Heading Out - Bourke Street (2109 reviews)

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I didn't like that the hairdresser spent my whole appointment trying to sell me more products when the service was expensive enough. She also tried to push me into a new (very expensive appointment) without being open from the outset about how much it would cost.

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The hairdresser that did my hair could do with a few more lessons on "teasing" (back-combing) the hair to give volume. When I get my hair done at the Salon (that I normally go to) my hair set lasts for 3 to 4 days (at half the price that I paid at your Salon). My hair went flat 2 to 3 hours after it was done at your Salon, and there was no Rain or Wind to blame !! Noone would've said that I had been to a Hairdresser that day !!

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1) I was surprised by the fee for Balayage, online it said roughly $223 for a full head of highlights by a senior colourist (balayage pricing wasn't shown) I expected it would be more however not as much as it was ($475) also surprised that this didn't even include colour. I asked on the phone for the balayage fee as well but they said it's on the website (I still couldn't find it). I'm used to high-quality salons that charge around $300 for full balayage and a cut. This was far too expensive for what I received. 2) I selected the senior colourist (Zoe) as I liked the work on her Instagram (and used them as examples for my desired colour). My appointment was pushed earlier which was fine, but then she was no longer my stylist - and I was not informed. It also seemed I was still charged senior colourist fees. 3) It seemed like the end of the appointment was rushed (top foils, toner, styling at the end). I am typically offered complimentary curled hair/waves at the end, but this was just a blow-dry. 4) The toner didn't seem to sit long enough (despite paying $50 for it) as a lot of my hair is quite yellow-blond. The stylist said to keep using purple shampoo and that should remove the yellow areas. 5) I asked for balayage to frame my face with a middle part - it ended up being two streaks that are thin. It looks quite tacky so I am parting my hair to the side. 6) The stylist said she'd bring the blond higher than a photo I shared of the previous balayage I had before but it's still pretty dark at the top when parted in the middle (the way it was coloured) 7) When my hair is in a ponytail it looks quite streaky. *Photos are after one wash (with Fanola purple shampoo) after the appointment.

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I had an unusually bad experience with my hair colour this one visit. I had asked for a smoky brown balayage and had a specific photo to show the colourist, but instead walked out with bleached blonde hair. Even if there was a misunderstanding in the colour, it hadn't been blended in from my natural hair colour at all. It was horrible considering that I have ever only had dark brown hair my whole life. Fortunately, I had someone else do a fantastic job in fixing it a couple of days later.

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Can’t complain about the service but I received a nothing special cut for an exorbitant price. Would not return when there are other salons offering far more value for money. And absolutely no atmosphere!

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I have been going to Heading Out (Bourke Street) for several years. I have always had the best service from both the stylists and other support staff which is why I kept returning. New owners have taken over and while it is expected changes are made, I think in this instance, getting rid of some of the existing staff did this business a considerable disservice. The previous reception staff (Grace in particular) ran the salon beautifully and with a very friendly manner. My last two visits with new staff were ok but not to the standard I have come to expect and that is unfortunate. I think the staff work hard and they were courteous but the level of skill and professionalism has most certainly diminished. Additionally, I was dismayed there was no communication regarding the significant staff changes at the salon. Having given this salon two opportunities to determine if I wish to remain a client, I think it is safe to say - I will be looking for a new salon.