1 /5 Tiana Sinopoli: I went into the salon at 11.30am on 27th October 2023. I had booked an appointment with Nadia for foils for my Bridal shower.
Throughout the process of the foil application the foils became aggressively hot. I began to scream as the chemicals and foil felt as though I had a blowtorch on my skull and the response I received was disgusting, I was told to "relax".
After a few minutes of screaming in pain Nadia washed the foils out. She then said it was only slightly red and it was fine to continue I trusted her professional opinion.
Through the rest of the process my head continued to burn yet settle after approximately 20 minutes or so. I asked Nadia multiple times how my scalp was looking and she replied with "its fine, only slightly red". As to which I asked whether we should continue she said it was fine to and trusted her professional opinion.
Once we had finished washing my hair I proceeded to touch my scalp where it felt as though it was blistering. i voiced my concerns where i was met once again with "it’s fine".
I mentioned to Nadia that I did not want my hair blow dried as my scalp felt sensitive at this point yet she continued to blow dry my hair. I physically moved my head to show her it was agitating me. She was rough and in all the years I have had my hair done I have never had a hairdresser get so close to my scalp with the hairdryer to the point I was jolting from the heat.
I voiced my concerns and that I was in pain multiple times.
After this whole ordeal, I cannot believe I was made to PAY! and what frustrated me even more was that Nadia continued to upsell hair products to me.
I expressed to Nadia that I was going to the doctors as my scalp was throbbing she proceeded to tell me "no its fine, they will only give you ointment it wont help"
I have never in my life had such a horrible experience.
As soon as I left the salon I walked straight into the doctors office. Altona Gate Medical Centre where I saw Dr Ameer Abud.
I was told that my scalp hd severe chemical burns and that I will need antibiotics due to infection and topical ointment. Dr Abud also mentioned there is a high chance of hair loss due to the follicles being permanently damaged. He was not wrong.
The healing process was a disaster. Had gone to the doctors multiple times. In which the salon has proof of. It then became progressively worse due to infection and I ended up in Williamstown emergency (which the salon also has proof of).
The hospital had to thoroughly clean the wound as it was infected, the pain i experienced was excruciating.
I ended up with a lymph node infection. It took 4 rounds of antibiotics to clear which was 4 months.
Due to the depth of the burn I have lost partial feeling in that area of the scalp and my hair is gone. 5 months on and I am continuing to heal.
Photos attached provide enough explanation in themselves.
The salon has been notified. I have been in touch with consumer affairs and lawyers. I have been advised accordingly.
The salon themself and the manager throughout the whole process has been distrustful and have provided me with no true concern. If they had true concern we would have come to a resolution by now.
At this point reimbursement is not of concern anymore. I am more concerned about the safety of others. What occurred to me is NOT okay.
The physical and physiological impacts of this whole situation will never leave me as I am now reminded daily by the bald patch on my head.
Altona, VIC - List 3 Best Nail Salons (Part 1)