SMF Hair Studio — Local services in Pittsburgh

Where do I even start! I got the “My very First Silk Press Package”. I had no idea that my hair would be severely damaged as a result as my hair was already not in the best condition and my ends were in need of a nice trim. I was put under that steamer for about an hour and 25 minutes.

My hair was DAMAGED y’all. I didn’t even know that a steamer could cause heat damage and apparently being professionals they didn’t either. You’re only supposed to be steamed for about a half hour. Jameela did my hair and she didn’t know how to set the apparatus up so I should have expected this to be honest. Some people are just stylist, meaning that they do a nice job styling your hair but as far as your hair health goes they could care less.

When I washed my hair I was shocked. My natural hair was in a permanently straight state as though it was relaxed. I washed it and conditioned it. My hair was a stringy mess.I was livid because I have been natural for 10 years with no heat damage as my hair has been straightened before with no problems ever! I called to speak to the manager, trying to get a refund for my damaged hair. She refused to acknowledge the situation and passed the concern to Jameela. Jameela told me I need to chop my hair off and throw on a wig when I called them and tried to explain to them that my hair was damaged as a result of getting the silk treatment. What kind of hair technician would say that to somebody?

They didn’t take any accountability at all and didn’t try to honor the situation by compensating me in any way. When speaking to the manager she didn’t take my concerns seriously. It’s really a shame because I’m always rooting for black businesses and I want them to thrive but this was completely unacceptable. I had to say something. My hair is literally ruined and the worst part about it is they tried to act like my hair was already like this. Check the cameras if you want. You can see the state of my hair when I first came in, an afro so why is my hair permanently...

I don’t even know where to begin. First of all, communication with the salon is horrible. I began by trying to make an appointment in early April for May 30th. When you call a business the expectation is to speak with a person. I couldn’t book the appointment online because it appeared as if no appointments were available until 2026. After several attempts at calling, texting, and leaving voice mails the owner, Shanice, finally returned my call. We discussed an appointment for braids and she said she would send the link to pay the deposit. I still haven’t received that email. So about 3 weeks ago I tried reaching Shanice in all the same methods and no response, so I drove to the salon and spoke with her in person. She would not take responsibility for anything that had or maybe I should say hadn’t happened thus far. She texted the braid stylist and explained the situation. About 5 minutes after leaving the salon the braid stylist, Taylor, texted me. I asked for small knotless braids which are listed on the website as a service, but she informed me she doesn’t perform that service. I asked her what she did offer and she said she would call me. Well, the appointment is supposed to be tomorrow and I still haven’t received that call even after I have called, texted, and left her a voicemail. To Shanice, customer service and performance is what drives a business and makes it successful. You are responsible for yourself, the salon, all of your employees, and whatever they do or don’t do. Communication is your responsibility as well. I am very disappointed with this salon and your business practices. It is too bad because Taylor is a gifted stylist. To anyone reading this review, find another salon. There are many around the city. I only gave 1 star because I had to to...

I’ve been to SMF Hair Salon, both times being serviced by Juanita. The first experience I had was Amazing!!! My most recent experience, however, not so much!

To start, Juanita was late for my appointment start time. Once she came in, she didn’t apologize for being late, however, she did begin to service me. My appointment was booked for the “Hawt package”, which is a fancy way of saying steam treatment plus a silk press.

Juanita first washed my hair and turned the steam the steam machine on. She FORGOT to put the machine over my head, instead in was next to me, and she proceeded to wash HER own hair. I interrupted her washing her own hair and told her the machine should actually be above my head… she said “my bad”.

She then moved the machine to a different spot and asked me to come to a different area to come under the steam machine. I advised her I first needed a towel, as my hair was dripping down my back. Juanita then gave me the towel she had just used from washing HER hair and placed it on me!! I then told her NO, I need a new towel! This was disgusting! How are you trying to give me a wet towel you just used washing your own hair, and put it on me? No! So, she gives me a clean towel, and I proceed to sit under the steam machine.

I sat under the machine for about 25 mins and she then straightened my hair with the flat iron. She didn’t use the same techniques as my first experience… in my first experience, she wrapped my hair, placed a cap over my head, and sat me under the dryer for a good 5 mins. This time, she didn’t do that method, so, my hair was frizzier this go round.

Although my first experience was great, this negative experience far outweighs my first great one, especially with her using her wet, used towel, and...