I expect good service and good communication, then usually the end result will be what I wanted. Prior to my retirement 5 years ago, I had worked in the industry for many, many years, so I know not only what I want, but what I should be expecting as a client. I've been to quite a few hair and beauty salons since my regular girl moved away, and it took me years to find someone just as good. I knew not long after I walked in to my current salon that I'd be happy. It was clean, I got greeted immediately and was offered a cuppa tea because I was told my hairdresser was running a few minutes late. I like to be told these sorts of things, rather than waiting around, twiddling my thumbs and wondering when I'm going to be seen to. I had barely started to drink my tea when I was shown to my chair and a discussion started about what I wanted etc. Its nice to have a proper consultation, communication is key. A nice conversation flowed during the service and I was comfortable and pleased and have been returning for the past 18 months with no complaints. My hairdresser also now gives me a discount because I have a weekly appointment ($30 instead of $45 for a wash and blow-dry).
Prices do not reflect the service you receive. I've been to some very upmarket salons and not been happy, not because of the price, because I don't care about that, but with the service or the poor attitude of the staff. There was one upmarket salon I went to for almost 10 months, but my last visit there was appalling. Previous visits were great, but on my last visit I was ignored when I walked in and stood at the front desk for more than 5 minutes while a couple of the staff chit chatted out in the back room. I was then told my regular hairdresser, Kellie, wasn't in and someone else was doing my hair, then left me waiting another 13 minutes until I was shown to my chair. I didn't get offered a drink or a magazine or a head massage (and for $250 a pop, I want my usual head massage thankyouverymuch). While I was at the basin, I overheard the staff *****ing about a client, and that is a big no-no. To top it off, the girl was rough when she styled my hair (pulled it with the brush and burned my scalp with the dryer) and had to tell her more than once to be more careful. As I payed I told the manager I wasn't happy and why. I visited that salon every week, sometimes twice a week, and spent a lot of money there on my hair, products and getting my eyelashes and eyebrows tinted, and that salon manager never did call me and talk about why I wasnt happy. A good owner/manager would. Where I go now is a little cheaper and I'm very happy with all aspects of the salon.
As for nail salons, I do my own nails, but I have gone in and checked some out. Most of the ones around here are nail bars and to be honest, I don't like the way they do the nails (horrid shape, too rough, too much drilling etc.). Getting your nails done shouldn't be painful or take over an hour. I also have no idea what products they use (I assume it's that horrid and cheap MMA dental product because of the cheap prices they charge and all the drilling they do). They also don't look too clean either.
I dont think I have unreasonably high expectations, but on the other hand, maybe some people dont have any at all and that's why some places get away with the bad service.
