Short Hair Xpress — Local services in Atlanta

This was my first visit, I went in for a new look. I had been growing out my hair, but had hit a point where I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue to do so, and was reconsidering going back to my short hair. Before I started growing up my hair again, I had Locs which I cut out and started it over.

I am what they would probably refer to as “scissor happy.” I have zero issues cutting and coloring my hair for whatever reason and whatever style, at the end of the day it is hair, and it will grow back. If the rate of speed in which it grows back does not work for you, there are a plethora of options for extensions.

I found the salon doing research on Google for salons in the Atlanta area, specifically for Stylist, who are familiar with or even possibly specialize in short hair, so I found this salon. Nowadays it’s pretty hard to find a stylist that is willing to style short hair, let alone, natural hair, andyou better not be natural AND have short hair…..… then it is pretty much going to be a nightmare for you trying to find a stylist that is comfortable doing both, let alone one or the other. Not to mention, all the foreseeable conflicts and disagreements regarding health of YOUR hair, what needs to be done, techniques, all in order to style your hair, heat products, etc., etc., been there done that. unfortunately there are very few places in the Atlanta area or surrounding cities that have Stylist that are knowledgeable let alone comfortable with doing natural hair and or short hair . I was natural for over 10 years before I went back to relaxed, which is pretty much essential for short hair unless you like rocking the curly Coily look. I’m also not anI’m also not a fan of Extensions, again personal preference, way too much maintenance blending, glue, trying to appear as though it’s real, etc. So again, finding a Stylist in ATL, that doesn’t specialize/prefer and cater to those wearing extensions, is VERY difficult.

The stylist I initially wanted did not have availability, that matched mines and I decided on Krys after reading his reviews. In the end, it DEFIENTLY worked out in my favor. All the stylist in the salon are all talented and they all do short hair, everybody had a mini transformation when they walked out. I can’t speak on the Other Stylist, as I did not have services with them. Krys did a great job! When I first cut my hair short, pixie style, my stylist was a male, unfortunately, he retired, however, he had to be one of the best stylist I’ve ever had. And I have stayed in almost every region of the US. No jab to female stylists. So, I decided to pick a male stylist.

I went in for a haircut as well as the normal shampoo condition and style and permanent color. I thought I knew which color I wanted it however, when I saw the final result, I was not too happy with it. No fault of the Stylist, all me, but he was super accommodating and even created a custom color for myself, That I did not see until he finished because I refused to look in the mirrors. I wanted to be surprised and I definitely was! As time has gone on, I love my color more and more. I showed him a style that I thought I liked and wanted to try, he gave his feedback, I trusted him and told him free rain on creativity and he gave me Haircut and style that I did not expect, but loved it. I did not realize how much I missed having my short hair.

The only con I would have is that They ARE definitely busy, it is somewhat of an intimate setting, not a problem for myself however, keep in mind that you may wait a little bit. However, NOBODY left or complained, due to the Wait time. This made me even more curious to my end result, with it being my first time. It’s rare that women will wait PATIENTLY, to get their hair done. So it had to be worth it and it definitely was. I also booked at a busy time before a popular holiday weekend (I forgot since I don’t celebrate), so that also may have played a part. Again, it was not a big deal for myself and definitely will not prevent the booking of my next...

