I visited Mena's Hair Salon with a request for hair color, shampoo and style. I presented a photo with the exact color I desired and was assured that this could be accomplished. During the treatment I noticed that my hair began to turn a bright blonde and out of concern. I was told that once the dye was rinsed, the hair color would be brown color I desired. To my dismay, the final color was in fact blonde and not the brown hue I expected. I was reassured that a second attempt would result in the correct color but unfortunately, the revision resulted in bright orange roots and blotchy wine ends. The stylist requested to make a third attempt at correcting the color but knowing the potential damage that this could cause, I declined. I requested to speak to the manager regarding this and offered to pay only for a portion of the services, but not the color. This set the salon in an uproar, leading to four angry men shouting at me to pay immediately. In their attempt to pacify me, they offered to have me return another day for color correction, but only if I paid the balance immediately. Since I agreed to pay the additional money only after the correct service was accomplished, the harassment intensified. To diffuse the situation, I offered to pay an additional $10 in good faith, towards the return visit however, this lead to further escalation of the persecution. The intense verbal shouting further intensified after I requested to see the license of the stylist. Since I became incredibly threatened and began to fear for my own personal safety I sat $50 cash on the counter and walked out.
Approximately 5-10 minutes later, while driving down Lincolnway Highway, I was pulled over by two police officers in separate squad cars. They informed me that a complaint had been made by the staff at Mena's Hair Salon regarding refusal to pay. After explaining the course of events, the police insisted that I return while they escort me back to the Salon. After reluctantly agreeing to return to make the payment I was surprised to see yet another squad car awaiting my return at the salon. In total humiliation I paid the balance and went on my way.
Needless to say, I am completely mortified by the treatment I received on Saturday by the staff at Mena's Hair Salon. As a professional and a customer who has supported this business for numerous years, I am appalled at their lack of professionalism and attempt to have me arrested. Not only could their poor lack of judgement result in a criminal record that could have ruined my reputation, this unnecessary act could have destroyed my entire medical career and future. It is clear, that despite their breach of contract to provide a service with reasonable care and skill, their only goals were financial gain and power.
In review of the myriad of complaints about this company on various social media outlets, I have noticed a common theme: unprofessional service, unlicensed workers, unsanitary work conditions, and poor hair outcome. Regardless of the complaints, no visible changes have seemed to be made. In review of this, as well as based on my own personal experience there, I am very concerned that many of the FDA rules and regulations regarding health and safety are not being followed. I am certain that this salon (and likely all eight locations) are in violation of many safety & sanitation guidelines to ensure that their clients are safe. Also, in regards to licensure, there are a myriad of employees who provide hair services without any visible credentials.
This business is located in Matteson, a predominately black community. which I believe, has lead to a significant disparity in the quality of customer service that customers receive at Mena's. It is time that Mena's assume accountability for their attitude, egregious service, and unacceptable conditions and establish a core level of professionalism that the owner and all staff must deliver.
