Smart Source Hair Salon#43234 Un-Ethical Haridresser Houston Texas

N from Houston:

I am so sorry that this has happened to you as it should not have. I would like to offer some suggestions that could help you in the future when it comes to seeing a professional concerning your hair. First of all, it is a bit tough when you're scheduled by yourself to help everyone that comes in the door, especially with this company. I always hate to ask my customers to wait, but sometimes you just can't help it. Sometimes our salons are short-handed for whatever reason or there is poor scheduling on the manager's part and that is why sometimes our customers are asked to wait. However, the stylist you were stuck with should have had a much better attitude when she approached you to do your hair. We all have bad days, but you leave that at the door (or at least she should have) when you come into work. The stylist you initially spoke with (the one that said it would be a 35 minute wait) flat-out lied when she said she could put a reddish-brown color on your hair and it would cover the black you already had. If you have NATURAL black hair, yes it can be dyed with another color.

However, if you have dyed your hair black, the only solution is to bleach the black out, and apply a toner (to cut the brassiness) or use whatever color you desire. Sounds strange, but it's something I learned the hard way as a teenager. I will say that this double-process can cause significant damage to your hair since it is two chemicals in one sitting, so I would advise clients to proceed with caution.

Secondly, all of our clients are asked to sign a waiver/permission slip when receiving a chemical service. The reason for this is there have been some clients that are beaming with pride about how great their hair looks in the salon, but once they get home they decide they want a "freebie" and complain to customer service--or worse, their attorney. Not saying that you personally are one of these type customers, but there are some very sue-happy people in this world and that is why Regis/Smart Style requires a permission slip to be signed. Yes, it is a way for the company and stylist to cover their rears but that's how it goes. And if you've never had to sign a waiver at any other salon, then they may want to start updating their policies. I know exactly what I'm doing and I still refuse to perform a chemical service without my client signing a release. We're taught that in cosmetology school.

Third, the stylist's attitude should have been the main red-flag for you to get up and leave. I tell everyone that complains about a hairdresser to never be afraid to speak up. Not so much be rude to them, but if something doesn't look/feel/sound right, then say something. Or leave if you don't like the service you're receiving if it's not too far gone (i.e., color processing, haircut halfway done, etc.). I always suggest that clients sit back and watch the stylists to observe how they perform their services. If you spot one that doesn't know a shampoo bottle from a tint brush, then don't go to them. If they can't seem to cut paper straight, don't sit in their chair. Or as in your case, if they have a sucky attitude then don't bother with them.

As far as pricing is concerned, the salon that I work in starts color pricing off at $44.95, haircut not included. And yes, there is additional charge for length, but no more than $10 added. I never understood why the cut isn't included at our salon, because a privately-owned salon includes the haircut with the color--and it's about the same price either way (about $75-80 for a basic color on LONG hair). I also do not quote a price on any sort of chemical service unless I can see the client's hair with my own eyes. That way you can see how long it is, if it has any sort of previous color on it, whether it is damaged, etc., etc. Any hairdresser with some sort of intelligence should know that.

Regarding you not getting a shampoo, you should have. Anyone that gets color on their hair should be shampooed as soon as all of the color is rinsed from their hair. The reason why your receipt said "Shampoo and Cut" is because that is how it is programmed into the computer system. But regardless of that, you should have been shampooed. And you are right about the timing--the color we use should sit at least 30 minutes, unless your hair is overly porous and absorbs color quickly. Which if that is the case, I would only recommend 20-25 minutes processing time.

The stylist you had butcher your hair should never have been on the phone while performing a service. That is against the rules and she knows it. We have a strict cell phone/personal phone call policy in our salons and it's unfortunate that some don't adhere to it. Unless it is an emergency, we are not allowed phone calls unless we have permission from the manager or we are on break. And even then, we are to keep the call brief AND take it in private (if it's a cell phone call). I feel that is very unprofessional and I would definitely take your concerns to the manager or call customer service about this whole ordeal.

Once again, I am so sorry that you went through what you did and I hope that my suggestions will help you in the future, whether you visit another Smart Style or another salon. I hope that you don't let one bad stylist ruin your overall outlook on our salons because there really are some good stylists employed with us. It's just sad that we are overshadowed and our reputations ruined by the ones that are only there for the paycheck and time away from the kids for a few hours a day. Always remember that if your gut is telling you something is wrong, say so. And especially if your gut is telling you to leave, do so. I do, and I'm a hairdresser. I hope you can get your hair back the way you want it. Good luck.

