Clear Waters Salon & Day Spa — Attraction in Williams Bay

I had high hopes for Clear Waters Salon when I scheduled my hair and makeup trial for my wedding. When myself and maid of honor arrived for the appointment we were quickly lead to the chair and the trial began. Caitlyn was who we were working with. She didn't bother to introduce herself or ask who I brought along. She asked a few questions about the wedding but over all was pretty stand-offish. The hair trial went OK. I wasn't in love with how it turned out but didn't hate it . It was the makeup that was horrible. Overall I think she had the right technique, but the products the salon uses are absolutely horrid. After my appointment when I went outside, I realized my entire face was covered in a grey dusty shimmer, my eyeliner was waxy and patchy and the lip product they used was chunky and gross. Every pore and line on my face was emphasized. Additionally, my hair fell out of the updo with in two steps of walking out the door (I am not exaggerating this!). I was so upset with how the trial went I didn't even want to go back to see if they could fix it. I think she could have fixed the hair, but the makeup products you can't change. Within two days of my trail my skin had broken out bad. I can only assume it was the products used or a lack of clean brushes, maybe both.

Also, as soon as my trial was complete my MOH and I were checking things out and snapping a few photos, and Caitlyn rudely asked me to move my things because she had another client who had been waiting. We were over our appointment time by 2 minutes.

This is not the kind of stress and attitude I want to deal with on my wedding day. So if you are thinking about using Clear Waters Salon for bridal services, definitely book a trial months and months in advance so you are not scrambling to find...

I came in for an extended shampoo cut and style as a holiday gift. I wanted to get my hair cut significantly shorter and have layers and framing done (10-12 inches off, my hair was very long) and enjoy a little pampering, but I didn’t end up getting anything but the cut. I walked out without getting my hair washed beforehand or without getting it styled after (does blow drying it for 5 minutes after a trim count?) and I still was charged $70. When I got home, I had to trim uneven hairs that were over an inch longer than the rest in some places. I ended up going to another salon to get it fixed. They basically told me I paid $70 for a $20 chop from a cost cutters. No layering, nothing. For a high-end salon, I’m pretty disappointed with the results, especially the price when I don’t end up getting the expected experience.

Edit to add after salon response:

Follow up appointment was booked at the end of the initial appointment during checkout/payment before I found all of the poorly cut areas. I was willing to give the salon a second chance at the end, plus I do not like making a scene, especially when I have other commitments I need to get to ASAP. Despite the services that were “skipped,” and the fact that my stylist refused to put in layers I asked for (because she didn’t think it was right for my hair type?), I was willing to try again. Adding in the poor cut, I decided it was too many issues at a first appointment to go without an honest review of my experience.

I cancelled my future appointment when I wrote the review. I work 3rd shift and was not awake during business hours to cancel...

Exceptional service and care during COVID-19.

I visited Lake Geneva in July for a weekend of R&R which included a trip to the spa. I stayed a the large resort in town with a very well-known spa. Unfortunately, when I called and checked their COVID-19 provisions, they were not up to state guidance. I went in search of another spa in the area and found Clear Waters Salon and Day Spa in Williams Bay (they also have a location in Lake Geneva).

A few elements I want to highlight which is why I think so highly of this spa:

The team communicates mask mandate, temperature checks, and other safety precautions during appointment set up and in the reminder call. They care for the safety of their guest AND therapists. Every single person I encountered to was kind, accommodating and warm. Massage therapist Vivivan was fantastic and checked-in often during the service to check my comfort level. Esthetician JR too exceptional care of my brows, she was very friendly and took her time with the service. Nail technician Carter took great care of my nails after many months of shelter in place.

I walked away feeling cared for with a genuine sense of kindness.

Despite the fact that I live in downtown Chicago, I will return, they have a...