A Vibrant Hub for Braids and Beyond
African Hair Braids, located at 38 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, consistently earns a solid 4.4-star rating, and it's easy to see why. This isn't just a salon; it’s a celebration of hair, culture, and community. The business proudly identifies as women-owned, and that warm, welcoming spirit clearly extends to every customer who walks through the door. The salon is thoughtfully equipped for accessibility with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, alongside basic amenities like toilets, making it inclusive for all. Beyond the practical, it's also a safe and affirming space – explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to families with children. Payment is straightforward, accepting credit, debit cards and even NFC mobile payments, and appointments are recommended to secure your desired time slot.
But what truly sets African Hair Braids apart is the skill and artistry on display. Customers rave about the meticulous attention to detail, particularly with braiding. Many highlight individual stylists; Mama Rose is specifically praised for her work on a young birthday girl, while another customer celebrated the precision and neatness of a braider whose name she unfortunately didn't catch, keeping 46 braids intact for a full two weeks! This level of durability speaks volumes about the quality of the work. Pricing for a substantial braiding session like this appears to be around $150 for three hours of service.
Embracing All Hair Types and Fostering Confidence
African Hair Braids isn't limited to one hair type – they actively embrace diversity. One customer powerfully recounts feeling apprehensive about getting braids as a Caucasian woman with textured (2c-3a-3b) hair, fearing it might be inappropriate. She was met with kindness and understanding, feeling completely comfortable and supported throughout the process. The stylist took the time to offer invaluable hair care tips and explained how braids could assist with the maintenance of her curly hair, reinforcing a holistic approach to hair health.
This commitment to inclusivity and education is a running theme in the reviews. It’s more than just doing hair; it’s about empowering clients and making them feel good about themselves. The salon doesn’t just provide a service, it provides a genuine sense of belonging and boosts self-esteem.
Skillful Cuts & Dedicated Service – It’s Not Just Braids!
While renowned for their braiding expertise, African Hair Braids clearly offers a range of services to cater to the whole family. Ali receives particular mention for his exceptional men’s haircuts, with one parent declaring it "one of the best haircuts [their son] has ever had." Customers appreciate Ali's attention to detail and the overall impressive result.
Several longer-term customers mention bringing their children regularly for braiding over years, showcasing consistent satisfaction and building trust within the community. This suggests the salon fosters lasting relationships. The experience frequently evokes nostalgic feelings for customers – one user described the salon as "taking me right back to Africa," reminiscing about the feeling of having braids done for the first time. Francy is also named as delivering excellent service and ensuring customers get exactly what they want.
Navigating Potential Challenges: Appointment Reliability
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some customers have unfortunately experienced issues with appointment cancellations. One reviewer detailed multiple last-minute cancellations, making it difficult to maintain their braids, which require regular upkeep. This customer also expressed frustration with the lack of rescheduling options and a disheartening comment from the business suggesting they “didn't need the money”.
This highlights a potential area for improvement for African Hair Braids. Consistency in scheduling is crucial, especially given the need for maintenance appointments. While the talent and welcoming atmosphere are undeniable, reliable service is essential for building long-term customer loyalty.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the issues reported:
Issue | Frequency | Impact |
---|---|---|
Last-minute appointment cancellations | Multiple reports | Difficulty maintaining braid health; inconvenience |
Lack of rescheduling | Consistent with cancellations | Increased frustration and potential loss of custom |
Communication regarding cancellations | Negative comment regarding business’s priorities | Damage to customer perception & trust |
It seems that whilst the hairdressers themselves are excellent, some administrative aspects of the business may require attention.