Jennifer

N from Houston:

I am so sorry that this has happened to you as it should not have. I would like to offer some suggestions that could help you in the future when it comes to seeing a professional concerning your hair. First of all, it is a bit tough when you're scheduled by yourself to help everyone that comes in the door, especially with this company. I always hate to ask my customers to wait, but sometimes you just can't help it. Sometimes our salons are short-handed for whatever reason or there is poor scheduling on the manager's part and that is why sometimes our customers are asked to wait. However, the stylist you were stuck with should have had a much better attitude when she approached you to do your hair. We all have bad days, but you leave that at the door (or at least she should have) when you come into work. The stylist you initially spoke with (the one that said it would be a 35 minute wait) flat-out lied when she said she could put a reddish-brown color on your hair and it would cover the black you already had. If you have NATURAL black hair, yes it can be dyed with another color.

However, if you have dyed your hair black, the only solution is to bleach the black out, and apply a toner (to cut the brassiness) or use whatever color you desire. Sounds strange, but it's something I learned the hard way as a teenager. I will say that this double-process can cause significant damage to your hair since it is two chemicals in one sitting, so I would advise clients to proceed with caution.

Secondly, all of our clients are asked to sign a waiver/permission slip when receiving a chemical service. The reason for this is there have been some clients that are beaming with pride about how great their hair looks in the salon, but once they get home they decide they want a "freebie" and complain to customer service--or worse, their attorney. Not saying that you personally are one of these type customers, but there are some very sue-happy people in this world and that is why Regis/Smart Style requires a permission slip to be signed. Yes, it is a way for the company and stylist to cover their rears but that's how it goes. And if you've never had to sign a waiver at any other salon, then they may want to start updating their policies. I know exactly what I'm doing and I still refuse to perform a chemical service without my client signing a release. We're taught that in cosmetology school.

Third, the stylist's attitude should have been the main red-flag for you to get up and leave. I tell everyone that complains about a hairdresser to never be afraid to speak up. Not so much be rude to them, but if something doesn't look/feel/sound right, then say something. Or leave if you don't like the service you're receiving if it's not too far gone (i.e., color processing, haircut halfway done, etc.). I always suggest that clients sit back and watch the stylists to observe how they perform their services. If you spot one that doesn't know a shampoo bottle from a tint brush, then don't go to them. If they can't seem to cut paper straight, don't sit in their chair. Or as in your case, if they have a sucky attitude then don't bother with them.

As far as pricing is concerned, the salon that I work in starts color pricing off at $44.95, haircut not included. And yes, there is additional charge for length, but no more than $10 added. I never understood why the cut isn't included at our salon, because a privately-owned salon includes the haircut with the color--and it's about the same price either way (about $75-80 for a basic color on LONG hair). I also do not quote a price on any sort of chemical service unless I can see the client's hair with my own eyes. That way you can see how long it is, if it has any sort of previous color on it, whether it is damaged, etc., etc. Any hairdresser with some sort of intelligence should know that.

Regarding you not getting a shampoo, you should have. Anyone that gets color on their hair should be shampooed as soon as all of the color is rinsed from their hair. The reason why your receipt said "Shampoo and Cut" is because that is how it is programmed into the computer system. But regardless of that, you should have been shampooed. And you are right about the timing--the color we use should sit at least 30 minutes, unless your hair is overly porous and absorbs color quickly. Which if that is the case, I would only recommend 20-25 minutes processing time.

The stylist you had butcher your hair should never have been on the phone while performing a service. That is against the rules and she knows it. We have a strict cell phone/personal phone call policy in our salons and it's unfortunate that some don't adhere to it. Unless it is an emergency, we are not allowed phone calls unless we have permission from the manager or we are on break. And even then, we are to keep the call brief AND take it in private (if it's a cell phone call). I feel that is very unprofessional and I would definitely take your concerns to the manager or call customer service about this whole ordeal.

Once again, I am so sorry that you went through what you did and I hope that my suggestions will help you in the future, whether you visit another Smart Style or another salon. I hope that you don't let one bad stylist ruin your overall outlook on our salons because there really are some good stylists employed with us. It's just sad that we are overshadowed and our reputations ruined by the ones that are only there for the paycheck and time away from the kids for a few hours a day. Always remember that if your gut is telling you something is wrong, say so. And especially if your gut is telling you to leave, do so. I do, and I'm a hairdresser. I hope you can get your hair back the way you want it. Good luck.

