Sunshine

Sep 9, 2023

I got a last minute cancellation…dreadful service

I got a last minute cancellation appointment and was really excited about having my hair done. The adverts state that the trainee will work with what you want. I was told to arrive at 1.15pm the latest which I did, however despite the professional staff on Reception (one who had booked me in)waited until after 2pm before the lead trainer for my section(6 models) arrived. The student who was working with translators had little or no prior experience evident from the fact she refused to condition my hair despite being told it was dry by Katy/Kitty. I had to go back into the queue standing and waiting around again for one of the washbasins to be free- she seemed unsure and initally after one shampoo took me back to the 'trainee salon area' The trainer who I believe is called Katy or Kitty(mid length ginger hair) was caustic and came across arrogant in her approach. She asked me what I wanted- my hair had grown mid length and I asked for a trim, long layers to add movement. My hair dark, has a slight wave in it, and works when it is longer and the weight pulls it down making it smoother. I specifically asked for not shorter layers as it works against my hair and gives a raggedy look. I asked for classic-and sleek. I was immedietly cut off sharply informed my hair couldnt be blow dried smoother becasue it takes too much time and described my hair as curly/wavy. She left the student who seemed unsure, consulting her giggling fellow student for advice(albeit the one shampoo and no conditoner scenario and having been left to negotiate for this) The woman Kat/Kitty left the student mostly unsupervised- she would come around tell her what she wanted doing but then leave her to her own devices- I had to prompt the student myself to keep the hair taut and wet as she had been directed- this seemed to be with almost every section. She received good feedback but cut my hair much shorter and I have been left with the dreaded scaggerily hacked in look with short layers that won't lie straight because too much has been cut out When Katy/Kitty told the student to diffuse my hair she snapped at me that she had told me they couldn't dry my hair smoother- however in my section 3 other students were either having their hair striaghtened or dried smoother(long hair) and the 25 minutes diffusing could have been spent doing this especially as she had not supervised and my lovely hair had been hacked through. My hair looked much better before but despite Katy/Kitty telling a different model 'Oh well it will grow back' is a poor excuse given she seems to be on a ego trip over common sense and applying practical supervision to her teaching. I was dismissed and referred to 'Well pin the top of the hair and diffuse the rest so the lady feels her curly hair isn't. Her manner is brash and humilaiting and if she almost enjoys the brash put downs. Perhaps She told the student that she had done a good job but cut the layers not how she had shown her and too short- had she supervised and watched her when she was cutting then perhaps there would have been a greater sense of responsibity and accountability. The impression given was one of not listening to the client and the Vidal Sassoon etiquette and general customer service was missing Of course in a model cut appointment, there is an expectation of some delay and going with the flow but I would imagine it is important to teach the value of respect and dignity too which seems to go amiss to the trainer. I am left with having to grow out the unflattering haircut which she asked the student to cut touching the shoulder blade but it actually springs far up and is unflattering( have a squarish face). Afterwards, Katy/Kitty said the student had never cut hair before and this was certainly evdient so a little unnerving if the case is there has not been any prior classroom practice using training mannequins. There is also the issue of her not supervising the student or witnessing her cutting or teaching her the basics such as shampooing and conditioning. Moving forwards, and really whatever postion Kitty/Katy holds, no e her intimidating, no nonsense approach might work in a factory or somewhere where arrogance is rewarded (Vidal Sasson?) found her attitude is dehumanising and patronising at the very least. The group of Japanese students with their translators were lovely but it is apparent Katy was more interested/invested in having a jolly with them over supervising her students. I think I would put my precious time and pay a professional salon in future. I think Vidal Sasson should be paying students in recompense given the poor standards.. Doesn't the VS experience start at this point? Basic manners don't cost anything, Please save your money and time and fuelling the arrogance of some of the staff who clearly get off by putting others down - not a good look!