American Beauties — Local services in Pasadena

Kept forgetting to post this review from when I visited in April

Found this salon. Their website showed people of different ethnicities, so thought they could work with all hair textures. I did an in-person consultation of what I wanted, was given a price range, bought my own extensions, then asked to schedule an appointment. Got left on read by Ella twice when booking an appointment. Had to contact a different stylist who immediately gave me an appointment.

I was excited, and came with clean, combed hair. Lake, arrived on time. When I walked in, I wasn't greeted. Lake made a quick hairstyle to get my feedback. When she started working on my hair, it was a miserable experience. She used her fingers through my hair with force to break my hair apart to "detangle" it. I couldn't believe how damaging she was to my hair. When I go to regular salons, if my hair got tangled, the hairstylist would spray a detangling mist, and hold my hair with their hand and gently detangle the ends to prevent pulling. This stylist didn't spray anything or hold my hair to minimize the pain, just used brute force, which pulled my scalp too. I lost a lot of healthy strands of hair from how hard she pulled, and a lot of breakage at my ends. The damage was so severe that I had to cut 7 inches off my ends at a different salon... My hair was originally below my rear...

The braiding was even worse. She pulled so hard to make the braid tight. Some people can handle tightly braided hair on their scalps, but I came for Dutch braids, which isn't supposed to be like cornrows. The braiding session was extremely painful, especially since she continued to break through my ends to detangle each time. I was afraid I would experience hair loss. I don't even think this much pulling and tightness is healthy for anyone's scalp and hair. A professional hair stylist should prioritize hair and scalp health. The stylist also never checked if I was in pain, or did anything to minimize it.

When I finally looked in the mirror, it was not what I wanted. The entire time, she positioned me away from the mirror, so I was unable to correct her during it. I had trusted she would do a good job because Lake is "sought out by many celebrities and socialites," so I had high expectations. My braid ended up nonsymmetrical. I wanted my hair split straight down the middle, but it was not. My right braid was perfect, but my left braid was too low. Because they made the braid so tight, it made the top of my head look very flat. I was embarrassed when I finally looked in the mirror. I loved how the braid itself looked but the issues ruined the look I was going for. When I got home, I had to look up tutorials on how to loosen it before it damaged my hair follicles.

Another note, I understand that everyone has bad days, but from the reviews and the website, I was expecting the atmosphere to be welcoming. At other salons, hair stylists would always talk to clients, but when I was there, I wasn't greeted and rarely spoken to. The entire time I was there, my stylist only asked 1 question as small talk, and I answered expecting to have a conversation, but no. My stylist mainly talked to the other clients and workers while working on my hair. Now that I'm thinking about it, asking if a client's dream hair style is just for an "event" was a bit rude, considering the website says American Beauties' mission is "To create looks that inspire our clients to gain personal growth and development." I wanted to express myself with my hair... From all the positive reviews, I was looking forward to a positive experience with the stylists as I wanted a stylist that I can keep coming back to. Also, I paid more than I was supposed to. I gave the money and was expecting my change back, but my stylist immediately went on her phone. I was just too overwhelmed and embarrassed to ask for the change back. Thank you to the sweetie stylist who complimented my hair when no one was talking to me! At least one staff is kind.

Unfortunately no photos of my hair, I was too embarrassed to...

I've been a loyal customer of American Beauties for what seems like forever, and I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else for my hair needs. I always go to Lake and she consistently delivers the best hair services, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Whether it's individual styles, cornrows, or sew-ins, I always have a wonderful experience at American Beauties. The skilled stylists here truly understand the art of hair and take the time to make sure every client leaves feeling like a million bucks.

The attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism of the staff at American Beauties are truly commendable. They make sure to listen to your preferences and offer expert advice when needed, which I greatly appreciate. Every visit is not just about getting a haircut or a new style; it's about feeling pampered and confident.

The ambiance of the salon is inviting, and the cleanliness and hygiene measures in place give me peace of mind. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making each visit a pleasant and relaxing experience.

I highly recommend American Beauties to anyone in search of a salon that consistently delivers top-notch results. You won't be disappointed, and like me, you might find yourself coming back for years to come. Thank you, American Beauties & Lake for always making me look and...

A dream come true! I was in deep search of finding a salon that has stylists, who specialize in hair care. After multiple conversations with people; it was suggested that I schedule an appointment with American Beauties in Pasadena, CA. I called and spoke to Lake who really gave a listening ear on what I was trying to achieve. We scheduled an appointment, I showed up. This salon is simply gorgeous, near Old Town Pasadena (in the heart of the playhouse district). Plenty of parking! I walked in the salon and was welcomed by all stylists (very friendly). Lake greeted me, and was prepared for my appointment. She and I sat and had a brief face to face consultation. Then she began my service. During my experience, I noticed this salon is unisex and has a menu of services (extensions, coloring, braiding, blowouts to name a few, on all types of hair). I received extensions (I love, love, love). I also was able to view the other stylist work (Nia); she is really good as well. Needless to say, I left out of the salon looking fantastic (but not before booking my next appointment). I am SOLD on American Beauties. I have finally found a...