Swella Braid Bar — Local services in Atlanta

OK I’m writing this on the hills of having to walk out of this establishment. I don’t want to bash the establishment and say it was bad because it was not. Would I go back? No do I feel like there needs to be some customer service training absolutely.

my hair was not dry fully when she started braiding, it was still wet and damp and my scalp was not dry. It didn’t bother me however, I feel if you’re going to offer the service do it right

Secondly, I feel like she was tearing through my hair. I would see the comb when she was braiding, and some of my hair was definitely coming out as she was trying to get it smooth so that she could braid.

And to my biggest issue.

I received an email for the time allotment of how long this is going to take. It was my fault for thinking that this was a luxury experience, and that it would be within that timeframe. I fell into the marketing I should not have done. That is my fault

I received an email saying that the entire service will be 2.5 hours. Mind you I’m getting eight braids to the back. My appointment was at 2 o’clock meaning give or take I should have a buffer of about 15 minutes to be able to get to my next appointment on time. I told the stylist I need to be out of here by 4:45. Now her tearing through my hair could’ve been because she was rushing because I informed her I needed to leave. I also added stitch braiding, which also could’ve added to the time. Again on me.

But it easy to say ma’am I’m not going to be able to make that time frame. But I kept saying I needed to leave so unfortunately, while the moose was still on my head and I did not realize that the rollers were in the back of my hair. I definitely was not trying to walk out with thought, so I apologize for that. after I paid and left a tip I had to walk out of this establishment.

Again, I understand that not everyone is going to be timely. If I didn’t want a timely experience, I would’ve went to a regular hair salon, but your marketing makes it seem like you’re upscale that your proficient and that you’re on time. The one thing black women are craving for in Atlanta.

So again there was nothing wrong with the braids. There was nothing wrong with the salon I could find parking either easily. This is 100% my fault for falling into your marketing to think that you were different than any other salon. 100% my fault

I didn’t want to make a scene so after paying so I just walked out, but to the young lady who walked outside and said that I was being rude because I left I didn’t curse at anybody I didn’t scream I paid and left a tip and decided to walk out because you were not respecting my time. I did not realize the rollers were in my hair. That was an honest mistake when she called it to my attention I give them to her, but then when I try to explain to her why I’m walking out, she said that I was being rude. Instead of apologizing for not being timely. If she would’ve just said ma’am, I’m sorry I know you had to leave on the rollers are in the back of your hair. Can you give them to us? I just said I am so sorry. I left a tip. I have to go and I’ll see you guys another time. I totally would’ve give you guys another shot. I would’ve booked another appointment but I can’t deal with attitudes when I’m spending my money… I think you could tell by this post I’m a very rational person and if you can’t take constructive criticism and catch an attitude when a customer try to explain something to you and right them off as rude It’s not good for your business. I would’ve never wrote and you guys a review if she wasn’t rude to me.

I don’t know who she is. I really did not appreciate her having an attitude with me and screaming something at me as I walked away to my car I didn’t catch what she said.

And I still left a tip. So frustrating.

I have never had to walk out of the salon. And I’m really sad that I had to be yours because I was excited about coming. I was yearning for something different but unfortunately I won’t be back.

I really truly wish you...

I intentionally waited to post my review to ensure I provided future clients a review based on facts and overall experience rather than emotion. After reading the two reviews and Swella’s vision for their clients, I decided to book an appointment to obtain medium knotless braids. At the time of the booking, I added, in the comment section, I was growing my hair out from a pixie cut and would provide a picture; if needed. No response or request was ever received. On the day of my appointment, I got turned around because the picture provided is a picture of the side of the suites down from Swella and not that of the actual salon which shares space with an existing salon. That would have been very helpful information to assist with identifying and locating salon. Parking also could have been better explained as there is a deck located with the salon as well as parking on the street. Once inside, I was meet by a very welcoming young lady who assisted me with parking. When I re-entered the salon, I inquired about the ability of the stylist to braid my hair, the fact I had not received a response to my email notifying them of the length of my hair as well as asking if the stylist wanted to check my length to be sure before proceeding. I was told my hair would be washed and blow dried and then she would consult with the stylist. After being the wash and blow dry service, the stylist came out and looked and said she would be able to braid my hair. I then patiently sat while the stylist and then eventually the initial young lady attempted to braid my hair. During this time, I also interjected and told them they could box braid if needed. Also, when the stylist initially said she could braid my hair she stated the back would have to be smaller braids. The first young lady then came over to inform me it would normally be a $45 dollar up charge for the smaller braids but since they missed the comment section regarding my length, there would be no charge. Wasn’t sure why she felt the need to tell me this. After finally coming to the conclusion the stylist would not be able to braid my hair, a call was placed to the owner and I was handed the phone. The owner then informed me, I could either get cornrows or no service. I declined the cornrows so the owner asked if I my hair had been washed and blow dried and when I said yes, she said they would have to charge me $50 for the wash as well as to pay the stylist. I then confirmed she was choosing to keep my deposit. The owner confirmed this. Of course, the initial young lady urged me to come back when my hair was longer but that of course will not happen. If the owner was truly trying to retain my business, she would have taken care of her stylist, apologized to me and refunded me my deposit as an apology for the two hours I spent there. All I can say is thank goodness I was watching the other stylist and Lena came through and styled my hair for me. This is also something the owner should have checked into instead of being more concerned with charging me $50 for a wash...

I'm so glad I took the leap and visited Swella! Finding a reputable salon in Atlanta can be so daunting, especially after multiple negative experiences with other stylists in the past. As a person who knows very little about hair, I was excited to find that you can pick your style/hair color directly through an online list of different looks! Between grad school and working full-time, I also loved that they had an option to pay extra in advance for detangling since I didn't have time before my appointment, which factored into my final time estimate! I'm also extremely tender-headed & both SheQuita and Katia were so gentle I could've fallen asleep in the chair! Also, I called the day before my appointment to ask if they could add a trim onto my list of services. Their phone line is set for you to leave a voicemail so someone can get back to you. After leaving a voicemail with my request, I received a text message less than 10 minutes later stating that they could add on my trim as long as I was fine with coming in 10 minutes early to avoid disrupting the appointment directly after mine. My initial appointment was set for 9:10am. I arrived a few minutes before 9am (when they open) and SheQuita was there to greet me and let me in. She got me started promptly at 9am and had me washed, blow-dried, trimmed, and sent off to Katia for my braids in no time. Katia made sure to check in with me on the length and the amount of hair I wanted out since I was getting French Braids. I realized after the appointment that I ended up getting Small braids instead of Medium, which extended the completion time. My appointment ran past the estimated time because the system factors in braid size when you book your appointment to avoid double-booking. I have absolutely no regrets, though. Katia was incredibly meticulous and now I know what to ask for during my next visit! The braids came out so much better than I anticipated and I've gotten so many compliments. The salon itself was so peaceful. I went during a quiet weekday morning. They had a fantastic playlist going that didn't repeat at all during the 6 hours I was there. Team members were constantly moving around cleaning up hair and helping others with their stations so they could focus on their clients. I was able to read my book and just enjoy being pampered. Time flew by and I didn't even notice that the shop had filled up until it was nearly time for me to leave! Checkout was quick and easy. Katia made sure to review each line item with me to make sure there were no surprises, especially since I added on the trim the day before. I was able to digitally add individual tips for both of my stylists and approve the new total. Such a punctual and professional experience start to finish! Now that I know I can have all my hair care needs met in this one salon, I'm locked in. Swella is now my...