Saniea M.
Google
I’m writing this review after a deeply upsetting experience at The Gallery Studio.
I’ve been a regular client here for about six months since moving to Charleston and had trusted this salon with my hair care. Last week, I brought my mother with me, who has special needs. Today, when I returned for my appointment, I was treated very poorly and was essentially asked to find another salon.
The explanation given was that I was “disruptive” because I was briefly on the phone on speaker. I was unable to use my AirPods because hair dye would have damaged them—something I believe many clients would reasonably understand during a color service. Instead of being addressed respectfully or offered a solution, the situation escalated into being made to feel unwelcome altogether.
As a South Asian customer, in a salon that is predominantly white and markets itself as “high-end,” the interaction left me feeling singled out rather than supported—especially after being a loyal, paying client. There was no empathy shown, no effort to de-escalate, and no acknowledgment of my mother’s needs.
This experience was not about a phone call—it was about how quickly a long-term client was dismissed rather than treated with professionalism, inclusivity, or grace.
I’m sharing this so others—particularly people of color, immigrants, or those caring for family members with special needs—can make an informed decision about whether this is a space where they’ll truly feel welcome.