I AM Natural Beauty

Dec 2022

Went for crochet locs. The stylist was friendly and the overall shop was run professionally. The locs I came in wearing have different color variations and highlights and I asked for the stylist to put them back in the same way; another stylist suggested she take a picture, but she did not. It wasn't until she was basically finished that I realized that she hadn't put the lighter ones on top like I'd requested, so this took extra time to fix, and the appointment ended up being four hours long, which is more than I'm used to. What was most concerning was that I had several locs fall out the next day. My natural hair is fairly long and thick, and I assumed the shop would take care to secure the cornrows to my head (my old stylist uses string to sew them together), but to my surprise, there were only a few small bobby pins holding them in place, which is why they fell down. I emailed the shop about the issue and they responded promptly, inviting me back for a "tightening" (but not making it clear what they would do differently). I explained that I live far away and have a busy schedule, but asked for future reference if the appointment would be free (as it should be, in my opinion, as I have never before had locs fall out like this, and I shouldn't have to pay extra to correct subpar work). I got no response, and even sent a follow-up email in case they had forgotten to respond, but it's been five days and I still haven't heard anything. While I admire the overall culture of the shop, and can understand the error in the context of it being a training facility, the radio silence around my question, which suggests that I would need to pay extra for them to correct their own mistake, left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd be wary of booking them for crochet locs if you have long hair.

Dec 2022

Went for crochet locs. The stylist was friendly and the overall shop was run professionally. The locs I came in wearing have different color variations and highlights and I asked for the stylist to put them back in the same way; another stylist suggested she take a picture, but she did not. It wasn't until she was basically finished that I realized that she hadn't put the lighter ones on top like I'd requested, so this took extra time to fix, and the appointment ended up being four hours long, which is more than I'm used to. What was most concerning was that I had several locs fall out the next day. My natural hair is fairly long and thick, and I assumed the shop would take care to secure the cornrows to my head (my old stylist uses string to sew them together), but to my surprise, there were only a few small bobby pins holding them in place, which is why they fell down. I emailed the shop about the issue and they responded promptly, inviting me back for a "tightening" (but not making it clear what they would do differently). I explained that I live far away and have a busy schedule, but asked for future reference if the appointment would be free (as it should be, in my opinion, as I have never before had locs fall out like this, and I shouldn't have to pay extra to correct subpar work). I got no response, and even sent a follow-up email in case they had forgotten to respond, but it's been five days and I still haven't heard anything. While I admire the overall culture of the shop, and can understand the error in the context of it being a training facility, the radio silence around my question, which suggests that I would need to pay extra for them to correct their own mistake, left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd be wary of booking them for crochet locs if you have long hair.

Apr 2021

I am back to give an updated review as I think it is only fair to do... I originally stopped going to this shop after having a horrible ordeal at the Seattle location in 2019(see previous review). I returned to the shop toward the end of 2020 where I begin to only opt for the Federal Way location, the woman who I feel mishandled me in 2019 is still working there and I make it clear when making my appointment that I do not want her, the young lady is unprofessional all the way around. Upon my return (due to finding thier locations convenient) I don't have much to complain about. As I didn't before prior to my 2019 issue. So here we are as of 2021....so let's begin. Due to the Fed location becoming a training/school site for the business I was left with no choice but to either switch to the Seattle location or Tacoma. I opted for Tacoma(which is out of my way but I refuse to go back to the Seattle one) Eric who works as the receptionist is great! If a call is missed, even without leaving a VM, he will generally call back. He's accurate with his appointment setting and very friendly over the phone and in person. I've had my hair done by both Sage(one of the owners daughters) and Katrina, both have gotten me in and out in a timely manner which I appreciate as well as done a great job. With that being said, my most recent visit was with Katrina. Katrina is definitely my FAVORITE stylist of all the people I've had in my hair since going to this business(and I've had a lot of them between Seattle, Federal Way and now Tacoma). She is professional, quick and neat. I even witnessed her do someone's hair outside due to having to exit the building because the fire alarm went off(federal way location) that to me shows her dedication to the client and care for their time! I appreciate that. My most recent visit, I told Katrina what I wanted and how I've had it done in the requested style once before and hated it. She assured me she could do the style I was wanting and she also encouraged me to always clarify with any stylist what my expectations are to make sure we're on the same page. I have learned over time, if possible try to book an opening appointment or some time in the morning if you're going on a Saturday, otherwise any appointment past 12 will likely have you waiting about 20min-1hr before you get in a chair. And it's even longer if the appoint falls after 2pm.