1 /5 Aari M.S: The space itself hardly feels “luxury” as advertised—it’s worn down, and as a local I’ve noticed it’s nearly always empty. After my visit, I understand why.
I was greeted coldly by Orshi, who even mispronounced my name until I politely corrected her. From the outset she was unwelcoming, spending over half an hour criticising my hair—even while admitting it was in good condition. I explained clearly that I am growing my hair and wanted nothing more than a light trim every couple of months. Instead, she chopped off several inches and insisted I had asked for a bob. She cut my hair in under ten minutes, leaving it uneven, and styled it without a single product until I requested heat protection. Her reaction to that simple request was to storm off, return visibly shaking with anger, and grip my hair so tightly it was genuinely uncomfortable.
Throughout, I did my best to remain polite and calm, but she became increasingly hostile whenever I gave honest feedback (twice, when asked). At one point, I even asked her directly if she wanted to cut my hair, since her demeanour suggested otherwise. She insisted she did, though her behaviour said differently.
When I raised concerns, she brought out the owner, Richard Kirby, whose response was astonishingly immature for a man of his age. Rather than listening, he launched into a monologue about how he owns two businesses—though why that was relevant to my haircut remains a mystery. He accused me of being rude simply for explaining what I wanted, and even threatened me about leaving a review. Ironically, that threat is the very reason I am writing one.
For context, a week before my appointment I had simply asked whether anyone would be doing colour during my slot, since I’m in the early stages of pregnancy and struggling with nausea. I did not ask for anyone’s appointment to be cancelled—just for clarity so I could reschedule if needed. Somehow, in their minds, this translated into me wanting the salon shut down. That leap says more about their mindset than mine.
The most troubling part, however, was the undertone of Orshi’s behaviour throughout the appointment. The coldness, the aggression, the way she handled me—there was a clear sense that I was being treated differently. It was impossible not to feel there were racial undertones to her conduct, which made the whole experience not only unpleasant but deeply unsettling.
In the end, I left with a haircut I didn’t ask for, a poor blow dry, and the distinct sense I had been treated with hostility for no reason other than calmly stating my preferences. Having now washed and styled it myself, I can confirm the cut is uneven—so much for their claims of “expert” precision.
Finally, to Richard Kirby: if you are indeed as busy as you claim, running your two “businesses,” it’s curious you always seem to find so much time to fire off defensive replies to customer reviews. Reading your responses to other unhappy clients made it abundantly clear—arguing with customers is your default, and reflection is not your strong suit. Instead of instructing me to “go home and reflect on my behaviour,” perhaps you and your stylist should reflect on your own. A little humility, retraining, and a basic grasp of customer service would serve you far better than bluster.
