Avalon Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa, Deerpark, IL - poor hair styling experience

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 26, 2003:

From: C

RE: Avalon Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa, Deerpark, IL - poor hair styling experience

My experience involved Avalon Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa at Deer Park Town Center in Deerpark, IL. The scheduling (by phone) was for an "Especially for You" package that was spread over two appointments on separate days. Although the facial appointment started over 15 minutes late, I was satisfied with the results. I was informed that the facial I was booked for was more appropriate as a first time facial for teens. At the scheduling, an explanation could not be given for the pricing differences in the facial.

Additionally, I had been assured that it was fine to have a hair color after the facial by the scheduler. The Avalon website states, "The calming head, neck and shoulder massage is a relaxing way to start your hair treatment. You will then enjoy the care of our leading edge hair design professionals who are trained by world class stylists to bring out and emphasize your own natural beauty". My experience was much different. There was no massage.

The stylist had no suggestions for what style would compliment my face or skin. The stylist did not cut my hair to match the style I had showed her or to what we had agreed on. My hairline and part of my forehead were stained from the hair coloring. My hair was blown dry to hide this. When I went to pay for the services, the manager was slow to honor the agreed upon pricing even though I was asking to pay for the second appointment up front. The manager did say that the pricing would be honored but only after I paid full price for the current day's service. My immediate action was to cancel the future services and pay for the services of the day. The color in my hair has faded to a more appropriate color for my skin and I am able to style my hair to a more flattering style. The stain on my forehead was no longer detectable after three days. I did pay a price like I had been worked on by professionals but I did not have a calming, satisfying or relaxing experience. A fair resolution to this complaint would be a refund for the facial and repricing of my color and haircut as being performed by a lower level hairstylist. Avalon's website is WWW.avalonsalons.com but no email is provide. I called the salon twice after my experience but missed the manager each time. Sincerely, C