Time: May/09/2018 (5 months ago)
My first and last visit to Bela’s as a customer was pretty darn bad. I visited this place in April needing a quick, cheap and easy blow out to get me through the day. Bela’s was close to home and their prices were awesome – like most cosmetology schools.
I should have left after seeing a sign that said "special requests for students would not be honored including ethnicity" meaning, I could not request a black student stylist as I was hoping for. I have VERY thick, coarse, 4c natural hair and from my experience, non-black stylists are NOT familiar nor care to learn this type of hair, and I was right that day.
I was paired with a stylist (I do not remember her name) who would not speak. I said hello and she said nothing, unacceptable. If I am trusting you with my hair, I expect you to make me feel comfortable in your chair. She begins with a quick wash. I knew this was going to be all bad when she did not stimulate my scalp, then rinsed the conditioner with hot water – strike 1. I’m sure the students aren’t taught to rinse 4-type hair with cool or cold water after conditioning, but it’s a must. After the wash, we walked back to her station and she proceeds to roughly comb my hair with no oil, no leave-in conditioner just attempting to detangle my 4c hair without any type of smoothing or detangling product – strike 2.
In the midst of this, there is a little girl getting her hair styled in the seat across from me. My stylist stopped EVERY 5 mins on my hair to tell the stylist next to us what she was doing wrong – the irony. At one point the owner (I’m assuming) had to tell her to get back to my hair. She was clearly uninterested in handling my hair, and it showed. Finally, when she began to mind her own client (me) the starts blowing me out with a comb with cool air. at that point, I had to laugh. I stopped her and said, “Ma’am? Did they tell you I was getting a round brush blow out?” She said, “Yes, but this makes it easier for me”. Strike 3! I was over it! I typically give students at least a 50% tip. I didn’t even give this lady a goodbye.
Moral of the story, I won’t be back. I’m not going to tell anyone not to go, because they offer a range of beauty services, and this was just a bad hair styling experience, but if you have 3c-4c hair, just be aware. I know there is a greater issue with cosmetology schools, in general, not teaching black hair care to their students. It is certainly different and requires a lot more training, that’s a conversation for a different space, but to that stylist, do better…
Time: May/27/2018 (4 months ago)
great pricing on services. I recommend everything except a manicure.
*note* their hours fluctuate
Time: Dec/29/2017 (9 months ago)
My stylist barely spoke English. I couldn't understand a word she said. I don't even know her name. She kept showing me weird hair videos on her phone. She never asked me what I wanted. It was very odd. I flagged down an instructor, and told them I was uncomfortable. I was going to leave, because it was so awkward.
The instructor did switch me to a different student. She was lovely and smiley and cared about what I wanted. I ended up with a great color and cut. I had rave reviews about it.
I have tried to come back several times, when the internet has said that the salon was open. However, it ended up being closed. I did go to another school, where I will continue to go to, which is unfortunate, because this one is closer. I still felt the need to leave a review.
I would suggest to the owners, please make sure that your students can communicate with clients. If an instructor wouldn't have switched me, I would have left a 1 star. But, it ended up being very good.
PS- The general mailbox is not helpful. It should state your hours that you are open, or if you are closed for a day. You should also update your Facebook account. It hasn't been updated since 2013!
Time: Jul/19/2018 (2 months ago)
I just dropped by for a cut. They are closed indefinitely. :(
Time: Dec/22/2017 (9 months ago)
This is the only place I come to get my hair done and the best part is that they are willing to use your products.