I tried really hard to support this business and not leave a review about my piss poor experience(s) there. However, after being disappointed for a 3rd time, I now feel impelled to share how highly dissatisfied I am with this place. The first time I went, a man did my hair. He completely butchered my haircut. He cut a gash in my head an covered it up with finger waves. I reached out to the owner Kendra and told her. She apologized and insisted that I come back to let her do my hair. I ended up shaving my head and starting over because the cut was so bad. After growing my hair out for 6months I decided to go back to my pixie, and let Kendra do my hair this time. I arrived at my appointment at 12..on time! Kendra had someone in her chair and did not get stated on me until after 1. While i waited for Kendra to finish, another client who was also waiting expressed her disappointment in having to wait an hour past her appointment time. Her stylist was unapologetic, unprofessional, and rude to her. Causing the girl to ask for a refund. The stylist refused to give her a refund. They went back and forth in front of the whole shop. Finally She refunded the girl. I walked over to Kendra who still had not even acknowledged me as her appointment and let her know that I was leaving. She called me and begged me to come back. Saying that what I had just witnessed was no reflection of how she conducts her business. Against my better judgement, I turned around. Kendra started on me right away, but sat me under the dryer for almost 2 hours lol while she talked and lollygagged. I was happy with the outcome of my hair the 2nd time. However, I left there disgruntle with the fact that my appointment was at 12:00 and I'm leaving at 5:00 Before I left Kendra convinced me to book with her again as I told her I'm looking for a salon to call home. I paid a $30 deposit for my next appointment. The 3rd and final time I went back, an assistant called me a day before my appointment and said Kendra does not work on Fridays and can I reschedule. I explained to him that Kendra herself had assisted me in booking my appointment for that day. He told me she wouldn't be there so I'd either have to pick another stylist or reschedule. I ended up picking another stylist..Annise. I arrived at 10:00am and she was not there. an assistant told me she wasn't expecting me but she's on the way. After an hour she finally showed. She started on my hair right away and to be honest she was pretty fast which I appreciated. When it was time to pay I let her know that I had already paid $30 deposit towards my appointment. Instead of her checking the system, she took my word for it and deducted it from what she charged me. By the time I got home Annise texted me and said I lied about paying a deposit lol I responded with screenshots of the $30 being charged to me at my previous appointment. She responded and said "oh the system not showing it" lol Overall I would say this place shows excellent work on their Instagram, but they don't put the same effort, energy, and skill into their everyday clientele. Very unprofessional and careless. I'm never going back. I really pray the owner see's this and...

I’ve gone back and forth about leaving this review because I’ve had some great experiences at this shop, but my last visit on 3/14 left me extremely disappointed. I’m new to the pixie cut world and have been searching for my stylist. This shop is filled with incredibly talented professionals, but be mindful of who you book with—because not everyone values quality service or the overall client experience. Before offering my critique, I want to give flowers where they’re due.

I’ve been serviced by Ms. Shelley twice, and she is phenomenal—10/10, highly recommend. She stays booked and busy, and I understand why. She gets you right and has you in and out of the chair efficiently.

I’ve also been serviced by Shawn once, and he is kind, talented, and sharp with his cuts. He listens, asks questions, and gives great suggestions. Another stylist who prioritizes both quality and efficiency.

From observation, many stylists here know how to run an assembly line!

Now, a question: does “Xpress” in the shop’s name mean expression or express as in quick, fast, and efficient? If it’s the latter, I suggest that all stylists meet the standard of the brand name.

On 3/14, I was styled by Krys. I will say—the final look was tea. You did that! But at what cost?

I booked a relaxer touch-up, mold set, and style. My appointment was at 3:30 PM; I arrived at 3:20 PM and didn’t leave until 7:36 PM. I didn’t begin my service (the relaxer) until around 4:20 PM—and you didn’t even do it. Another stylist had to step in, and she seemed understandably annoyed that she had to take over. Between 3:20 and 4:20, multiple stylists greeted me. You, however, did not acknowledge me until I had been waiting for over 45 minutes. When you finally did, you told me I’d be in your chair soon—then proceeded to straighten someone’s bob for another hour and a half.

Eventually, I made it under the dryer, which was way too hot to the point of discomfort. You were nowhere to be found, so I had to ask another stylist to turn it down for me. I could go on about the excessive waiting and lack of acknowledgment, but I’ll get to the point: in what reality should it take someone with a literal SCOOP of hair four+ hours to be styled? I could’ve worked a part-time shift or gotten braids in that amount of time—for the same price. That’s ridiculous, unacceptable, and inconsiderate.

Were you having an off day? Are you overbooking? Or is this just the quality of service to be expected?

To make matters worse, I had to wash my hair just two days later because whatever hard spritz you used irritated my skin and scalp post-relaxer. Since then, I’ve experienced excessive shedding and even developed a sore on my nape.

I could’ve taken the four-hour appointment on the chin, but now that I’m dealing with these post-appointment issues, I have to speak my piece. Consider this a caution to anyone booking with you in the future.

The damage is done—I don’t need compensation. But I do hope you take this criticism seriously and improve your client experience...