I got a terrible color and cut from stylist Sergio at Earth Salon in Encinitas. Dark roots, and the cut drooped around my face, impossible to style. It was so bad that two stylists at different salons couldn't believe their eyes.
When I returned to have it "redone" Sergio was rude and defensive. No warm and fuzzies, not even a "please sit down". He agreed to redo the color, then argued with me about the cut, with a salon full of customers watching.
He became exasperated, at one point flicking my hair, saying sarcastically "you can't come in here without styling your hair and expect me to fix it!" I was then marched to the front desk and offered another stylist, or a refund, because he didn't want to deal with it anymore.
I was shaken at this sudden, aggressive confrontation. The manager Melanie didn't care. I was not taken to one side and ask what had happened. I had to discuss things with her in front of 2 giggling employees, and 2 customers. Melanie coldly informed me nothing like this had ever happened before, refunded my money, and then ignored me as she dealt with another customer.
In the end, I got my refund. I also left in tears after being publicly humiliated. The next day I called and spoke with the owner Eric, about my experience. He said I'd been given my money back, so what else did I want? He defended his arrogant stylist, and rude manager, rather than believing his customer. Even though he wasn't there. At the end of the call he said "have a nice life".
The owner forgot that one unhappy customer touches 100 more. Hence this glowing review. Should you have a problem with their services, the staff are right, not the customer. You may get your money back, but you'll go through hell in the process.
On a final note: this expensive salon does not stretch to having a break room for the staff. So while your hair is being cut, 8 staff members cram into a tiny open alcove 4 feet away, talking loudly while they have their lunch. Really relaxing.
Pros : None
Cons : Many
Price Range : N/A
Recommended : Yes
Review Date : 01/29/2008
