Humiliation and Inconsistencies

Upsetting experience at Gary Rom, Constantia. I have been coming here to have my hair blow dried for some time. I always wash my hair myself at home because I do my own roots just before and then apply Gary Rom leave-in care product plus hair spray (fave product from London- expensive and not available in SA). Today when I arrived for my appointment to have it blow dried, I was told that today I must have it washed and my products removed before the blow dry because apparently the other customers and management have complained that I "stink the place out". I was speechless. Notwithstanding the fact that I didn't have the extra time as I needed to get back home to host a Christmas party, I felt deeply embarrassed, looked around and saw the staff looking at me (*that* client) and I left. I was quite shocked and tearful leaving there. Definitely persona non-grata. They could have told me in advance on the phone and saved everyone the wasted time and effort and humiliation in a busy salon. In fact my own stylist took the call when i booked and said nothing about it. So I arrived with wet hair and left with wet hair and tears and no way to find a last minute appointment.

In hindsight I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. There is a clique there with some customers getting special treatment and lower prices and freebies like hand massages, and myself none of the above. I was even promised one of these elusive 'hand therapies' but nada. I have paid in excess of R400 for a blow dry before (I wasnt given a quote when making the appt) and at other times nearly half that. Other inconsistencies is that when I first enquired (with the owner) about having my hair done there, she said every 3rd or 4th treatment was free due to a loyalty programme for regular clients. After many visits the free blowdry never materialised as I apparently have "no credits". Very hit and miss.

Still reeling this evening about the way I was made to feel like I was a problem, a nuisance rather than a valued client. I nearly arrived with a xmas gift for my stylist, such was my utter delusion. A sinker!! Ffs