and the professional, relaxing atmosphere. However, these positive reviews are outnumbered by those detailing dissatisfaction. Other complaints include:
- Colour Fading: One client waited two months for an appointment only to find the colour didn't last even a few days. A subsequent correction made the hair darker.
- Poor Customer Service: Reports of dismissive and unhelpful attitudes from staff, including implying the client should seek services elsewhere.
- Social Media Concerns: A warning regarding the salon owner’s online presence, suggesting a reliance on "bad attention" via platforms like TikTok.
This highlights a significant inconsistency in the quality of service offered at Total Bliss, with experiences seemingly heavily dependent on the stylist assigned and the nature of the service requested. Potential clients would benefit from carefully researching individual stylists within the salon and considering a patch test before committing to any significant colour change or chemical treatment.