Pros 
Cons A Wave of Positive Experiences with Hair Braids by Somah
Hair Braids by Somah, located at 1a/278 Crown St, Wollongong, enjoys a stellar 4.9 rating, and a quick look at customer feedback reveals why. Many patrons consistently praise Somah’s skill and warm personality. Several reviews highlight Somah's ability to translate client visions into reality. One customer excitedly shared how Somah “delivered” on a long-awaited braid style for their son, Leo, who “absolutely loves them!”. The sentiment is echoed time and time again, with frequent mentions of an “excellent service” and a “friendly” atmosphere.
Here’s a breakdown of what customers consistently love:
- Skill & Expertise: Clients frequently commend Somah's braiding talent, noting beautiful and lasting results. Specifically, micro braids are consistently highlighted as exceptionally well-done.
- Personal Connection: Somah is repeatedly described as “lovely”, “kind”, and creating a welcoming, “at home” environment. Customers appreciate her happy spirit and enjoyable company.
- Client-Focused Approach: Many reviewers emphasize Somah’s dedication to ensuring client satisfaction. She is described as “professional”, “open to feedback”, and prioritizing the “final outcome” over a rushed timeline – even offering to continue working until the client is completely happy.
- Comfort & Convenience: One customer vividly describes being able to “sleep with ease” after their appointment, implying a comfortable and gentle braiding technique. The shop is wheelchair accessible with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, catering to a wider range of clients.
Accessibility & Amenities – What to Expect at the Salon
Hair Braids by Somah strives for inclusivity with several convenient features. Appointments are required or at least strongly recommended to ensure Somah can dedicate the appropriate time and attention to each client – a testament to her commitment to quality. The salon fully embraces modern payment methods, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Crucially, it’s also considered "good for kids”, suggesting a family-friendly atmosphere.
Here's a quick look at the facilities on offer:
| Feature | Available? |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Car Park | Yes |
| Wheelchair Entrance | Yes |
| Gender-Neutral Toilets | Yes |
| Standard Toilet | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Appointment Needed | Yes |
While Wi-Fi isn’t currently available, the priority clearly lies in providing a high-quality hair braiding experience, with accessible facilities and flexible payment options.
A Disputed Relaxer Treatment – A Detailed Account
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a concerning review details a less satisfactory experience regarding a hair relaxer treatment. The client travelled "a long way" to visit Hair Braids by Somah, hoping for expertise in handling textured hair. Sadly, they reported that the roots were not adequately relaxed, remaining “frizzy” despite the treatment, a problem they'd never encountered at other African hair salons.
The client provided a follow-up detailing a perceived communication issue, stating the lack of a mirror during the process hampered their ability to assess the treatment's progress. The absence of a mirror led to a delayed and surprising discovery of the unsatisfactory result, only visible after moving to a different section of the salon (the clothing section) to find a reflective surface. They felt a mirror would have encouraged open communication and a chance to address issues during the treatment. They expressed the belief that the lack of apparent work done highlighted the need for a mirror during the process.
It’s important to note this represents a single negative experience amongst numerous positive reviews and highlights potential areas for improvement in communication and process transparency.
Continued Loyalty & Repeat Business
Despite the concerns raised regarding the relaxer treatment, the consistent praise and repeat business demonstrate a strong level of customer loyalty. One client specifically returned for a second micro braid appointment, again emphasizing Somah’s ability to deliver “beautiful” results. This willingness to return underlines the trust and confidence placed in Somah’s skills and service.
Opening hours accommodate various schedules, operating from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Fridays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. The salon is closed on Sundays. The combination of skilled braiding, a welcoming atmosphere and convenient operating hours contribute to Hair Braids by Somah’s continued success in the Wollongong area. Contact Somah directly at +61 432 820 649 to book an appointment.