Atales African Hair Braiding

I got my hair braided here a few weeks ago, this having been my 3rd time visiting this establishment. My first visit was prompt and the braider I had was personable and took my hair health into consideration.

The second time I went there, I was met with a few regulars but for the most part, a slew of new braiders. I asked for the lady that did my hair the last time and was told she only works certain days if at all. Basically part - part - time. I needed my hair done so I was passed on to one of the other braiders. Long story short, once i got home i realized i couldn't turn my head, my scalp was immensely sore and I couldn't even lay my head on my pillow to sleep that night, that's how tight my braids were. I hadn't thought to say anything about the intensity of how to brain my hair during application because my first visit didn't deem me painfully paralyzed. The next day I developed bumps around the braids closest to my neck and by my scalp.

SO moving on to my final visit, I called in the day before, discussed the style, and also my grievance about the last visit. How the braider braided too tight and that I developed bumps because of it. The woman on the phone was nice and said just make sure to tell whoever braids your hair not to do it so tight. She also gave me a time to come in the next day, 8:30am on a Saturday.

I arrive at 8:45 to basically a full house, ppl waiting in salon chairs with no braiders tending to them. I am met with a look, a shake of the head and words "It's going to be a long wait!". Two of the braiders exchange words in whatever language they speak, one i'm assuming is the owner and clearly they don't want to lose customers. So they tell me they are calling ppl to come and they can take me. So i have a seat. Time goes by, ppl come in, are told the same thing, some leave, some stay.

The cavalry enter, nonchalant like ppl weren't waiting but there's a queue of ppl waiting so they are taken first. I could be doing something else with my time, instead of sitting around wasting it in a shop. Fast forwarding, I am taken by one of the braiders, not know names cause no one introduces themselves, I ask that she doesn't braid too tight and she automatically gets an attitude and says, "I can't braid tight, my hands wont let me!" i was polite, she wasn't. but she got over it so i stayed. I wasn't aware that she was waiting for someone else so i am pushed off so she can take her late appt.

I wait and wait and finally I am taken by the same woman I had last time. I ask her the same, please don't braid too tight and she gets angry and i tell her will i'm asking because i got bumps last time and was told I shouldn't say that cause people can hear. All in a rude manner. She then tells me that I can just wait for someone else! I've been there since 8:45, i need my hair done, its partially done and this lady is being rude.

At the end, i needed my hair done for an event, so i saw it through. I however will NEVER return to this establishment again to have anything done. They treat you horribly, are not personable, and have no regard for your time, point, blank, period. Getting your hair done should be fun, not STRESSFUL!

I have been pleased with my services at Atales African Hair Braiding Salon. I generally schedule all of my appointments with Priscilla. She does not braid too tight, and so far my hair is always neat. My hairstyle is always neat and as evidence always admired by many, even months after I get my hair done. I can appreciate that the salon is kept very clean including the bathroom. They generally like to watch African movies which at times can be overwhelming; however, at times they will watch domestic television and movies, which is definitely welcomed after sitting for several hours. Overall I am definitely pleased. They will continue to receive my business.

I have been going to Atale's since I was 9 (Back then they where located in Queens) and I have never had a problem with them. I keep their braids in for 3 months and people always compliment me on the work I get done there. They are very neat and very accommodating; depending on what you get done, they are also fast. I dont know of anyone who has gone in there respectfully and had a problem.

Some of the braiders in Atales are very rude, disrespectful and unprofessional. The work is also not very good. You will be waisting your money! They treat people like a piece of furniture.