I arrived on time for a 10:00 AM appointment and wasn't acknowledged until after 10:30 AM — my hairdresser was busy colouring a colleague's hair.
I was then charged $350.04 for a half-head of foils, toner, and a rough dry — despite the salon's own website listing foils at $165 and toner at $88. I was also charged $70 for a blow wave I never had.
When I complained, owner Mike Hamel admitted the error in writing: "We see you were overcharged... we are sending through the refund by end of day tomorrow." He also confirmed the website prices were out of date and would be updated. His words, not mine.
That refund never arrived. I've since grown out a full head of regrowth waiting for it. When I followed up, he reduced the promised refund and went silent.
Advertised prices that don't match what you're charged is false advertising. Promising a refund and not paying it out is just dishonest. Avoid.
Kiwimarylou13
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June 05, 2025
I came here a while ago to have my roots touched up and left with stripes and breakage to my hair. I had my roots done and went back in a couple days later to have some warmth put into it with a toner as it was a bit too ashy for me. In that process all my face framing hair snapped off, I was left with my hair sticking straight up to the sky ( for at least 3 months), obvious to my friends who couldn’t help but stare at my hair when they were talking me, I laughed it off but it has gotten to the point where I am afraid to go to any hair salon. I trusted this place as they had done great jobs before. I’m not sure what happened whether they were rushed with the stripes left in my hair or a muck up with my foils but the breakage I feel could have been avoided. I know there is a risk with bleaching hair but if I was told this could burn off my hair then maybe I wouldn’t have done it. I felt bad to message again when I realised the stripes in my hair, she offered to fix it again but there was no apology or sympathy, and with the breakage that had already happened I didn’t want to risk more. I think I just feel bummed, trying to find somewhere now I go through all the reviews and am hesitant to book. I just think if people know or the business knows it could be avoided in the future.
I have been hesitant to write this but due to still feeling so worried about my hair I have decided to leave this review for future clients or as some constructive advice. The staff are lovely and the place is gorgeous I have loved my hair in the past I am just bummed about my last time.
Bede Nottingham
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January 28, 2026
Always so friendly. Excellent skills
Great team environment
Anaele Jegaden
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May 11, 2026
Awesome place, awesome team, awesome haircut. Thank you so much!!
ruby Oakley
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November 17, 2022
What a God send.
So happy with Mike & his team.
I had a very bad color done at another salon the day b4 & a friend recommended GM.
They were helpful on the phone & I nipped in 4 a quick consult b4 they closed. Mike managed to fit me in the next day!
Mike & all his staff were lovely & friendly, even allowing dogs in the salon.
They did a fantastic job & after a long complicated process got my hair exactly the color I'd wanted it & in good condition considering the bleaching.
The salon itself is big & nicely designed. I loved the plants over the basins & the huge round mirrors at the stations. Great drinks selection & things to read.
I will definitely be back & recommending to my friends.
Our Address
300 Cashel Street, City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
I arrived on time for a 10:00 AM appointment and wasn't acknowledged until after 10:30 AM — my hairdresser was busy colouring a colleague's hair. I was then charged $350.04 for a half-head of foils, toner, and a rough dry — despite the salon's own website listing foils at $165 and toner at $88. I was also charged $70 for a blow wave I never had. When I complained, owner Mike Hamel admitted the error in writing: "We see you were overcharged... we are sending through the refund by end of day tomorrow." He also confirmed the website prices were out of date and would be updated. His words, not mine. That refund never arrived. I've since grown out a full head of regrowth waiting for it. When I followed up, he reduced the promised refund and went silent. Advertised prices that don't match what you're charged is false advertising. Promising a refund and not paying it out is just dishonest. Avoid.
I came here a while ago to have my roots touched up and left with stripes and breakage to my hair. I had my roots done and went back in a couple days later to have some warmth put into it with a toner as it was a bit too ashy for me. In that process all my face framing hair snapped off, I was left with my hair sticking straight up to the sky ( for at least 3 months), obvious to my friends who couldn’t help but stare at my hair when they were talking me, I laughed it off but it has gotten to the point where I am afraid to go to any hair salon. I trusted this place as they had done great jobs before. I’m not sure what happened whether they were rushed with the stripes left in my hair or a muck up with my foils but the breakage I feel could have been avoided. I know there is a risk with bleaching hair but if I was told this could burn off my hair then maybe I wouldn’t have done it. I felt bad to message again when I realised the stripes in my hair, she offered to fix it again but there was no apology or sympathy, and with the breakage that had already happened I didn’t want to risk more. I think I just feel bummed, trying to find somewhere now I go through all the reviews and am hesitant to book. I just think if people know or the business knows it could be avoided in the future. I have been hesitant to write this but due to still feeling so worried about my hair I have decided to leave this review for future clients or as some constructive advice. The staff are lovely and the place is gorgeous I have loved my hair in the past I am just bummed about my last time.
Always so friendly. Excellent skills Great team environment
Awesome place, awesome team, awesome haircut. Thank you so much!!
What a God send. So happy with Mike & his team. I had a very bad color done at another salon the day b4 & a friend recommended GM. They were helpful on the phone & I nipped in 4 a quick consult b4 they closed. Mike managed to fit me in the next day! Mike & all his staff were lovely & friendly, even allowing dogs in the salon. They did a fantastic job & after a long complicated process got my hair exactly the color I'd wanted it & in good condition considering the bleaching. The salon itself is big & nicely designed. I loved the plants over the basins & the huge round mirrors at the stations. Great drinks selection & things to read. I will definitely be back & recommending to my friends.