Jennifer

N from Houston:

I am so sorry that this has happened to you as it should not have. I would like to offer some suggestions that could help you in the future when it comes to seeing a professional concerning your hair. First of all, it is a bit tough when you're scheduled by yourself to help everyone that comes in the door, especially with this company. I always hate to ask my customers to wait, but sometimes you just can't help it. Sometimes our salons are short-handed for whatever reason or there is poor scheduling on the manager's part and that is why sometimes our customers are asked to wait. However, the stylist you were stuck with should have had a much better attitude when she approached you to do your hair. We all have bad days, but you leave that at the door (or at least she should have) when you come into work. The stylist you initially spoke with (the one that said it would be a 35 minute wait) flat-out lied when she said she could put a reddish-brown color on your hair and it would cover the black you already had. If you have NATURAL black hair, yes it can be dyed with another color.

However, if you have dyed your hair black, the only solution is to bleach the black out, and apply a toner (to cut the brassiness) or use whatever color you desire. Sounds strange, but it's something I learned the hard way as a teenager. I will say that this double-process can cause significant damage to your hair since it is two chemicals in one sitting, so I would advise clients to proceed with caution.

Secondly, all of our clients are asked to sign a waiver/permission slip when receiving a chemical service. The reason for this is there have been some clients that are beaming with pride about how great their hair looks in the salon, but once they get home they decide they want a "freebie" and complain to customer service--or worse, their attorney. Not saying that you personally are one of these type customers, but there are some very sue-happy people in this world and that is why Regis/Smart Style requires a permission slip to be signed. Yes, it is a way for the company and stylist to cover their rears but that's how it goes. And if you've never had to sign a waiver at any other salon, then they may want to start updating their policies. I know exactly what I'm doing and I still refuse to perform a chemical service without my client signing a release. We're taught that in cosmetology school.

Third, the stylist's attitude should have been the main red-flag for you to get up and leave. I tell everyone that complains about a hairdresser to never be afraid to speak up. Not so much be rude to them, but if something doesn't look/feel/sound right, then say something. Or leave if you don't like the service you're receiving if it's not too far gone (i.e., color processing, haircut halfway done, etc.). I always suggest that clients sit back and watch the stylists to observe how they perform their services. If you spot one that doesn't know a shampoo bottle from a tint brush, then don't go to them. If they can't seem to cut paper straight, don't sit in their chair. Or as in your case, if they have a sucky attitude then don't bother with them.

As far as pricing is concerned, the salon that I work in starts color pricing off at $44.95, haircut not included. And yes, there is additional charge for length, but no more than $10 added. I never understood why the cut isn't included at our salon, because a privately-owned salon includes the haircut with the color--and it's about the same price either way (about $75-80 for a basic color on LONG hair). I also do not quote a price on any sort of chemical service unless I can see the client's hair with my own eyes. That way you can see how long it is, if it has any sort of previous color on it, whether it is damaged, etc., etc. Any hairdresser with some sort of intelligence should know that.

Regarding you not getting a shampoo, you should have. Anyone that gets color on their hair should be shampooed as soon as all of the color is rinsed from their hair. The reason why your receipt said "Shampoo and Cut" is because that is how it is programmed into the computer system. But regardless of that, you should have been shampooed. And you are right about the timing--the color we use should sit at least 30 minutes, unless your hair is overly porous and absorbs color quickly. Which if that is the case, I would only recommend 20-25 minutes processing time.

The stylist you had butcher your hair should never have been on the phone while performing a service. That is against the rules and she knows it. We have a strict cell phone/personal phone call policy in our salons and it's unfortunate that some don't adhere to it. Unless it is an emergency, we are not allowed phone calls unless we have permission from the manager or we are on break. And even then, we are to keep the call brief AND take it in private (if it's a cell phone call). I feel that is very unprofessional and I would definitely take your concerns to the manager or call customer service about this whole ordeal.

Once again, I am so sorry that you went through what you did and I hope that my suggestions will help you in the future, whether you visit another Smart Style or another salon. I hope that you don't let one bad stylist ruin your overall outlook on our salons because there really are some good stylists employed with us. It's just sad that we are overshadowed and our reputations ruined by the ones that are only there for the paycheck and time away from the kids for a few hours a day. Always remember that if your gut is telling you something is wrong, say so. And especially if your gut is telling you to leave, do so. I do, and I'm a hairdresser. I hope you can get your hair back the way you want it. Good luck.

Jennifer