During my stay in Auckland, I booked to have my hair highlighted at Marcelo & Co. The salon had impressive reviews and I was excited to have my hair done as a treat to myself while I was solo travelling Aotearoa.Unfortunately I was quite upset with the end result. Despite providing a reference photo, my finished hair did not meet my expectations and deviated significantly from the desired outcome. The before and after photos are virtually indistinguishable. I was upset as I'd paid over $300 for this service and felt that what had been promised between myself and the stylist had not at all been delivered.I returned the following day to express my concerns. I was polite, calm and respectful in explaining my discontent and my desire for at least some compensation, but the stylist responded by saying that I was “aggressive” and “disrespectful”, and that it wasn’t “attractive” for a young girl like me to come in and act in such a way.I was taken aback by his comments. I felt spoken down to as a young woman and invalidated, but most of all I was disappointed that the salon couldn’t apologise nor take responsibility for the end result of my hair. It was obvious that I didn't receive the service I was promised or expected.I was travelling to Wellington in the next couple of days and my schedule was packed until then. I wasn’t able, nor did I want to have another hair appointment with the salon.Ultimately, I didn't get any compensation from the salon and left feeling quite deflated. I felt as though my concerns were not taken seriously. The least I expected was an apology or recognition that I wasn't satisfied, but instead I was told that I wouldn't receive any compensation. It was quite an upsetting experience overall, not one that I will want to remember of my time here in Auckland.(Reference photo attached + before and after photos attached, photos taken by stylist).
