Horrible unprofessional service
I am not one to give reviews, but this is an incident that everyone should know about. First I should say if I could give ZERO stars I would. On Saturday, May 16th, I experienced an extremely upsetting and humiliating situation at the Mario Tricoci Naperville location during a scheduled hair color appointment at 10:30 AM.
After meeting with the colorist, we discussed the service and agreed on a partial highlight and root touch-up. I showed inspiration photos, and everything initially appeared normal. The colorist then clipped my hair up and stepped away to prepare the color.
A few moments later, the General Manager approached me and stated that the colorist had found “several open scabs/open wounds” on my scalp and therefore could not continue with the service. I was immediately confused and shocked. The colorist herself NEVER returned to speak with me, explain the concern, or ask me any questions. The General Manager also DID NOT examine my scalp herself or attempt to have a respectful conversation with me regarding what was seen. I even asked her to show me and she ignored me!
I have neurofibromatosis, and what the colorist observed were neurofibromas — NOT “open scabs.” I am not contagious, and I have received numerous salon services in the past without issue, questions or concerns including at this salon and many others. Had anyone simply asked me a question instead of making assumptions, this situation could have been handled professionally and compassionately.
Instead, I was left sitting there embarrassed, confused, and humiliated in front of other customers to add. I became emotional and struggled to remove the salon smock due to the anxiety and distress I was experiencing, while the General Manager simply stood there for several moments before eventually offering to help me. During this time, I felt there was very little compassion, assistance, or professionalism shown to me. I repeatedly asked for clarification and was given no meaningful explanation beyond “I’m sorry.”
What made this even more upsetting was the complete lack of communication and sensitivity surrounding the situation. I left the salon in tears and sat in my car crying for nearly 30 minutes afterward because of how humiliated and dismissed I felt.
I understand salons may have policies regarding scalp conditions or concerns. However, the way this situation was handled was deeply inappropriate. No one asked questions, attempted to understand my medical condition, or handled the matter privately and respectfully. Instead, assumptions were made based on my appearance, which left me feeling discriminated against because of my Neurofibromas which are harmless.
Additionally, after leaving the salon, I took photos of my scalp and do not have the multiple “open wounds” that were claimed. I only found one small area the size of a freckle, and it was not even near where the color would have been applied. Regardless, this situation was not handled correctly or professionally.
What further confirmed my concerns was that later that same day, I went to another salon and had my hair professionally colored and serviced without any questions, hesitation, or issues whatsoever. Because of how shaken and upset I was after leaving Mario Tricoci, I specifically asked the stylist about my neurofibromas and whether there was any concern regarding performing the service. I was told there was absolutely nothing concerning and that the way the situation at Mario Tricoci had been handled was unnecessary and highly unprofessional. The stylist was shocked to hear I had been turned away in the manner that I was.
I am requesting that this incident be taken seriously and reviewed carefully. Staff and management should be properly trained on how to handle sensitive situations involving visible medical conditions or disabilities with professionalism, discretion, compassion, and respect.
No client should ever leave a salon feeling publicly embarrassed, humiliated, or discriminated against while simply trying to enjoy a self-care appointment.
I would appreciate a response regarding how this matter will be addressed. Due to this experience, I will not be returning to Mario Tricoci, and I intend to share my experience publicly so others understand how this situation was handled.








