Chatters Hair Salon - Barrhaven Reviews 756

I have been coming to this particular Chatters location for over two years now. Each time I go, I have a wonderful experience with stylist, Nima. He knows my hair well enough and knows what I like, that I just let him cut whatever style he wants now! This recent visit was no different!

I also brought my son for his first visit at the salon. He has thick curly hair and Nima took the time to listen to what I was looking for, as well as what my son wanted. In the end, my son left happy!

The store is always bright and clean. The shelves are well stocked, with lots of varying products to suit different budgets. Staff are very polite, they recommend products, but are not pushy which is really nice. I highly recommend this location!

It was a really great experience for a kid's cut.

Nima was fantastic

love love love coming here! Nima is hands down the best hairstylist!!

Urvashi was great! She made me feel comfortable the entire time even though I felt anxious about chopping so much of my hair off. She made me feel fabulous at the end of the appointment and I would definitely come back to Chatters for a hair cut again.

They did an amazing cut for my mother in law. But what she enjoyed the most was the phenomenal customer service she received. Thanks for your great job.

Great service! Was able to advise what would look best! And it looks absolutely fantastic!

Reguar stylist, Waheda, was able to find a way to fit me in for a special occasion Manager Kathy, also found a way to fit my sister from out of town in at the same time
Thank you both. Went a long way to help our enjoyment of the day
Thanks guys
Linda

Nima was fantastic. Very professional and helpful when I was asking about advice for my hair. Products used on my hair were 10/10 and would definitely go back

Kathy at the front desk was a true delight—warm, attentive, and effortlessly kind. She was easily the highlight of my experience, and I hope she receives the same care she offers others.

Unfortunately, I left the salon feeling disappointed, emotionally uncomfortable, and under-served in both the colour and cut.

I initially booked a solid colour, and when the stylist assessed my hair, she recommended doing permanent colour only on the roots and using toner on the lengths—for an additional $100. I agreed, trusting she was guiding me toward the best, most lasting result. She reassured me that she doesn’t like to surprise clients with unexpected costs, and her explanation made sense in the moment.

But once the service was complete, she casually shared that because she had used only toner on my lengths, the colour would fade significantly within 2–3 washes. She told me that if I liked the result, I could come back to have it refreshed. This was a heartbreaking realization. I had clearly stated that I only get my hair coloured once a year and prefer a look that grows out naturally and beautifully over time. Instead, I walked out with something short-term—designed to fade quickly—and a suggestion to return again soon to maintain it.

When I reminded her of my request for something long-lasting, she simply replied, “Well, you booked a solid colour,” as if that decision on my end overrode any responsibility to guide me toward something more suitable for my lifestyle. That moment clarified the deeper issue: not just a misstep in technique, but a lack of true client care and alignment.

Then there was the haircut. I had asked for internal layering—a specific technique I’ve had done for nearly a decade to keep my fine, curly hair light during the summer. I explained it in detail. She said she wouldn’t do it, that “no one would,” because it would leave small hairs behind. I’ve had this exact cut for years without issue, and I came prepared to ask for it clearly because I know many stylists are unfamiliar with the technique. But rather than admit she wasn’t comfortable doing it, she dismissed the request outright.

She trimmed the ends of my hair, blow-dried it, and I waited, assuming she’d follow up with a dry cut. But she didn’t. When I gently asked, she insisted she had done shaping, even though I had watched the full appointment and knew she hadn’t. I felt confused, unheard, and quietly resigned. I didn’t feel it was safe to advocate for myself without creating awkwardness or conflict—so I didn’t.

At checkout, I added a $35 tip—bringing my total to $410. It wasn’t because I felt thrilled with the service, but because I felt guilty. I was already emotionally foggy and just wanted to get out without making things awkward. Looking back, I realize I put her feelings above my own—people-pleasing instead of honouring what I truly felt in the moment.

This isn’t about punishing anyone. I’ve paid this amount—and more—gladly when I’ve received exceptional results and felt truly seen. But this wasn’t that. I came in with clarity, shared my needs, and left with a surface-level service, fading colour, and the need to book an emergency appointment with my usual stylist—who lives an hour away and always gets it right the first time.

In light of the emotional toll, the upselling, and the fact that I’ll need to pay again to finish what wasn’t completed, I believe a 50% refund is a fair and reasonable request. I share this feedback with grace, in the hope it encourages deeper care, clearer communication, and more integrity in aligning with what clients truly ask for.

Theresa took her time and did a great job with my thick and wavy hair. And she’s lovely!!

Good first experience with Nima!
Service was higher priced than competitor next door!

Tina is great!! She is very attentive and understands my needs. She’s such a sweetheart. Glad I can trust her, always pleased with the results!

Nima is superb. All the staff are great!

My experience is always great. Lisa is amazing !!

I had a great experience at the store, and a really great stylist who did my hair (thank you Nima!)
From the first phone call to book an appointment up to arriving for my appointment, the client service was welcoming, helpful and professional. The salon and the store is neat and clean. I booked for a full head of highlights. Nima listened attentively to my ideas and what I wanted and also gave kind, honest advice and recommendations. My hair was a (total) mess - it was a mix of grey, old highlights and a brown-ish grown out natural hair. Now, it's all beautifully blended between the highlights and some of my natural color and greys. It looks much more cohesive now. Did a cut and style too, and satisfied that he cut the bare minimum off - as I requested. He is very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations on what products to use without me feeling pressured to buy it. Money well spent at this salon!

Great experience will go back!

I always have a great experience when I go to this salon. The staff are so friendly and helpful. Marta (my stylist) is very professional. She listens to what I am looking for and always makes my hair look great.

Always happy with result, solid performance and professional and friendly service.

The haircut I received was quite basic—both in terms of what I asked for and what was delivered. I requested a quick dry trim and some cleanup around my bangs. While they were kind and respectful overall, the cut itself was underwhelming. They performed a very simple layered cut but didn’t blend it well or frame my bangs effectively. My bangs are still heavy/ not as well-framed on my face as experienced in the past at other salons.

When they started using a razor to thin my hair, I asked them not to, and they did respect that boundary. However, when I declined a blow dry, they insisted, despite previously stating that styling was not my concern and I planned to wash my hair later due to a very busy weekend. I agreed to the blow dry, understanding it might help them blend the cut more accurately—but they didn’t attempt any blending afterward.

To make matters worse, they sprayed hairspray between every layer they dried, which left my hair feeling stiff and smelling unpleasant, while also still a little oily on the scalp. Overall, it felt like they were more focused on completing the appointment than tailoring the cut to my needs. Or perhaps they are still developing their craft. In which case, I mean for this feedback to be helpful rather than tear anyone down.

The fee was close to $90.