what a lovely family run salon, really refreshing to see that their quiestions were honest, they actually listened to the answer
,never felt rushed at any point , took time to provide me with the service i had asked for and with a smile. well done guys, thats how a salon should be, but often is not run.
I feel compelled to write a review about Eclipz simply because of the appalling service I have just received. I will be writing a letter of complaint to Wahanda in addition to this.
Where do I start?
I have just returned home from my appointment, and feel angry and upset that I have just experienced the worst hair appointment in my entire life. A crying shame, as this was the one ‘pre-birth’ treatment I was most looking forward to.
The catastrophic experience started from the outset. I made the appointment in the early hours of 4 February: an Aveda haircut and blow-dry on 10 February at 13.30. Later that day, I received an email re-scheduling the appointment to 13.30 on 11 February. I did find it rather rude that the salon did not have the common courtesy to call me personally to discuss and re-arrange. In retrospect it should have sent warning bells ringing, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt and called them to arrange a more suitable time of 10.30 on the 11th. I was told ‘Wahanda had not updated their records, and all stylists were on a course on the 10th’.
I received a Wahanda appointment reminder via email yesterday, however the time had not been updated to 10.30. As it was too late for me to call in the evening, I was glad when I received a text message this morning at 9.31. Again it stated the wrong time, so I replied to confirm the appointment was actually agreed to start at 10.30. After several exchanges, I was told that the appointment was at 10am. I replied saying it takes me 30 minutes to get to Bromley, and is 10.30 still OK. I received confirmation at 10.01 to say it was, so I started to make my way by bus.
Taking into account I had to wait for a bus, I arrived at the salon at approximately 10.35. I was greeted by the lady on reception (I believe her name is Pam). We had some general banter where I confirmed I was due to have a baby in two weeks.
I was hastily taken to have my hair washed (only one wash, and a very quick condition, no head massage), and led to the styling chair. (I am not sure what the stylist’s name is – on the email confirmation it had stated JoJo, but I believe the other stylist’s name is Jo.)
Before being asked what I wanted, or any other pleasant exchanges, I was told that as I was late, I would have a ‘rough’ blow dry, and that she has another appointment at 11am. Annoyed, I stated the facts: that I was not late, and that her employers had mixed up my appointment. After a brief pause, I was told that as I had long hair, I would be charged an additional £7, to which I replied that was the first I had heard of it. She went to speak with the receptionist who came over and said that this was on the website. I said I didn’t see any restrictions noted on the website, and if that is the case I didn’t want to go ahead with the appointment. With such a bad start and hostile environment, I am sure no one would blame me at this point.
To my horror, I was told in no uncertain terms that if I didn’t go ahead with the appointment; as they had already started, I would lose the full value of my voucher. In consumerism, this is akin to being held to ransom, or ‘bullying tactics’ if you will. I was, therefore, in a no-win situation, and agreed to pay the additional charge, which they helpfully told me ‘had been reduced to £5’ – note the sarcasm. At this point, I was close to tears, but felt I had no other option.
I was then asked ‘how much do I want taken off’. Now, luckily I didn’t want a completely new hairstyle – I simply needed a trim and re-shape – an inch off the ends and long layers put back in. This was done in record time, and then my hair was blow-dried straight – I was not asked how I would like it styled – it would have been nice to have curls at the end. No after treatment gloss or any other finishing product was used. I was simply asked whether I was happy with it, to which I just agreed, as I just wanted the experience to end.
I went to the counter and that is when I thought to check the website for the additional charges. The receptionist and I went through the mobile website together on my Android, and then on the lady’s iPhone, and the wording was not there. She insisted that she had ‘proof-read’ it herself, and that she would send me a picture message by the end of the working day to prove as such. I paid the £5 additional charge by credit card.
Miraculously (although I am not all that surprised as I work on websites for a living), an additional section labelled ‘Restrictions’ has just now appeared on the Wahanda Eclipz home page – clearly visible on the mobile website. Funnily, the rates stated (£6) differ to what I was told in person! I’m sure if Wahanda look at when this page was last updated, they will see that it was after my appointment this morning.
Baring in mind we had had a conversation about my pregnancy, I am saddened to say I was not offered a simple drink, even when the next customer was given one. I did not receive a ‘warm welcome’ and there was no evidence of a ‘5 star professional hair service’, which they proudly emblazon on their home page. In fact, my roots are greasy, my hair frizzed, I’m out of pocket for an additional charge that was never stated before purchase, and I am more than a little distressed. In addition, my treatment was done in less than 30 minutes, where an hour is stated. If they could not fit me in, I should have just been told to re-arrange the appointment. Eclipz has not in any way admitted to their failings, mistakes, or communication mishaps. They appear to be unapologetic for everything they have put me through.
All in all, an horrendous experience, and one I cannot and will never endorse.