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Review content:
It's a very busy place right in the heart of Kennedy/South Tampa with minimal and restricted parking. Considering those factors, they do a decent job managing that dynamic. I booked my appointment online, but I also called a few days before to tell them that I had a Groupon. They were friendly on the phone and my appointment started promptly. The reasons that I cancelled my follow-up appointment have a little to do with hair care, and a lot with the finances surrounding my services. I purchased a Groupon for $39.00. That voucher was good for either a Haircut with KeraTriplex Keratin Treatment, Haircut with Partial Highlights or a Haircut with a Single-Process Color. I chose the haircut with single process color. Understandably there was a consultation and my hairstylist claimed that she couldn't do what was on the Groupon without doing other procedures 1st. We discussed price and it amounted to probably an additional $50.00 to strip my hair. She swore she was giving me a deal, and I agreed to this. So in my mind, I have this Groupon that I've already pre-paid for that covers the cost of a haircut (which for me is about 1-2 inches off the end, no layering or anything,) and the dying of my hair. During my consultation, she asked me what type of shampoo I used. I probably named off about 5 different brands, all of which she assured me were unacceptable. This then led to her showing me the products they have for sale. My hairstylist swore up and down that I needed to purchase Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde because it is sulphate free. Now, I wouldn't claim to be an expert but I have long, thick brunette curly hair that needs constant conditioning and moisturizing. She used this line of products while I was there and it left my hair dry and brittle. Where I agree about the sulphate free shampoo, I'm sure there is a line that would better suit someone who needs moisture. But I think it was more important to sell me a name brand fad for a commission instead of really analyzing my personal haircare needs. When all was said and done she charged me a higher price for the stripping procedure, as well as an a-la-carte price per 2-3 additional bowls of color. At the checkout counter she brought up a full-size Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner ($18.95 each,) for me to purchase to take home even though I had previously said during our tour of products that I wasn't buying that today. I declined that purchase, but after everything I was charged: $105.62 to walk out the door. This didn't include the $39.00 groupon that I had already paid or the $20.00 tip. So altogether, $164.62 for a very impersonal and average experience. Additionally, I would point out that regardless of the regular price of salon services at Monaco, the length of my hair, the state of my previous color upon arrival, I purchased something that said a full single-process color would be covered. By charging me for additional bowls, that makes this groupon ""deal"" a complete bait and switch. I did make a follow-up appointment that day, but have since called to cancel. They didn't ask why, just said ok and we hung up. This proves my point exactly: at Salon Monaco you are just another number and it's more about the location and the fancy decor than about servicing all clients and building lasting relationships for repeat business. I would not recommend them, and I may launch a complaint with Groupon because they should know that businesses are utilizing them to advertise 1 service and not following through. I will be trying another salon in a couple of weeks. Better luck next time.
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