The Salon, Cumberland RI

I’ve been a client of Christine’s at The Salon on Mendon for years. I can’t say enough great things about this salon. I always leave with a great cut and I’ve been complimented many times about the natural look of the color. The salon is so clean and inviting and all of the stylists are so friendly and down to earth. Definitely a gem of a place.

I was passing by one day last year when I made the fateful mistake of being lured into this salon by attractive signage and a charming name. I was greeted by Christine Robbins, the salon owner- an elaborately coiffed and seemingly friendly woman. There was no “walk-in” availability that day but I eagerly agreed to make an appointment for the following week for a hair “trim. ” That appointment proceeded without incident and the haircut was acceptable although I was reluctantly convinced that I should “trust “ Ms Robbins’ and allow her to cut layers into my previously “one length “hair because as she said it was just irresistible on her part as a stylist. Little did I know that this woman whom I had never met before was motivated by some unknown MALICE! I am still shaking my damaged locks with regret over a year later over my decision to make a subsequent appointment for a color service at this salon. When I arrived for my appointment I mentioned that my hair was due for a wash (which was appropriate for receiving a color treatment), Christine said that’s fine because “I’m going to wash it with clarifying shampoo FIRST! ” I should have RUN out of this place, little did I know! Not only did she wash my hair with clarifying shampoo (totally inappropriate in my estimation), but then without even the benefit of conditioner she proceeded to hold up tangled sections of my WET hair and tease them with a wire bristle brush! As she performed this horrible assault on my tresses she rambled on about watching a YouTube video that morning detailing how to go about “IT”
Once the color was applied I attempted to wait patiently as an interminable amount of time went by. When I inquired about the extended duration of this phase needless to say she was syrupy sweet in her friendly reassurance that I was in PRoFESSIONAL hands! Of course the color was WAY too dark, but it wasn’t until I got home that I began to realize the true heinous nature of her intentions. It is now over a year later, after weeks of intensive conditioning treatments, months of applying egg yolks, and other homeopathic remedies my hair is still more damaged than it has ever been in my life, and I lived through the 80’s, crimping irons and all!
The following day I phoned Christine and expressed my disappointment. Initially she said “what do you want, your money back? ” I said, of course I do, but I would also like an explanation. I made arrangements to meet her at the salon the following day. She then completely changed her mind tune and called me back and said she wouldn’t give me any sort of refund until I met with the representative from the company that supplied her product!
I don’t know how I could possibly have offended this woman, as I have never had any association with her previously but this was nothing short of a malicious ASSAULT.
I spoke with representatives from the Better Business Bureau who were understandably concerned about this incident and suggested that I file a complaint with their organization, though in this case it would have little real benefit in terms of recovering damages as Ms. Robbins’ establishment -The Salon on Mendon- is not a member. No surprise there!
BUYER BEWARE!