Ambo Ars Hairsalon

My husband bought me a Groupon for this hair salon where I was able to get color and a cut for $ 89. After finding out the prices of hair salons in Sydney I thought it was a terrific offer. I need to clarify that this was my first time getting my hair done here in Australia, as I have just moved from Chicago, and we all hate moving salons.
My appointment was at 1:30 so I arrived promptly at 1:25 and informed the hairdresser I had arrived. They brought me to a chair and asked me if I wanted water (which I accepted) and then left me. No introduction to the salon, or who would be taking care of my hair. I sat, (without a «hello» or «so and so» will be with you soon) for about 20 minutes. After that time someone finally came over and informed me she would go mix my colour. Again, no introduction (Still didn’t know her name). I stopped her to explain my situation — that I was looking for change. I have been platinum blonde for too long and needed some depth. So, finally she left which was again, another 10 mins or so and came back.
The entire time she was foiling me she seemed really put off that I was there. In fact, I would go as far as to say nervous maybe? No smile. I started trying to make small talk to no avail. After my hair had processed and had been cleaned I was walked over to another young girl (I think around 23) and started with the cut.
I have been taking care of my hair for a long time, even told by stylists for many years that my hair takes really well to color/​bleach without damage. You can imagine my surprise when this young girl turns to me and chastised me for getting highlights. Told me that my hair was in very poor condition and that I was basically an imbecile. I’m sure she was trying to be nice, or asserting her knowledge of hair… But I have worked in salons many times and I know my way around damage.
is this review turning into a rant? Looks like it. Lets just say that I won’t be going back here. I left feeling extremely anxious and longing for my old salon where I always felt pampered and taken care of.
This Groupon failed miserably and I hate my cut. BTW — who still feather face frames these days?!

Tara Maree Hair operates as a freelance hairstylist out of the Ambo Ars salon in Newtown. I knew of Tara and tried her skills while she was still an apprentice and from there we became really good friends. You won’t be able to help becoming friends with her because she is the most cheery, colourful and interesting hairstylist you’ll find.
Over the couple of years that Tara has been doing my hair we’ve taken it from bright orange to blonde to orange with a fade to blonde then orange with a fade to pink then highlighter pink then peach then back to blonde. Admittedly, I’m one of the lucky ones whose hair will give back colour without needing to use really strong, damaging products but Tara was always honest with me. If she didn’t think that my hair was healthy enough to do something I wanted then she would tell me and recommend products to use that would get my hair back to good health. You always want a hairstylist that isn’t going to compromise the health of your hair to give you what you’re asking for but will offer some great alternatives.
If you’re looking for a hairdresser in the Inner West, whether for a run of the mill cut or a wild alternative look, then definitely give Tara a try. I actually haven’t been to another hairdresser since I moved interstate in February because I haven’t come to grips with trusting someone else with my hair!

Happy to have found Tara at Ambos. She has a great eye and gave me a really nice cut.