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I came into Raphael with high expectations as several of my friends had recommended them to me on different occasions. However, all in all, I had a deeply upsetting experience and will not be going back again. My appointment was delayed by 20 minutes, and although one hairdresser was free from half way through my wait, and even came over to say she would be taking my appointment, as I got up, herself and I were both informed that I wasn't booked with her and so I had to continue to wait. Honestly, I would be completely and utterly forgiving of this slight mishap was it not for what I endured after. Within roughly 5 minutes of my appointment I had already been insulted due to the state of my hair, and rather than giving me constructive help as to how to combat it, I was just told that it was for me to do and to find products on the market; although no specific products were specified. I ended up finding myself apologising as I felt like I had done something wrong and was being told off by a school mistress. This dynamic continued throughout the haircut. The hairdresser insisted on using very technical vocabulary which I found very alienating and therefore I was unsure as to if I was actually going to be happy with the haircut at the end, but as she was a hairdresser I trusted her to know best, especially as I had been as helpful as I could be with explaining what I would like. Unfortunately, I have ended up with a haircut that I really can't stand and feel that she hasn't given me the haircut I asked for nor what suits me personally, but more a haircut that is more current and on trend so that she feels she has done an edgy up-to-date haircut. She also completely and utterly overstyled my hair, adding far more products than I am comfortable with to my hair so I looked more ready to go on an avant-guarde catwalk than portswood highstreet so I was left feeling extremely uncomfortable and anxious for the remainder of the day until I could wash my hair. I am now left with a haircut that I feel has completely infantilized me, shorter than discussed and with a different fringe to what I thought we had discussed.The hairdresser also went on to claim she should have done a before and after with me, although I recognize she probably meant this in a positive way, I can't help but feel offended that she felt I was in such a state before, especially when I am now not sure that I look any better than that. I will not be returning to Raphael, which is a shame as I get the feeling that had I had a different hairdresser my experience would have been totally different, and potentially a very positive one.