On 4/12/08 I had a "Potent Potions" facial scheduled for 11:30 a.m. When I arrived I waited a few minutes while the receptionist took care of the person ahead of me. She then asked me if I had an appt. and told me to go downstairs. I have been to the Salon before so I did know where "downstairs" was. I sat all alone downstairs and waited for someone to greet me. Finally someone came out of the room, checked the schedule and greeted me. She said it would be a moment while she "turned over" the room. My services did not start until 11:40 which is not a big deal but it was supposed to be a 55 min. massage and was only 50 minutes total. For $85, I would expect a 55 (or even 60) minute appointment.

Although I thought the esthetician did her job I wasn't really sure what I received vs. what I was supposed to receive with the Potent Potion facial. I did receive the hand and arm massage and heated gloves but there was a minimal of 1 min. of extraction. I don't consider that I have flawless skin, quite the opposite, and the description of this facial states "extraction". I also can't say for sure if I received the mask unless it was a cream one. At no time did a mask get pulled off my face. It just seemed that this facial consisted of creams being applied and wiped off - very disappointing. I could do this at home myself!

On 4/15/08 I called to inquire what the "ampoule" part of the facial was (and she didn't know) and state my disappointment and was told someone would call me back. I assumed it would be that day. On 4/18/08 I called and again inquired and the receptionist apologized that no one had called me back and told me someone (Andrea?) would call me Saturday 4/19 (at home).

To this day I have not received a phone call. I feel that customer service is a big part of any business. If someone can't call back to respond to questions or concerns a client has, it is not a place I would care to frequent. You are in Salem, MA - one street over from the Point - not Newbury Street in Boston. I feel any phone call is important enough to warrant a return call no matter what the circumstance -- a complaint, suggestion or praise.

One person does make a difference and some people/friends I have spoken with also had some not so positive things to say about your Spa. I was not looking for a free facial or anything except a courtesy phone call back. If this is the way you choose to do business, good luck. Apparently you charge enough money that you don't need people to return. That's great but I can assure you I will not return. And I would not expect (as I was offered) to pay for another facial at a discounted price when I'm calling with a concern. I don't think anybody would want that.

Well I hope you get this and thanks for listening. No need to reply but feel free to mail me $7.50! ($85 ÷ 50) Thank you!

Mary Anne

Went back to the salon after not frequenting since 2005. Needed a few highlights and cut for a weekend event and the salon was able to accommodate with a next day, morning appointment. Was talked into an additional 'color' to make roots less noticeable, and a full foil instead of a partial like I originally booked.

Two hours later I was informed I owed a whopping $267.00, not including tip! I was floored. When I questioned, "Why so much?," One of the reasons cited was that, for starters, I was charged an extra $12 dollars because I had long hair! My hair is thick, and falls right at my shoulder. I have been a customer at many salons on the N. Shore, as well as Boston's higher priced establishments too - - Never have I been charged 'extra' for a long-hair haircut.

I paid the bill. What was I to do? But the more I thought about it the more victimized I felt. I called the salon when I got home and a very polite manager looked into whether I was 'over-charged' and promptly called me back and told me, "No, I was charged correctly." You see, although I as not a 'new' client to the salon, I was 'new" color customer (even though I had highlights there before), so I was charged double, $65 for the colorist to pore his solution all over my head and set me under the dryer for 15 minutes.

If you go to Andrew Michaels be sure to be prepared to spend some serious cash, at least much more than the average North Shore Salon would charge! Remember to ask for an itemized bill before the stylist goes ahead and begins their 'magic.'

BTW, in my opinion, services renedered were OK, but certainly not worth the almost $300 I had to shell out for 2 hours of work for lightening my roots, foil, cut and blow-dry.

If you are looking for a place on the North Shore to prep (hair/ make-up) yourself and your bridal party for the wedding, STAY AWAY FROM ANDREW MICHAEL SALON! They were the only flaw in my wedding day! I was quoted one price for my bridesmaids hair and when they paid the price had doubled! Also, they booked one of my maids with a stylist that didn't do up-dos. He flat out refused to attempt. The management was rude and unapologetic for all the problems. If you want to avoid a headache on your big day, stay away!