Hari’s Hairdressers

Just had my hair done here as a model. The staff were very unorganised. I showed Hari a photo of what I wanted, a slightly shorter version of what I had, a long bob, nothing too crazy. I usually bring this same photo with me as it’s always what I want. The two stylists doing my hair looked at it swiftly and started. They weirdly took turns cutting my hair. It could see their hands visibly shaking. I have hair modelled a lot in the past, and this was very unusual. They also did not speak to me during the cut. During a cut like this I normally have each step explained to me, it helps the trainee stylist clear the air and assert their confidence. These two were neither assertive or confident. They were just ignorant to their inexperience. So was Hari.
During my cut Hari had a loud argument with another customer which he handled very very unprofessionally. I was very unimpressed and so was the poor customer who had asked for a trim and had many inches chopped off her hair.
At this point I almost asked for them to stop and head over to my regular hairdresser to have the cut corrected. But I was 90% through so I let them finish. Honestly it’s not that bad but it’s a wedge. I wanted a long bob. I am so glad I didn’t pay for this. I wouldn’t have.
I asked the trainee at what point were they in their training. They were both currently accepting clients as normal. After experiencing their inexperience I was shocked. They clearly didn’t know how to blow dry hair. Or how to thin out thick curly hair. Neither followed instructions from Hari, who checked in a few times throughout the cut. He ended up finishing it. But it’s far from perfect. At one point he asked me how I liked it (after being blow dried to smithereens) and I said the length was acceptable but it really needed styling to finish) and it wasn’t anything like my picture. He said to me ‘well this isn’t a restaurant, you can’t check quality by the raw food’. I beg to differ Hari. If this is the way you treat models, I can’t even imagine how you and your staff treat regular clients. Wow. How unprofessional.
I normally tip the trainees when I model. But these guys didn’t put the client first, didn’t take a good look at my photo, and argued with me when I wanted it straightened. You’ve got a lot to learn boys. A lot.
I certainly won’t go back, free or not.

I went to Hari’s as a hair model (you get your hair cut for free by a trainee) and had a great experience. The staff was very friendly, my coat was quickly taken and I only had to wait a few minutes before being seated and offered a drink. Kristen, who was nearing the end of her traineeship, cut my hair and did a fantastic job. I was very pleased with the experience and will certainly be back!

We got a flyer through our door promoting this salon with a 30% discount for new customers. I was absolutely desperate to get my roots done, so made an appointment for the second cheapest person I could (don’t judge me, I’m a recent grad!) on a Thursday evening after work.
I then got a call a couple of days later from the salon. The woman politely explained that they were no longer doing colours past 5.15pm on weekdays anymore, and so she needed to re-​schedule my appointment. This wasn’t a problem as they had space on the Saturday, so I re-​scheduled easily and she even threw in a free manicure for the inconvenience.
When I arrived, the staff were very polite and welcoming. I was led downstairs to the colouring area, where my hair was promptly brushed (this took 2 people how embarrassing) and offered a drink. Just FYI, Hari’s don’t do complementary drinks. Even a bog standard cup of tea is around £2.50. But there are drinks menus everywhere, so they’re not making any secret out of the fact they charge. And you’re not obliged to have one. Bring your own or pop into Starbucks first if you prefer.
I was then introduced to my colourist with whom I had a quick consultation (nothing more was really needed she could see what colour I should be) and she set to work. I was given a pile of magazines to peruse whilst she quietly worked her magic. I also had my free manicure in this time as promised.
After my colour had taken, I was treated to the most incredible head massage by one of the juniors. I was practically falling asleep in the rinsing bowl for about 20 mins! I even got a cheeky rough dry thrown in for nothing.
When it came to paying, I was almost charged full price (c. £70) but I remembered about my new customer discount, and promptly received 30% off. I left with fresh blonde hair and very relaxed.
The décor on first inspection looks kinda cool, but on closer inspection is a little tacky. But this shouldn’t put you off. I’d say it’s a reputable salon with a much more accessible price point than most hairdressers in this part of London. However, if you’re feeling flush, the senior hairdressers charge a pretty penny for their services.
I don’t think I’d hesitate to make a repeat trip to Hari’s. Even without the 30% discount.