Horrible Experience at Harmony Barber Shop

[DeeCeeSW]

My son had his haircut by a female stylist at the barber shop two years ago. I do not remember her name, but she had long reddish brown hair and I believe was of Hispanic descent. I hope this is not your "Norma," as I would be very upset to learn that she was the one who treated your son this way. Our stylist has been featured in the Disney magazine along with Michael and has always gotten rave reviews. The stylist we had was very sweet and listened to me when I told her that we only use scissors on my son, no buzz cuts.

Sorry you had to go through that.

P.S. I have a photo of our stylist but will not post it on the board. Let me know if you want me to send it to your e-mail and you can tell me if it was her.

 

[Cass]

We had his haircut there last year and it was a wonderful experience. Great cut and fun for the whole family. So we tried to repeat the experience.

There is a lesson in there for everyone, if you have a truly magical experience and then set out to repeat it - you may be destined for disappointed the 2nd time around.

 

[goofygal531]

There is a lesson in there for everyone, if you have a truly magical experience and then set out to repeat it - you may be destined for disappointed the 2nd time around.

Well, there you go - the moral to my story!

 

[momofdbsdc]

I'm so sorry that your son had to go through this!!! Disney should be nothing but magical!!!! I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your stay!

 

[lovethattink]

My son had his haircut by a female stylist at the barber shop two years ago. I do not remember her name, but she had long reddish brown hair and I believe was of Hispanic descent. I hope this is not your "Norma," as I would be very upset to learn that she was the one who treated your son this way. Our stylist has been featured in the Disney magazine along with Michael and has always gotten rave reviews. The stylist we had was very sweet and listened to me when I told her that we only use scissors on my son, no buzz cuts.

Sorry you had to go through that.

P.S. I have a photo of our stylist but will not post it on the board. Let me know if you want me to send it to your e-mail and you can tell me if it was her.

No her name is Maura or Myra or another M name. She is very sweet. Even on a bad day, she is VERY professional.

 

[pezpam]

If anyone's heading there and nervous, I can also recommend a stylist named Billie. She was perfectly wonderful with DD and did a nice job on her hair.

 

[Alexsma]

I am so sorry that you had a bad experience. In all fairness I am a stylist, what time of the day did you take your little one in? A two year old is a handful at times and when they are tired or hungry almost impossible. You had mentioned that the other stylist had the nerve to hand you the bubbles! I am sorry this may sound very harsh, and I am sure to get flamed for this. But give me a break, her job is not to entertain your child, stylists get paid on commission at least they do where I am from. She is not getting paid to keep your child busy, also some will not want to interfere with other stylists’ clients. Your son knows you and your husband best and some kids are not comfortable with other people getting too close while something is going on that they would rather wasn’t.

I am sorry again that things didn’t work out for you, and I am sorry if this sounds harsh. I just get too many parents that bring their kids into the salon and just ignore their behavior. When is the last time you tried to cut a moving target? It isn’t easy, which is why I have the scars to prove it. I have been in this business for over 12 years and yes take care of screaming kids’ everyday. I also help out and cut kids with disabilities hair at a local center, it isn’t something that everyone can do.

I guess what I am trying to say is she was wrong in how she cut his hair, but it’s not the other girls’ job to entertain your son either. The state board of Cosmetology won’t help unless the area was unsanitary or the girl wasn’t licensed. They don’t control quality issues. Sorry again, I realize that I will be flamed horribly but I had to speak my mind.

 

[sandiegosusie]

Well, there you go - the moral to my story!

I want to thank you for the warning with regards to the Barber shop. I am truly shocked that so many people on this board are openly rude to you even going so far as to say that you made up the story. As if a Mom of a 2 year-old has that much time on her hands!!

I hope your trip was still magical!

I also hope that Norma gets relocated!

 

[3princesses4us]

I was just thinking the same thing sandiegosusie! I mean for pete's sake, this lady is on here trying to give us fair warning about a lady not good for cutting our children's hair. I for one, thank you too. I was wanting to get my baby's haircut here (because it's a unique experience in case some of you are still wondering why we do it at Disney!) and now I know not to get Norma. And for God's sake, please don't sue- there are enough frivalous lawsuits out there...

 

[Schmeck]

I'm trying to picture a hairstylist blowing bubbles, sticking stickers and cutting a child's hair, all at the same time...

Gee, how did kids get their hair cut before videos and 'bells and whistles' became the norm?

Sorry junior got a lousy haircut, but it's not the end of the world - and you're doomed to fail if you go to WDW with expectations of repeating 'magical moments' as others have noted.

Complaints made days after an event will not be taken very seriously, and compensation of any kind is rare. Also, making accusations online against someone can be considered harrassment, and a lawsuit can be filed.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

There is a lesson in there for everyone, if you have a truly magical experience and then set out to repeat it - you may be destined for disappointed the 2nd time around.

That is a sad state at Disney then.

There is a difference between a not as magical experience and the rudest, most horrible experience you have ever had in your life.




