Pros 
Cons A Spectrum of Experiences at Afrikiko Hair & Beauty Salon
Afrikiko Hair & Beauty Salon, located at 4/28 Railway St, Liverpool NSW 2170, garners a mixed bag of reviews, currently holding a 3.9 rating. While many customers highlight positive experiences, particularly concerning braiding services, a considerable number express concerns regarding customer service and technique. The salon is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm and caters to a broad clientele, including families with children – the facilities include a toilet and they accept both credit cards and NFC mobile payments. Appointments are recommended.
Here's a breakdown of what customers are saying:
- Braiding Expertise: Afrikiko consistently receives praise for its skill in braiding, especially African styles. Many specifically mention the quality of box braids and weaves. One satisfied customer excitedly states they “love the box braids” they and their daughter received, expressing intent to return. Another reviewer affirmed the salon is “Wonderful with african weaves etc. Friendly, fast and perfect hair every time!!!”
- Welcoming Atmosphere (Sometimes): Several reviewers commend the staff for being "very welcoming and helpful”, although this seems to be inconsistent.
- Price Point: The salon is noted to be “Reasonably priced,” adding to its appeal for those seeking specialised braiding services.
- Family Friendly: The salon explicitly markets itself as being "Good for kids," making it a potential option for family hair appointments.
The Customer Service Question Mark
A recurring theme amongst the negative feedback revolves around customer service and communication. Multiple reviewers report instances of rudeness and poor interaction with stylists.
Here's a detailed look at the complaints:
- Communication Barriers: Several customers reported staff speaking amongst themselves in a language other than English while attending to clients, leading to feelings of being ignored or undervalued. One customer stated they were frequently interrupted during their braiding appointment with conversations in their native language.
- Aggressive Handling & Disregard for Preferences: The most concerning complaints detail stylists being dismissive of client requests and even physically rough during service. Instances of hair being “pulled and thugged” as “punishment” for complaints are reported. One particularly harrowing account details a stylist allegedly burning a customer’s hair after being informed the style was unwanted, and subsequently attempting to charge an additional $60 due to the customer's hair volume.
- Unexpected Charges: The incident involving the extra $60 charge highlights a lack of transparency in pricing. Another reviewer experienced being charged a ‘high price’ even when assisting with their own braiding.
- Unprofessional Conduct: Overall, the feedback paints a picture of a potentially unpredictable experience; praise for politeness from some (“Maria is the most polite professional...”) sharply contrasts with accusations of anger and offense taken by stylists when feedback is provided.
Technical Concerns: Tight Braids and Unwanted Styles
Beyond the interpersonal issues, some criticisms focus on the techniques used by Afrikiko’s stylists. While expertise in braiding is acknowledged, some practices seem to cause discomfort or are not aligned with customer preferences.
| Concern | Reported Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Tightness | Moderate | Numerous complaints about braids being braided too tightly, causing discomfort. |
| Incorrect Styles | Low | One reviewer received a hairstyle significantly different from their request. |
| Lack of Listening | Moderate | Stylists seemingly ignoring client instructions. |
| Hair Damage | Low | One serious report of burnt hair. |
| Added Extra Costs | Low | Complaints received for charges for hair volume. |
These technical issues combined with the customer service concerns contribute heavily to the lower ratings.
Facilities & Practical Information for Potential Customers
Afrikiko Hair & Beauty Salon offers a range of conveniences, though potential customers should be aware of certain aspects regarding appointments and payment.
- Location: Conveniently situated at 4/28 Railway St, Liverpool, NSW 2170, making it accessible via public transport and with potential parking options in the surrounding area.
- Hours: Consistent opening hours from 9am-5:30pm Monday through Saturday make scheduling feasible for many. The salon is closed on Sundays.
- Payment Options: Accepting both credit cards and NFC mobile payments caters to modern payment preferences.
- Amenities: The presence of a toilet is a basic, but appreciated, facility.
- Appointment Booking: Appointments are recommended – given the varied experience reports, pre-booking and clearly communicating your desired style could be crucial for a smoother visit.
- Kid-Friendly: Those seeking family-friendly hair appointments can utilise this service, but it's worth considering the potential for longer wait times due to customer’s reporting it ‘can be slow’.
Finally, one particularly charming review ends with a “Thank you for the KFC lol ☺️” implying a gesture of goodwill or remedy from the salon – though the context is unclear.