Am I being too hard on them? Guilt about leaving a bad review for my hair stylist.

I think what you wrote here is very balanced, very unemotional (which is good), and really just states the facts. She should know why you were so disappointed and other brides should have a heads up.

None of us who own businesses ever want to hear anything bad, and we don't want to disappoint a client. but if you don't tell us how we failed, we never learn anything. In the short term, it will sting, but in the long term, she is going to be better off knowing that her performance on the day was sub-standard.

I am pretty lucky; I have a very controlled part of the day; my couples see a script to approve, they have probably talked to me a couple of times so they know my style of presentation, and we talk enough during the process that there really isn't much of a surprise on the day. But I had a lovely, lovely couple that took the time to tell me, after the fact, that I had mispronounced one of the parents' names. I was totally mortified. She was kind enough to not review me negatively, but I can tell you that I will never, never walk down the aisle without being 200% sure of how everyone's names are pronounced. She did me a gigantic favor.

So don't feel bad about this. If you don't feel comfortable posting a bad public review, at least have a calm and detailed conversation with her. You'll feel better and she'll have a chance to grow.

I think you SHOULD mention that the 2 stylists were newbies, but also mention that their supervisor came behind and fixed things to your satisfaction.

For my wedding, I would not want to be a guina pig. Other times, I'm not so fussy (my hair grows quickly).

First, I wouldn't have left the spa without talking to a manager about some of the things you mentioned. Not being sure about changing the water between clients? It's making my skin crawl just thinking about it.

I would write the review. Yes, they will know it was you. I would write to them about the experience as well. People make mistakes when starting out, but they should consider that when they chose who would be working with you.

As a hairstylist, I would HIGHLY recommend you leaving a review!! Hopefully it will help them fix what needs to be fixed in their salon. They need to get the "newbies" some classes, and have a MAJOR sit down talk with them about hygiene and sanitation!! Asking if she should change the water after a pedicure?! Are you F%$*ing kidding me?!?!?! That can get them in a ton of trouble by State Board. (which isn't a bad thing if they aren't being careful with sterilization) In the beauty industry the BIGGEST thing is sanitation!! That is what would worry me the most. By you writing a review, you can help other brides steer clear of this particular salon and not have the same unfortunate experience. DO NOT feel guilty about expressing your opinion. Just do it tastefully, like you wrote on here.

Other brides appreciate honest reviews!

The first is what I asked for. The second is what I got. I feel like it's not close at all. I asked my husband what he thought and showed him the picture of what I asked for and he said mine was "messy". Thanks hubs!

You don't have to leave a glowing review for a vendor. You also don't have to leave a review seeping with anger and hatred. Just leave your honest opinion. Don't worry about hurting feelings or stepping on toes. They are a business and they can only improve through constructive criticism and if you aren't honest they won't know where they've messed up.