Luxe Salon & Spa in Poughkeepsie, NY

WARNING ALL BRIDES: DO NOT BOOK! I had been in contact with Joanna for 3 months trying to pay the deposit to ensure that my day was saved (us brides like to check those boxes, am I right?). After months of back and forth, I decided to schedule two days to speak with Joanna that she picked and suggested, but I wasn't able to get a hold of her for both days. I called again and left a message expressing concern, which angered Joanna. She called me back the next day at 6AM, threatening to cancel on me because she didn't like that I didn't consider that she was busy. My fiance got on the phone and tried to find a solution, since she was meeting me with so much attitude. He expressed that he would like to pay the deposit but mentioned not feeling comfortable paying via check through the mail and opted to pay over the phone, to which Joanna gave us attitude for not knowing that we could pay with any employee, not just her (information she should've relayed to her staff, not to unknowing customers). We opted out of doing business with her, but felt inclined to warn other brides and people to not trust her with your big day!! Skip the headache and find professionals, not bullies.

I've been coming to this salon for a few years. The location itself couldn't be more beautiful, The top floor of a very old building in Poughkeepsie with huge windows and views of the river and mid Hudson Bridge. Most of the staff is warm and friendly. Not pushy at all with products, and nice waiting area with water and lots of coffee options while you wait. After trying two different stylists, who were always punctual, with mixed results - they always listened and did their best with the photos I always showed I just was never in love with the cuts - so I decided to move on. Then I visited for a pedicure and the girl who did it had very cute hair similar to what I was looking for, she said Jen the owner cut it. So I thought I would give her a try. I was pretty happy with my first cut, but I waited a pretty long time as she juggled several clients at once. The next time I went I again waited, but she seemed pretty distracted, rushed, worked on several clients and I wasn't as happy with the results. I didn't show a picture that time so I thought OK my bad, I'll go back one last time and make sure I have pictures. I arrived on time. Saw someone in the chair, she was working on. That client left- another hops in the chair and she blow dried and styled her long hair. Another client arrived about 15 minutes after I did. She was taken into the shampoo area. Then I see HER sit in Jen's chair and she proceeds to put foils in her hair. I flag down the receptionist and ask if she knows I'm here waiting since that other customer came in after me. She assures me yes and that she asked Jen if she should wash me yet and she said no and that her plan was to just put a few foils in and then it would be my turn. Well, my plan was to come in for a 5 o'clock haircut. I understand sometimes people run late, but this is a recurring theme. She seems to over schedule herself purposely. She never came out to apologize to me or explain that she was running late, she didn't even make eye contact or acknowledge me when she was at her station. And it wasn't a few foils it seemed to be an entire head of highlights. 40 minutes after my appt time, I was still waiting, so I walked out. Called the next day to explain why I wouldn't be returning. I always make sure to be on time for my appointments. And rest assured if I showed up 40 minutes late for my appointment, they wouldn't take me. An owner, making someone wait 40 min is unacceptable and unprofessional. There are plenty of other salons in the area who treat customers better.

I'm new to Poughkeepsie and have been putting off getting a haircut and eyebrow wax for a long time. The location of Luxe drew me in and I am very glad it did. Colby helped me freshen up and I loved the styling she provided during the blow dry (nice bouncy curls)!

Clients are expected to remain silent if it turns out they are unhappy with anything regarding the services received. Meaning, either you accept the way the services are performed, say nothing, and just pay with a smile. What if you need a natural hair dye ? that's an issue that will be thrown in your face that has been a big problem for the owner... Also, if you're willing to wait for your appointment because the stylist is, the majority of time, working on someone else when you get there, but you are expected to just get a cup of coffee while you wait (and say nothing of course) but don't you be late 5 minutes (usually from the situation with parking) tabs are being kept and you'll hear it - but making you wait is okay! Mainly, it is because the owner believes she has it all together, (which she does not), and if you are assertive and care about the way you're treated and respectfully try to discuss it, she is unable to accept it, and you are then to be "uninvited" (she means disinvited). Certainly, not good ways to run a business if you care to have a good one. And if you need to park in the disabled spot, don't say anything if week after week there's a beer truck parked across the disabledspot (and the very few other spots in the very small parking lot- making you late for your appointment) because that to them is considered an invalid " complaint" rather than an illegal and unfair practice that is affecting their customers! So, the bottom line is. if you are wiing to take your chances and be sure to smile even with results that cause you concerns (like lighter highlights on one side and hardly any on the other) leaving you unhappy, and if you are willing to say nothing but pay for everything then give it a shot. I personally believe this salon needs new and (much) better management and a new client policy where the staff provides services to the clients and not the clients serving the staff. Just find someplace else to go and save yourself from a bad experience or two.

Response to Jennifer F., Owner's response: Ah, the backhanded apology, also known as the non-apology, aka - blame the victim. I had explained in detail, with pictures, what I wanted in a haircut, which you totally ignored and lobbed off all length in the back, as I wrote in my review. There was no miscommunication, as you say, except that I communicated and you missed. You say you wished you had been given the opportunity to fix the unevenness, which was minor compared to having my hair chopped off. What would you have done, shave my head? I gave you all the opportunities I'm going to give you. Also, I suspect we both know why you chose to respond to the review now, three months later, and it's not because you just saw it.