I get a feel that people are trying to blame OP for not handling the situation properly. Sometimes a feeling of violation leaves you in shock and you just want to run away. She is not at fault for not reporting it immediately. Her letter was well written and I am sure it will garner attention.


Schmeck--it isn't done all literally at the sametime--but the session is paced so that it isn't a 5 second cut and vamoose. We have been many times--sometimes for the kids--and sometimes because my husband just happens to need a haircut. While a great deal of attention is given to the "first haircuts" with all the bells and whistles--for the most part it is not a regular salon or barber shop and all children are treated "special" when they are there. The shop was even written up in Disney magazine as someone stated before. It is in no way like regular shop and is advertised accordingly.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm sorry for the poor treatment you received while there, but honestly speaking, why oh why do people put such pressure on themselves to get their child's haircut at DISNEY?

My girls love the glitter and daddy getting silly colors on his head. It's just a fun thing to do.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am sorry this may sound very harsh, and I am sure to get flamed for this. But give me a break, her job is not to entertain your child, stylists get paid on commission at least they do where I am from. She is not getting paid to keep your child busy, also some will not want to interfere with other stylists’ clients.

Not a flame....

But the Barber Shop at MK is there for entertainment value as well. That is what it is and what they do and what has been written up and advertised. It is a "special" shop--much like the shop that the OP takes her son to at home (I think I've seen it on TV even).

It is first come first serve and really no regular clients like in a regular salon or barber shop.

Oh--and the children's haircuts are priced accordingly to account for all the gimmicks.

 

[GatorGal]

The state board of Cosmetology won’t help unless the area was unsanitary or the girl wasn’t licensed. They don’t control quality issues.

I would think the state board of Cosmetology would want to be made aware that they have a stylist assaulting small children with a dangerous weapon.

 

[Angelgirl13202]

I am sorry you child was treated like that.
Those who are saying its made up SHAME ON YOU! Why would this nice lady make this up she has a two year that im sure keeps her very busy
I have stood thier and watched the babershop and it is really cute I tried to convince my husband to get his doen thier so he could get the colors but he wouldnt do it (only trusts our stylist at home) but when I have a little one Im hopeing my hubby will let us get the childs first cut their as it is truly a great experiance to witness.
(I have gotten a trim in their ounce and thier was a little boy getting his first) It was all smiles on him becasue it was an older gentlman who really new what he was doing from the looks of it (well on the little boy) Mine I think he was nervous about cutting an adult females hair. it turned out good but I could tell he was nervous.

 

[txgirl]

But give me a break, her job is not to entertain your child, stylists get paid on commission at least they do where I am from

Your opinion is based on your experience as a stylist in a regular salon, not a salon at Disney. The OP made it clear from the start that her son would be a bit challenging and could they do some of the fun stuff they are known for?

Even our small town salon/hairdresser works her hardest to put the little ones at ease. It might not be *her job* but she certainly keeps this family as clients because she steps outside her boundaries as a hairdresser and moves into the mode of compassionate human being and wants the kiddos to feel safe. Not a big deal, but she keeps some stickers and bubbles on hand. She shows them the clippers, turns them on and lets them hear the sound before she puts it to their head. She squirts a bit of water in their hand for distraction, shows them the mirror that has pictures of her kids, etc. Nothing altogether difficult or show-stopping but it surely helps!

I again would like to join the other posters with a big and say I'm sorry for your experience and I can relate. Looking back it might not seem like a big deal, but in the moment especially on vacation these events are very traumatic. I had an awful experience with a waitress at the POR restaurant where I was brought to tears. I had my kids with me (dh had gone back to the room with our youngest) so I didn't say anything because I would have been blubbering so hard. I love Disney but it is still okay to say something didn't go as expected.

No judgement for how you handled it. Blessings!

 

[VanniGirl]

So sorry this happened to your son. for all of you.

 

[Kimmielee]

We've done the haircut thing twice and going back a third time in a few months....

I do watch the stylists, as we wait in line and ask for the one that I feel is giving the most "magical" haircuts...

I know this is a community board... and I know that people are entitled to their opinions... but OH MY GOSH... to go as far as saying the OP made up the story... Sorry, but THAT is not the DIS way ...

OP- thanks so much for the heads up, which I believe was your intent. Those of us that have the nerve to expect something magical truly do appreciate it.

 

[Rowlf]

I'm trying to picture a hairstylist blowing bubbles, sticking stickers and cutting a child's hair, all at the same time...

Ummm, that's what they do. We've gotten DS's hair cut twice at Harmony Barber Shop (once at 15 months and once at 27 months) and they were kind, patient, and entertaining. And we tipped accordingly (I think DH gave them each a $7 tip on a $12 haircut.)

OP, I am so sorry you had a bad experience!

 

[3princesses4us]

Complaints made days after an event will not be taken very seriously, and compensation of any kind is rare. Also, making accusations online against someone can be considered harrassment, and a lawsuit can be filed.

Norma, is that you?