Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar - Garwood — Attraction in Garwood

I called ahead of time (10:00am) to see if they could take a walk-in. The staff member on the phone said they could take me at 10:30am. I let them know that I have an appointment across the street at 11:30am and asked them if there will be enough time. I told her I needed a trim, would like some long layers, and long curtain bangs. She said it was fine, as they usually give an hour per those appointments and it usually doesn’t take that long. So I went, checked in, and got my appointment started.

When my stylist started doing my hair, I thanked him for fitting me in. He started with cutting off 6 inches. This was my first red flag, but I didn’t say anything because I normally wear my hair up anyway. He then started styling my hair with curls. I asked him if we can please keep my hair as it is because I don’t ever style my hair. I didn’t want anything special - just the haircut. He continued to work on my hair and had me tilting my head in different directions. This is totally normal, and there were a few times he would remind me to tilt my head because my head started straightening out. Just like every other haircut I’ve experienced.

At 11:16am, I checked my phone. Most of the layering was done, but the cut for the bangs had not even started. I let the stylist know that I needed to leave soon, even if we don’t get to do the bangs today. He snapped at me, stating that any other hair salon would take a lot longer and if I kept my head tilted it wouldn’t take so long. I told him I’m not trying to be rude, I just have another appointment and may need to leave. He said he had his eye on the clock and we were almost done.

Once the bangs were initially cut, the stylist started gathering styling tools. I checked my phone and it was 11:33am. I told him that I needed to leave. He said no and he would not let me leave until he was done. At that point, I was not happy with the way I was being treated. I told him: “No, thank you. I’m good.” I took off the cape and the stylist said, “BYEEE!”

The person who rang me out asked if I was okay. I told her what happened and reiterated that I was really not trying to be rude to anyone. I was told this wouldn’t take long and I would make it to my appointment on time. That did not happen and my stylist was incredibly disrespectful. The person at the desk offered to have me come back to complete my haircut after my appointment. I thanked her, but told her I’m good. My bangs are not complete and my layers are entirely choppy and a mess. Paid $93 for a negative experience.

Everyone else in the studio was so incredibly nice. It’s a shame that one person can put such a bad taste in your mouth about a company.

UPDATE: The director of operations reached out to me about my experience. She was professional and kind, and I felt heard. She offered to resolve the issue by getting me scheduled with one of her senior stylists to fix my hair. At this point, I had already gone to another salon. However, I am appreciative of her compassion and her effort to mend the bridge...

Previous review: Soda just did the most AMAZING JOB with my daughter’s hair. Absolutely stunning.

Updated Review: I went back to Moxie to get a perm, had a lovely consult and was quoted $199 total for the services. Agreed, had the service done, paid and left. I got home and looked at my charge noticing I had been charged $299 instead, Woops must have typed a 2 instead of a 1- it happens.

I call, and they say no they didn’t overcharge me by $100, they overcharged me by $60. To remedy this they’ll give me a $50 credit towards my next service. After a short conversation wondering how they think a $10 is ok to keep, I say no, I want my money back on my card and they say they’ll process it later.

2 days later they call asking for my credit card to process a $30 refund. I try and get a reasonable explanation why it’s gone from $60 to $30, it seems sketchy they keep verbally telling me one number and it’s always my problem they were wrong, but I get frustrated and say fine, $30. I know I don't get my hair done often so losing me as a customer won’t hurt the business and they have $100 more than what I was quoted. They can pay the rent, thank god. This just hurts because I consider getting my hair done a luxury and a treat to myself- like I said I don’t do it often- It’s special. This has basically ruined that idea for me for now. I had gone there before and felt safe- now I don’t.

The thing is, I would’ve accepted the higher price from the beginning if that had been the price that we agreed on verbally before I even had my service started. I understand that certain things cost certain prices, it was the shadiness and the treatment of me afterwards when I asked about it that has made me decide. I’m never stepping foot into this business again. I don’t think it was the receptionists fault. I think it was the hairstylist telling them what to do And it left a very bad taste in my mouth. I thought we had a very nice rapport with each other during the hairstyling session and I’m very surprised this happened. Going from Being told a service is $199 to getting charged $299 and then getting a $30 refund after they try and make you feel like an idiot on the phone is not my idea of...

As someone who doesn’t really like getting her hair done, Moxie is actually a pretty good experience. I’ll admit, the place/website seems a little too cool for me, but everyone is super friendly. My appointment was at 8am and I learned about this place from Facebook. Someone reached out to me and I thought, I’m overdue for a haircut/color so let’s book an appointment.

It’s located in Garwood and there is a parking lot in the back with an entrance in the back. I had no trouble getting parking but I could see how this could get crowded as the day continued. This place gets busier as the day continues.

When you walk in, they do offer your water/coffee which is a nice touch. I also love the music selection that plays. It’s pop. It’s songs I know. It’s fun.

Now I don’t get my hair done often and I never really figured out how to talk to stylists and convey my goals. Soda seemed to just understand what I wanted/needed. Conversation was also pleasant without too much awkwardness which is always a plus. We did a baylage hair coloring to get rid of the grays and a haircut/blowout to make it all fancy. He picked the perfect colors and really achieved that mom makeover effect.

Since this whole process took about 3.5 hours, I got to observe a lot. Everyone really knows what they are doing. Lots of happy customers leave the chairs looking fabulous. Also, I have no idea how people are able to get such bouncy curls when blow drying hair. I’m never able to get the same effect.

FYI, if you pay in cash it’ll be cheaper. They do charge 3% if you use a credit card.

I definitely recommend this place if you want a confidence boost. Leaving the place, I felt like a new person. It also helped that I received several compliments the...