A couple of weeks ago, I had a wedding to go to, which I was very nervous about. I wanted to look my best. So, I had to sort my hair out. But where? Being a student I have to watch the money I spend in non-essential services. So here the problem started. Toni & Guy were too expensive! And when I asked to be a model for a trainee, the earliest appointment was after the wedding. I read reviews here in ciao and in other sites, and was confident that saks would offer me quality and value for money (as I am a member of David Lloyd’s, which should give me 10% discount).
Initial prices
I called my local Saks, and asked for an appointment for highlights, how much this would cost and if I had discount. The very nice and helpful lady, told that a full set of highlights would cost me GBP34 and that the 10% discount to Davis Lloyd’s members was no longer in place. Ok, student discount? No. I have a money off coupon of GBP10, can I use it? Of course, she replied. I made sure to mention I wanted the highlights she
mentioned and booked an appointment for next day. All seemed to go very well.
The experience
I get there and the place is deserted. The lady in the reception acknowledged me and told me to sit and wait. So I did. She sat behind the reception looking at me, very strange! I thought I was waiting for the hairdresser, when about 5 minutes later, the receptionist got up and told me to follow her. She was the hairdresser. I sat down and she bombarded me with question about which type of highlights I wanted. I really don't know anything about hairdressing. I just want my roots sorted and to pay 34GBP, as I had said on the phone, nothing else. She went off to a side room and took ages. Another lady walked in and asked me if I wanted a drink. I asked for orange juice. I warn not to ask for orange juice in this place! It's not actually orange juice, but some concentrated mixed with water stuff. Not good. Finally, after suffering from utter boredom, the first lady walked in with her products and started on my hair. I thought it strange the way she started doing normal highlights all over my hair and asked, but she reassured me that it was the best way to get rid of my roots. Fine. After, she put me under this heated thing that she said was to fasten the process. When finished, she washed my hair in a non-ceremonial manner.
The end product
Drying my hair I noticed that it was looking lighter, but I thought it normal as she did do more highlights. She dried my hair completely straight and flat. I don't think it possible to have flatter hair than what she gave me and my hair is naturally flat. Looking at the mirror, I realised that I was blonde! NOOOOO! My natural hair colour is brown, with light brown highlights, blonde does not suit me, I don't want blonde! It's a nightmare! Not only that, my eyebrows are very dark and accentuated. Meaning blonde hair, black eyebrows. I looked like a clown. What am I to do? Nothing. I couldn't do anything, the wedding was in three days.
The payment
I went to pay for my nightmare and surprisingly she asked me for GBP 64! How can you? As I had the voucher I paid GBP54. I really should have gone to Toni & Guy instead. Meaning I have to work harder in ciao to earn a bit more money.
The conversation What's that? She seemed to want to talk about herself and for me to praise her on life. I am sorry, but I am your client and I am paying for this. I wasn't even offered a magazine! She might as well have kept her mouth shut, as the conversation was so boring and self-loathing.
Other services
Whilst in this tedious conversation she did manage to tell me about the other services that they offered. Elemis is used in this salon and that is supposed to be a good range of products (be it too expensive for my student pocket). However, a self-tanning session which is supposed to last for about 7 days, which a professional applies to you, costs about GBP34. For 7 days! They do facials also and manicures and pedicures. No acrylic nails or any sort of fake nails or nail art. They are looking into it.
Since then, I have been washing my hair with brunette shampoo in the hope that the colour goes darker and I am glade to say that now it has. Needless to say, however, that I looked hideous in the wedding.
If you are still interested, their website is: http://www.sakshairandbeauty.com
Here they also mention the services they offer apart from hairdressing, these are: Hair Removal Intense Pulsed Light Permanent Hair Reduction Waxing and Electrolysis Hand, Nail and Foot care The Oxygenator Face Non-Surgical Face Lift Eyes Eye Treatments include Eyebrow Shape and Eyelash Tint Body A range of luxurious body treatments, inspired by an exotic blend of cultures and techniques. Includes massage, exfoliation, seaweed wraps and back cleanse. Saks Signature Treatments Saks Healing Touch Saks Sensory Heaven Saks Remedial Massage Saks Boost Saks for the Boys Tanning Sunbeds Instant Tan Booth Fake Bake Saks Clinics Collagenics Injectables Teeth Whitening Complementary Therapies
They have salons nationwide, check out their site for more info.
Good luck.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Whilst I can feel for your trauma and experience, you didn't mention which Saks it was so it seems to be a bit of a case of pot luck as to whether anyone else stumbles across it. It is also very unusual (In my experience) to find a Saks with that few staff. Since they are a franchised organisation, they have a set of guidelines and staff levels before they are able to open and are regularly checked. If you wanted to follow it up, you should check out contacting them direct at head office. I am sure that they would rememdy the situation for you.
Cantgetyououttamyhead 04.06.2006 22:23
That's awful...usually if you don't like what they've done they have to change it without charge, but i can understand you not wanting to let them loose on your hair again! You didn't say which salon this was....so i don't know if it's my local or not! x
kelr101 18.02.2005 20:19
think I'll steer clear! Must admit I would have refused to pay full price though, as asked them to honour the price they quoted...kels x
Jun 25th, 2004
(Jun 26th, 2004)
very helpful by (93%):
helpful by (5%):
somewhat helpful by (3%):
