Salvage Salon — Attraction in San Diego

I had the most awful experience at Salvage Salon and do not recommend their services.

I recently moved to San Diego and had previously been seeing the same hairdresser for 10+ years in another state. Finding a new hairdresser is scary so I researched many hair salons and then spoke with Salvage’s manager before scheduling my haircut in order to discuss my apprehension. I was reassured by the manager that I would be in great hands. I explained to the manager that I wanted to donate my hair and was feeling especially nervous because to do so required a radical change in the length of my hair. I made it clear that I did not want to length to be shorter than the tops of my shoulders. The manager recommended a hair stylist named Taylor.

I scheduled a consult with Taylor and verbally explained desired length and hair style and showed Taylor two photos of my desired cut. I explained that I wanted shoulder length hair with a blunt cut and expressed my concern that my hair might not be long enough to donate and achieve this shoulder length, blunt cut. I needed to donate at least 8” of hair and Taylor assured me that I had enough hair to donate and achieve the shoulder length, blunt cut I wanted. Taylor suggested we section my hair into pigtails to preserve length when I donate my hair. Our consult made me feel like I was in good hands.

During my hair cut appointment, Taylor sectioned my hair into pigtails, so it was ready to donate. I suggested we section my hair into 4 ponytails so we can preserve more length. Taylor assured me that 4 ponytails were unnecessary, and the pigtails would be enough for me to achieve my desired shoulder length cut. Taylor cut the pig tails and the look on her face suddenly and obviously changed to an expression of worry. Taylor cut my hair into a lopsided bob that was longer in the front and uneven in the back. The length in the front was to my chin, not to my shoulders as I had stressed I wanted. The length in the back was a short bob and to my ears. She said she could no longer do a blunt cut because the hair was so short which is exactly what we had discussed during my consult at which time I made it clear what I wanted and she made it clear what she intended to do.

Instead of cutting 8” long ponytails to donate, Taylor cut 11.5” long ponytails. How does an experienced stylist cut off an extra 3.5”? When she was done with my hair cut, the back of my undesired bob was uneven with random pieces here and there that were longer than others. My nightmare was reflecting back at me in the mirror. I did not mean to and I did not want to, but I started to cry. Needless to say, my haircut was no charge.

Later in the evening, Taylor texted me to see how I was doing and apologized about my experience. In her text she said, "I should have just told you to wait for your hair to be longer”. Perhaps she should have, but she didn't, and besides if she had not over cut my hair by 3.5 inches, I would have had enough length to donate, I would have ended up with the style and length I asked for and was promised, and I would not be writing now warning the public about the ineptitude of this stylist and recklessness...

I am absolutely appalled by my experience at Salvage Salon. I had high hopes for this appointment, especially because it was crucial for my wedding day, and I specifically booked with Kelly, the stylist who has always done an incredible job with my curly hair. Unfortunately, Kelly's cancellation due to her pregnancy (which I was completely understanding about) set off a chain of events that was nothing short of disastrous.

I was assigned Misty as a replacement, and although she was polite, the entire experience was incredibly disappointing. Not only did she fail to understand my curly hair needs, but the result was a cut that was uneven and left me with half-wet hair, something I had never experienced before at a salon. I was shocked to pay $350 for such a poor result.

After I returned to have Misty try to fix the cut, I still left feeling dissatisfied and deeply frustrated. The lack of communication from Misty only made matters worse, as she ignored my concerns about the highlights and the cut. When I asked for adjustments, her response was dismissive at best, offering a quick “5-minute fix” instead of taking the time to actually address my issues. The whole situation felt like she was rushing me out without any care for the outcome.

What’s even more disheartening is how the salon manager, Elisha Freese, handled my concerns. While I was offered a partial refund ($125), it was clear that the salon had no interest in truly making things right. Elisha used the words, “We normally do not offer refunds unless the hair has been damaged or quite literally burned off,” acting like they were being so gracious to offer me less than 50% back of what I paid. Elisha even suggested I should pay more to fix the issues with a new stylist, which is completely unacceptable considering how much I had already spent. The emotional distress this situation caused me, especially given the importance of this appointment for my wedding, is significant.

In summary, the lack of professionalism, communication, and genuine care for the client’s satisfaction has left me deeply disappointed. I will not be returning to Salvage Salon and will be sharing my experience with others so that they can make an informed decision. The entire experience was a letdown, and I feel completely disregarded as a paying customer.

If Salvage chooses to respond by placing the blame on me, as they have done so already, take that for...

I walked into this salon a few weeks ago, and not once was greeted. I stood there waiting patiently to be helped before I eventually waved someone down to inquire about booking services. I then asked for a quote on a haircut with Skylar, and was told “all the information you need to know can be found on our website” and was kindly dismissed from the shop. Now I understand COVID and the new digital world, but what happened to the personal aspect of in person customer service?

I then went online to search for Skylar’s services, and read all of her booking information and FAQs as directed and began the impossible process of booking an appointment with her. I should have gathered from her language and attitude displayed on her social media, the type of person she is, but because I’ve heard such great things about her technique, I decided to go against that gut feeling.

Needless to say, getting an appointment via the online booking process is practically impossible. Fair. Your services are in high demand, and obviously you’re good at what you do. After I private messaged her on Instagram, instead of responding to me professionally and like a decent human being, she decides to screenshot my message and display it on her story essentially shaming me for having even reached out to her. Then she blocks me so I don’t see this!!!

I’m sorry but I’m pretty sure this is considered bullying?? At the very least unprofessional… who do YOU think YOU are? My message wasn’t a bribe, or a sense of entitlement to your time, it was a simple question that could have had a simple answer. None of this was called for. And quite frankly no one/service, especially Skylar, is worth the time or energy needed to even get an appointment, much less to be made to feel or be spoken to like this.

The whole salon has this “too good for people” attitude. Very exclusive and very...