Bella Hair Extensions & Braiding Studio — Local services in Henderson-Massey

Disappointing Experience - Lack of Transparency

I had a disappointing experience with this hairdresser. I booked my appointment months in advance and paid a $60 NZ deposit, which was confirmed. I sent my desired hairstyle and asked for a quote, but they never responded.

The day before my appointment, they sent me a form to fill out about my hair. I called to request an additional shampooing service, which they initially confirmed. However, they later called back and canceled the shampoo, saying no one was available to do it. When I asked for an estimated time and cost for the braids, they couldn’t give me clear answers, only saying it would take about 3 hours.

On the day of the appointment, I arrived with all my own materials (extensions and jewelry for my hairstyle), yet two stylists worked on my hair without giving me a price upfront. They did a diagnostic and estimated the time at 4 hours but still didn’t confirm the price, saying, “we’ll see.” In the end, the braiding took 10 hours, during which they also attended to other clients, further prolonging the process unnecessarily.

When they finished, I was informed that I was being charged hourly—$100 NZ per hour—and owed $450 NZ after a "discount." Including the $60 NZ deposit I had already paid, the total came to $510 NZ. This was shocking, as I had repeatedly asked for a price estimate beforehand. Spending the whole day there caused me to cancel personal plans, and the lack of transparency about the pricing left me feeling taken advantage of.

While the braids were well done, the lack of professionalism, transparency, and time management was unacceptable. Bringing my own materials should have streamlined the process, but instead, I felt overcharged and undervalued as a client. I cannot...

The words professionalism, friendliness, kindness and helpful doesn't even come close to the service you receive from this place. I have had multiple types of extensions over the past 4 years and I was blown away by Bella & the quality extensions I received. The Hair is very high quality and aside from feeling amazing it styles so easily with my natural hair. The placement of the extensions is amazing in addition to the most secure installation I have ever received. The results are phenomenal and I can now proudly say, that after years of trying, I finally have my dream hair! Because of this, I can't tell you how much of a confidence boost this has given me. Having fabulous hair really does make such a difference and really helps you embrace your femininity... I'm a huge fan myself now and there is absolutely no way I would ever go anywhere else. The place is extremely clean and hygienic at all times. Don't hesitate! Contact Bella and her team today and let them make your hair dreams come...

Waited for almost a month for my order only to realise after NZ Post had opened an investigation that the package was not packed properly and returned to sender. Eventually asked for a refund only to encounter further delays and excuses. Called and emailed several times within a month only to find out three weeks later that nothing had been done, this woman blamed everyone else including me for her incompetence. Finally last night got a text reply around midnight stating that payment had been refunded into my nominated bank account which won’t show up till late next week due to public holiday. Overall this has been one hell of an experience, I was very patient with this woman, who seemed quite laxed about the whole situation. The lesson here is to source products from a reputable business like Afrihair they send out their orders the following business day, I had my order within 3 days and the best quality products for a better price. Will not...