Magic Fingers Studio — Local services in New York

I've only been here once. My box braids were done exceptionally well. And the other women I observed getting their har done also left with nice looking braids. Quality of work does not appear to be an issue here. However, immediately upon entering, I was visually met with a vastly different reality from their online/social media appearance and persona. Online, the studio appears beautiful and clean. Sad to say, this is a dirty salon that is not well kept. The seats were clean and wiped down between clients. Combs appeared clean, but I did not see any barbicide sitting out (hopefully it was stored in the back). My stylist was great. She braided my hair perfectly and had a pleasant disposition (very neat and even parting; gentle braiding...hair was not pulled too tight). But wow, outside of my experience sitting in the chair, the place was just flat out dumpy. Blow dryers cords were caked in dust/dirt. The chairs and flooring were new (doesn't seem like they've been in the space for more than a few years), but the walls were dirty and dusty. The bathroom was unpleasant (not dirty per se, but not nice). Non-patrons walked in and out during the time I was there, which made for an unpleasant "beauty" experience. Two men were working on the boiler in the basement and walked in and out of the space (maybe schedule that appt during non-business hours?). Another man seemed to be working on something in the back of the salon. I also noticed that solicitors were allowed to enter the space attempting to sell stuff (maybe put a lock on your door and only allow patrons in), cuz this isn't the 90s and I seriously didn't know people still did that nonsense (remember how people would walk into salons trying to sell bootleg dvd's?). Getting your hair done isn't just about the service itself. It's also about the experience. My service was great, but the experience/environment here sucked. Since becoming an adult, I've created a habit of only going to nice salons, so this experience really took me out of my "norm". This is not a nice salon by any means, and the photos shown online are VERY deceiving. I don't need upscale or posh, I just need decent, and they failed in this department. They have been featured on Cosmopolitan's Youtube channel AND have their own hair braiding institute which are more reasons I thought this was a nice establishment, but it is sooo not. Also, they have a reception desk, but don't expect anyone to be sitting there to greet you when you enter. I had an uncomfortable entrance. Upon entering, I awkwardly stood near the door for a moment, unsure of who to speak to about my appt, and then one of the braiders (who was engaged in doing a client's hair) asked who my appt was with. I found my way over to a chair while I waited for my stylist to finish up with her client (only took a moment...very short wait). Overall, the owner presents a great image online but clearly does not take pride in maintaining or providing a good salon experience. Do not be fooled by what you see on Google Images, Instagram, or Youtube. This place could be outstanding if they cared about presentation and aligning their online persona with their in-person persona. A braiding shop with easy online scheduling, a good selection of braiders, a gentle approach to braiding, and what COULD be a nice salon experience? That's unique (although it shouldn't be)...

I've come to this establishment only a handful of times. each time with previous visits, I like how me hair came out. I don't like how this last style was done... I actually booked another hair appointment elsewhere while getting my hair done. Let's start from the beginning, my appointment was scheduled for 12:15, I received a call from the manager at 10am the same day asking if it was OK for me to come in at 2:15 instead, I said no and asked if I needed to reschedule. The manager said she would call me back with updates. She called back and said it was OK to come in for the original scheduled time. I got there about 15 minutes early and informed them upon my arrival. I was asked to sit in the back in the meantime. It was extremely quiet in the beauty salon except for music playing. I assumed either something happened or this was the come before the storm.. I didn't recognize many of the ladies except for 1. I came with my hair washed and blow dried... My hair was blow dried AGAIN. I didn't say anything it felt like they just wanted to appear to be doing something with me. Once I got to my stylist's chair I showed her and the manager what I wanted and they spent the next 20 minutes asking each other as well as other stylists if they can do it. Now to me, this should have been addressed prior to me getting has I had previously communicated via ig what I wanted and how I should book. Nonetheless the lady who just finished getting her her done was unhappy with her results (I should've left at this point, but I really wanted to treat myself). The stylist (Star) kept complmenting her as though that would've changed her mind. This stylist had personal things to attend to so she ended up doing a part layout for Mia/Mya who seemed visibly annoyed to have to braid my hair. The braids (3) are bulky in the front and smaller everywhere else. When Star returned she was very apologetic and I appreciate it... I would have appreciated a full cancelation without losing my deposit since it wasn't fault that she couldn'tdo my hair/how I wanted it. fast forward Star has 2 more cornrows left before she has to attend to the personal matter. Another stylist comes and complains that her stitch braids don't look like Star's and it's not gonna look right, yet proceeds. At this point it's been 4.5 hours for 10 cornrows and 4 box braidsfor the ponytail. and I need to get my kids so my husband’s and sleep (he works nights). Needless to say the braids weren't braided into a low ponytail but straight backs with 4 box braids. I will continue to support Stasha via her products, but definitely not her services. the center is...

Reached on time for my 4:00 pm appointment with my hair washed looking forward to my 4.4 experience.

The young lady was still doing hair and was ready for me 30 minutes later, things happen what can you do? Patience is a virtue I guess.

I asked the lady if we could do more braids then previously discussed which was for four braids at a whopping price of $85 which I thought was pretty steep to begin with. I am a male and I seriously doubt my hair exceeds 3-4 inches.

The young lady said no that I would have to make an appointment for that despite again, I came with my hair washed, waited 30 minutes past my said appointment time. I just said okay and at this point I was ready to go.

While getting my hair done the young lady was on the phone numerous times discussing her prior engagements for the night. On a separate call someone must have been rushing her and she was like okay give me two minutes and also it appeared that she was texting as well.

Overall I didn't like her response to my request after being 30 minutes late, plus the time it would have taken her to wash and dry my hair could have been taken into consideration but whatever that was going on later that night was more important than a quality experience.

I did plan on returning before this experience but I would prefer going to spend my money with someone who appreciates my hard earned money, I don't even make $85 an hour. The young lady also had a disgusting condescending demeanor and I definitely will not be returning back as a result of my experience.

I hope that in the future this young lady learns to prioritize better and understand that even though you don't own the business, you should treat it as your own. You are the representation of the business, and morally and ethically, you could have done better. What a...