How to Spot Fake Salon Reviews (and Trust the Real Ones)
Reviews are the closest thing you have to a friend's recommendation when picking a salon. But not all reviews are honest — some are written by the business itself, some by competitors, and some are simply fake. Knowing how to read between the lines protects you from a bad booking.
Red Flags of a Fake Review
A Wall of Five Stars With No Detail
"Best salon ever! Highly recommended!!!" tells you nothing. Genuine reviews mention specifics — the stylist's name, the exact service, how long it took, how the result held up.
A Sudden Burst of Reviews
Ten glowing reviews all posted within two days is a classic sign of a paid or fake batch. Real reviews trickle in steadily over time.
Repeated Phrases and Odd Language
Fake reviews often reuse the same marketing phrases ("state-of-the-art", "world-class service") that real customers rarely say. Watch for reviews that read like an advertisement.
Only Extremes, Nothing in Between
A healthy salon has a spread — mostly positive, with the occasional three-star. If a salon has only five-star and one-star reviews and nothing in between, be cautious.
Reviewers With No History
On platforms that show reviewer profiles, be wary of accounts that have reviewed only one business, ever.
Signs of a Genuine Review
- Specific details about the service, stylist and outcome.
- Balanced tone — even happy customers mention small negatives ("the wait was a bit long, but the cut was perfect").
- Photos from the actual visit.
- A reply from the salon that addresses the point raised, rather than a generic "thank you".
- Consistency over time, not a single suspicious spike.
Why Verified Reviews Matter Most
The strongest protection is a platform that only lets real customers review. On GetSalons, reviews come from people who actually used the salon, and the community can report suspicious ones. That's very different from an open ratings box anyone can spam.
When a review platform verifies bookings, a five-star rating means far more.
How to Read Reviews Like a Pro
- Read the three-star reviews first. They're usually the most honest and balanced.
- Look for your specific service. A salon great at haircuts may be weak at colour.
- Check recent reviews. Salons change staff and standards; a review from three years ago may be outdated.
- Weigh volume and consistency, not just the average. Twenty steady four-star reviews beat five suspicious five-stars.
- Cross-check with the gallery. Do the photos match the praise?
Put It Into Practice
Before your next appointment, combine honest reviews with the other checks that matter — pre-booking questions and a quick hygiene check. Then browse verified, real-customer reviews on top-rated salons and book with confidence on GetSalons.
