Urban Kurl Studio — Attraction in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

The absolute worst salon experiences I've ever had.

The two girls working were unprofessional and seemed very unexperienced. They barely spoke to me, did not introduce themselves, and did not even talk to me about my hair at all other than the one cutting it briefly looking at a couple of pictures I'd shown them and agreeing to the cut (which she did not end up doing in the shape I wanted in the end anyway but I just wanted to just leave by the end of it so just left it).

Neither of the girls explained what products they were using or anything, they were also really rough and super rushed washing and cutting my hair and when I repeatedly told the girl diffusing my hair that it was painful and it felt like it was burning my scalp she just responded "ohh okay".

At the end of the cut the girl washing my hair asked if the length was okay while my hair was behind me and I couldn't see it. When I asked to see the back of my hair she struggled greatly to hold a mirror up to show me and so I ended up just asking her to take a photo of the back with my phone.

The salon vibe itself was also terrible with fluorescent lights, unflattering mirrors (which had no lighting), and loud music. The chairs were also terrible and I had to stand while getting my hair because they said my hair was too long (even though every other salon I'd been to just lifted the chair up and then the hairdresser would sit down behind me.

The whole experience was awful and painful and such a massive waste of money. Not surprised I was the only client the whole time...

I booked a curl therapy session for medium hair. As per the website - “For Medium hair length from the shoulders to mid-back length approximately. This is for the length you wish to have it cut to.“ Despite booking for medium-length hair and having my hair cut to shoulder length, I was charged for full hair length at the counter. When I asked, the stylist made flimsy excuses. I didn’t had the energy to argue, so I reluctantly paid the extra amount and left. The stylist also seemed disinterested during the session, even got me to diffuse my own hair at one point. She also promised personalised notes from the session, before-after pictures etc to be sent via email, but I didn’t receive anything until I sent them a reminder email a few days later (still haven't received before-after pictures). Overall, I found the therapy session overhyped. They followed the clever curl products routine which I was using even before my appointment with them. Basically I just got a dry hair-cut done for $290. Highly...

I had a truly wonderful experience at the Royal Oak salon today. With very thick, naturally curly hair, I’m always a little nervous when trying something new as not often I end up loving, but I was ready for more than just a basic cut — I wanted an upgrade. Ash and Toni, the fabulous duo of professionals, exceeded all of my expectations. From the moment I sat in the chair, they made me feel completely at ease with their warmth, expertise, and attention to detail.

The cut and highlights were absolutely perfect — fresh, flattering, and exactly the boost I was hoping for. They understood exactly the change I was hoping for , and the results show it. And I have to mention the head massage — pure heaven! It was such a thoughtful touch that made the whole experience even more relaxing and enjoyable.

I left the salon not only loving my hair but also feeling pampered and cared for. I can’t recommend Ash and...