Crowning Glory? Not so much

I've finally decided not to visit Cr*wn again.  It's a high end hair and beauty parlour here.  It is a great place looks wise.  However I've had my fair share of bad experiences there.  They include:

• Being cut while having a pedicure done (they didn't charge me for that but hell, I could have contracted a disease)
• Having my hair cut 6 inches shorter than I had asked for.
• Allowing pets inside.
• Just charging ridiculous amounts.  This has increased after they have moved to their new premises.  Recently I booked a hair ironing.  Wanting to know how much it would cost (I was going to take cash, which I often don't have enough of) they told me Rs 2000 was the starting price but it would depend on my hair length.  I described my hair : it was half way down my back.  They said it would have to wait until I came and then they would look at my hair and tell me.  I arrived at the parlour and showed the reception guy my hair.  I pointed out that it was already re-bonded and only needed straightening at the crown.  He still didn't mention an amount and told me to wait.  Finally the person who was going to do the work turned up.  I had my shampooing done by an assistant/ trainee and then the main guy (who's a hot shot in the hair cutting business here) arrives.  Note that I didn't ask for a senior person to do my simple hair straightening.  Hot shot wants to know what my husband does, does he work here.  When I confirmed that he did work here, he goes "So you're here to spend his money!"  How ridiculous and insulting, however I didn't show that I was offended.  Halfway through another customer arrives and beckons Hot Shot over.  He moves over to other customer half way, leaving trainee to finish up.  Anyway, when I go to pay the bill hot shot guy comes and whispers something to billing guy/receptionist.  Then I find out that I've been charged Rs 3500 for something that other parlours charge Rs 1800 or below and for which I've never before paid more than Rs 2000 at Cr*wn itself.  Also I know this is physical labour but the results of the hair straightening in a humid area like Colombo last couple of hours at most.  I had to re iron my hair in the evening before I went out.  That's Rs 3500 just down the drain.

What happened at the parlour is just unacceptable in my opinion.  If one is to charge such a ridiculously high amount one has to inform the client well before the services start not after as a rude shock.  Especially as I had wanted to know earlier.  One should know that a satisfied customer is the only type of customer to have and if you try to screw the customer around too much you just lose money.  Now I know this may be the Hot Shot guy's fault rather than the whole parlour's but I'm not risking such bad treatment again.  In my opinion a place that makes so much money should not be trying to play silly games like these.

Crown

I recently had the privilege of trying out the reflexology at Crown Hair and Beauty. Simply stated, best 1500Rs I had spent in a long time. Their ambience is great. Understated and classy. Their people are really well behaved and skilled.

I also tried the shampoo and blow dry/ironing which is also really well done, though the first time I had it done was better than the second time. They will even throw in an extra back rub after the shampoo. Mmmmm!

Their prices are comparable to all other salons and they still offer superior service in my opinion. Just make sure you go with an appointment as they can be quite busy!