Amazon Natural Look Academy

Almost three years ago I was on the hunt for a salon that I felt comfortable with getting my locks installed for the first time. I’m a commitment phobe and it was important to me that I went somewhere that cared about not only the look of my hair, but the health of it as well. I scoured Chicago only to be turned off by the stylists lack of knowledge. At the time, I wanted Sisterlocks, but was told either they don’t do the technique or that I had too much hair to acheive the style.
Amazon Natural Essentials was the only place I visited that informed me that they do a similar technique and gave me other options that would acheive the results I wanted. I love that they required new customers to come in for a free consultation because it ensures that clients know exactly what they want, how long the service will take and how much it will cost before their scheduled appointment.
The salon owner Amazon has been doing hair for over 25 years and has received numerous awards for her techniques and styles. Her daughter and co-​owner, Nadra (my stylist) is following in her mother’s footsteps and taking the natural hair industry by storm with her organic hair line that I also use.
Whether you’re transitioning into the natural world or have been living in it for years, there is still no better place to go than Amazon Natural Essentials.

I have been coming to this salon for almost two years. I always find that everyone is very pleasant and very helpful. The stylist I have been seeing (Nadra) is great at what she does. She’s always able to answer every question and I never feel like it’s a bother too ask. I’m so glad I found this salon and would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural hair salon.

On a barren block, you walk into a cinnamon-​coloured hair haven with décor and colors that are consistent with the culture of natural and afrocentric style.
The music is always the perfect vibe making the time fly while hot tea is always flowing.
The staff is warm and accommodating, they’ve become like friends of the family. With such a laid-​back friendly staff it makes the clients laid-​back and friendly; so much so that I’ve engaged in fascinating conversations during my services and made great connections.
Having worked professionally in the entertainment and advertising industries, I’ve done my own hair for most of my life. If I take the time and invest in someone else doing it, it’s gotta be good. I love the fact that the owner is a pioneer and world-​renowned Master Educator on Natural Hair & The Culture.
An added treat is that they manufacture the best line of products that I have used to date for my locks. All natural without toxic ingredients. The hair gel is by far the best with no build-​up on your hair leaving it soft.
As far as the stereotypes of having to wait hours in certain salons ;), I’ve never had to wait when I have an appointment, I am taken immediately and the service is never rushed but meticulously carried out.
If and when I ever leave Chicago I would truly miss this natural hair haven.

I’m going to have to disagree with the consensus here; I’ve had nothing but good experiences with this salon. It’s a friendly group and the atmosphere of the place is positive and relaxing. My stylist, Shanda, has always done an excellent job for me.
There is a deposit for your first appointment. On the other hand, this is the first natural place that I’ve gone to where I can pay with a credit card, so that’s a plus.

Never again. I agree, the attitudes are unappealing. So is the pricey non-​refundable deposit for the appointment that they don’t include with the price of service. I wasted 7 hours for service that should’ve taken 2 – 3 tops! They messed up the hair color twice and left me lookin pretty janky.
A couple months later, probably due to this post, I received a check for the «non-​refundable» deposit. It’s just too bad one has to write a bad review before they get treated fairly. That should’ve happened the day I got my hair done. That’s the definition of customer service and referrals.

I had a terrible experience at this salon. I came in for a very rushed consultation where I was given a very high price quote and required to make a deposit. I did it since I was excited to have my hair done by natural hair care professionals.
When I arrived for my appointment I was told that I was 2.5 hours early (I was not according to my appt. card they’d written out) but I agreed to come back since I wasn’t too busy.
I arrived and was quickly washed and put under the dryer. There I stayed for the next 2 hours. It turns out that the stylist who was going to do my hair didn’t know she was supposed to be doing my hair. I had to explain the style etc., but by that time there wasn’t enough time to do what I wanted so I opted for something easier.
Over the next 3 hours my stylist ate while braiding my hair, coughed on me constantly, then finally left for a few minutes to throw up in the bathroom!
I also totally agree with CB’s observation about the snobbishness. It’s obvious that there’s a lot of tension in the salon and it makes for an unpleasant atmosphere.