I’m sharing my experience to help other customers make an informed decision.
I visited this salon twice and, unfortunately, had similar issues both times with communication and listening to client preferences.
On my first visit, I booked a trim and tint with Maria. I was very clear that my hair needed to remain long enough to tie back into a ponytail for work, and that my fringe needed to sit at eyebrow level so it wouldn’t part in the middle and expose scars. Despite this, my hair was cut shorter than requested, and my fringe was styled as a curtain fringe, which I specifically did not want. When I raised this at the time, I was told this was what I had asked for.
Before my second visit, I contacted the Vivo helpline to specifically request a senior stylist, as I wanted to avoid further issues. I was advised that Katie was a senior hairdresser. I booked the Shinefinity package as a treatment only, as I was still growing out the previous cut and did not want a trim or tint. I explained this clearly, but during the appointment I had to repeat myself multiple times as I was repeatedly encouraged to add a trim and tint despite declining.
There was also disagreement about my fringe and hair growth patterns. I was told I had a cowlick, which does not align with my long-term experience with my own hair. When my fringe is cut correctly in a soft blunt style, it does not part in the middle and is easy for me to manage, even with minimal styling.
Overall, while neither cut was disastrous, the results were not what I asked for, and I consistently felt that my concerns were dismissed rather than discussed. Communication and listening were the main issues for me.
After posting this review, the owner replied publicly suggesting I contact the helpline. I was not contacted directly. I’m leaving this review to share my experience with others, as it closely reflects concerns raised in other negative reviews, which I wish I had read more carefully before booking.
Beks
-
August 30, 2025
Rachel is an absolute master of her trade. At my first visit Rachel keyed into what I wanted cut and colour wise. I don't naturally have great hair and the colour when I first went to the salon was pretty neglected, but first visit was all sorted and lasts for ages so value for money. Amazing expertise and service. First time I have ever had people ask me if they can take a photo of my hair as they want the same!!
The One
-
October 22, 2025
One of the worst hair coloring experiences ever. Asked for a money piece in red and got a highlighter yellow and was placed in the most uncomfortable chair for 3 hours. I paid $350 & had to return the next day and clear my schedule again. Wasn't offered a refreshment or anything until AFTER I paid toward the end of my appointment and my hair was SO BAD. The hairdresser tried to tell me my hair looked great knowing damn well it was a mess. Dont ever go here. I had it fixed the next day and I was the only person in the entire salon. Probably because its so crap and no one likes going here
B Baker
-
December 12, 2023
Fantastic service from Alexa💖 We went through a thorough consult and her recommendations got my hair the results, better than we expected😁 and having thick polynesian hair can be a challenge but she conquered it🤩 Thank you for the transformation Alexa😍 Highly recommend this sweet young lady. Her work is amazing 💯🔥👌🏽w
Georgia Armon
-
July 11, 2024
Most terrible experience. The hairdresser Katie botched my hair. I had to be sent to a different salon to get ut fixed which is still unsatisfactory. She rushed foils, foils had bled, my hair is patchy, 4 different colors, she did not cut my hair which was paid for.
Our Address
Shop 5/150 Office Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
I’m sharing my experience to help other customers make an informed decision. I visited this salon twice and, unfortunately, had similar issues both times with communication and listening to client preferences. On my first visit, I booked a trim and tint with Maria. I was very clear that my hair needed to remain long enough to tie back into a ponytail for work, and that my fringe needed to sit at eyebrow level so it wouldn’t part in the middle and expose scars. Despite this, my hair was cut shorter than requested, and my fringe was styled as a curtain fringe, which I specifically did not want. When I raised this at the time, I was told this was what I had asked for. Before my second visit, I contacted the Vivo helpline to specifically request a senior stylist, as I wanted to avoid further issues. I was advised that Katie was a senior hairdresser. I booked the Shinefinity package as a treatment only, as I was still growing out the previous cut and did not want a trim or tint. I explained this clearly, but during the appointment I had to repeat myself multiple times as I was repeatedly encouraged to add a trim and tint despite declining. There was also disagreement about my fringe and hair growth patterns. I was told I had a cowlick, which does not align with my long-term experience with my own hair. When my fringe is cut correctly in a soft blunt style, it does not part in the middle and is easy for me to manage, even with minimal styling. Overall, while neither cut was disastrous, the results were not what I asked for, and I consistently felt that my concerns were dismissed rather than discussed. Communication and listening were the main issues for me. After posting this review, the owner replied publicly suggesting I contact the helpline. I was not contacted directly. I’m leaving this review to share my experience with others, as it closely reflects concerns raised in other negative reviews, which I wish I had read more carefully before booking.
Rachel is an absolute master of her trade. At my first visit Rachel keyed into what I wanted cut and colour wise. I don't naturally have great hair and the colour when I first went to the salon was pretty neglected, but first visit was all sorted and lasts for ages so value for money. Amazing expertise and service. First time I have ever had people ask me if they can take a photo of my hair as they want the same!!
One of the worst hair coloring experiences ever. Asked for a money piece in red and got a highlighter yellow and was placed in the most uncomfortable chair for 3 hours. I paid $350 & had to return the next day and clear my schedule again. Wasn't offered a refreshment or anything until AFTER I paid toward the end of my appointment and my hair was SO BAD. The hairdresser tried to tell me my hair looked great knowing damn well it was a mess. Dont ever go here. I had it fixed the next day and I was the only person in the entire salon. Probably because its so crap and no one likes going here
Fantastic service from Alexa💖 We went through a thorough consult and her recommendations got my hair the results, better than we expected😁 and having thick polynesian hair can be a challenge but she conquered it🤩 Thank you for the transformation Alexa😍 Highly recommend this sweet young lady. Her work is amazing 💯🔥👌🏽w
Most terrible experience. The hairdresser Katie botched my hair. I had to be sent to a different salon to get ut fixed which is still unsatisfactory. She rushed foils, foils had bled, my hair is patchy, 4 different colors, she did not cut my hair which was paid for.