Studio A

I have been going to Studio A for about five months now and they are absolutely AMAZING!!! The salon is so warm and inviting. I refer people here all the time. I love it. Everyone is so nice and the customer service here is through the roof. The very first time I called, I was able to get an appointment that same day. And it was a Friday! The young woman who answered the phone was very accommodating to my schedule. She explained costs to me so I knew exactly what I was getting done and how much it would be. No surprise costs and the prices are very resonable.
When I first arrived to the salon, my stylist was Courtney. I cannot praise Courtney enough. Her hands are gifted. She is wonderful. My hair is growing, fluffy, bouncy, and gorgeous overall. I get compliments everywhere I go. My hair has been completely transformed. I am natural and it has been a stuggle but thanks to Courtney, I cannot keep my hands out of my hair! They products that the salon uses always has my hair smelling great for days. Not only is Courtney and impeccable stylist, she is so sweet. She always works with my schedule (no matter how crazy it gets) and we have great conversation. It isn’t awkard like some salons can be. Excellent vibes from this place.
All the ladies at Studio A do a wonderful job. I have witnessed great work come from the ladies here. If you are looking for a long-​term salon, PLEASE go to Studio A. You will not be disappointed!

UPDATE: after this review, the owner messaged me that she was sorry about my experience. She left a phone number for me to a call, which I did within hours. At first the vmailbox was full. Then I left a message AND texted the number. It has been several weeks with no reply from the owner. So I have to stand by the original review, alas. I was hoping for a customer service triumph in the end but that did not happen.
Twists and braids fell out patter just be dip in a pool. Two different stylists on two different girls. Never seen anything like it. The braids extension literally slid down 3 inches. The box braids puffed up and many fell out. I had to patch up my daughters’ hair while out of the country. I requested a refund but got no response. That’s $ 200 plus a very interrupted summer vacation.
The very courteous phone and text conversations ended when I requested my money back. Lovely personality but not highly skilled in braids and twists. I would love to have found a new salon, but I have to warn parents to put their time and money elsewhere.

I found this salon by doing a search on Unilocal for nearby salons. The salon is located in one of the office buildings at Columbia Mall. Due to this location being at an office building, parking is very much limited, so give yourself ample time to circle the parking garage a few times and stalk people. You also have the option of parking at the mall, so consider doing that if the garage is full. I was very much appreciative that this salon is conveniently located in walking distance from home. I will be walking here, moving forward.
I found out from Shanita (salon owner) that they’ve been at this location for 3 years. The salon is medium-​small as compared to most, but is ample space for the staff & clients. The salon caters to a diverse clientele. They have WiFi (just ask for the password) and there are plenty of outlets throughout. The salon is clean & music plays at a decent level.
Scheduling an appointment was easy and she had availability to meet my schedule.
Price lists are available on menus in the front as well as online. Electronic payments are available and pricing is already programmed into the iPad.
My first impression of this location is very positive. I had a good vibe as I entered. I was greeted within moments of my entry. The stylist, Shanita was not only friendly & welcoming, she treats you like a longtime client friend (which I love). Shanita was not the only kind hearted person, everyone was. The vibe of the salon is very positive, upbeat, a place where you really don’t want to leave. People are talking, laughing, in good spirits. It felt like home.
I completed my new client document and was asked «my plan for my hair». She was honest about what needs to be done to make my hair continue to grow & be healthy. After this was given, she processed my intentions and then… Magic happened.
Shanita’s assistant, Talisha, who is sweet as pie and just as friendly receives me and takes me to the wash bowl. As she preps me for the wash, she tells me of a protein mister that works really well to make the hair conditioned & strong. I made a mental note of said suggestion. After I am prepped and as she leans me into the bowl, she then whispers, «you are gonna love this». Oh did I love it? Yes ma’am. First, my wash was gentle yet effective. My scalp was both scratched & massaged (pure heaven). Now, before this even happens and after I am seated, my chair reclines and then it proceeds to massage me. Hello! **taps mic** I said, MASSAGE ME… The chair did… Whaaaaaa?! Yessir. This. Is. The. Life.
I changed my style intentions and due to their schedule, it required me to come back later that night. Was I bothered? No. I was more impressed that on a Friday night they were willing and available to accommodate. My next visit, I’ll stick to my hair plan and not inconvenience anyone. (And no. That wasn’t a new salon test) I should note: Shanita’s hair was very pretty. She was literally a walking visual hair AD for the services she offered so I wanted my hair fancy like hers.
What I love about this place: They listen, are honest and comply. They don’t push merchandise on you or an expensive process. They are very much into getting you the look that you want, having you leave with healthy hair, making you beautiful and having you leave happy. When you base your business on customer satisfaction and healthy hair, you will never fail. My first impression is: this salon is the embodiment of success.
Would I come back? As long as they uphold the same standard of service… Fo sho! In fact, I already have my calendar marked to remind me to schedule in 4 – 6 weeks.

I have been looking for a new stylist & came upon studio A through this site. I had my first appointment today & was not disappointed. Shanita was very pleasant & knew what she was doing. Her assistant was also great. She gave me a relaxer & a nice cut. I left feeling pleased about my hair & definitely plan on going back.

I have been going here for over a year now and my experience has been nothing less than wonderful! While I know how to do my own hair, I continue to return to Shanita (salon owner) every 2 – 4 weeks. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to wait after my scheduled appointment time; and when I do, it’s less than 5 minutes. The salon is always clean and comfortable with high end touches such as a reclining, massaging shampoo chair! She is always fast, professional, warm, and inviting. And she consistently chooses healthy hair care over dollars and cents! I have never left her salon without a smile on my face. My hair stays fly!
This salon caters to clientele as diverse as Howard county. So even if you are not a woman of color, I would urge you to check out Studio A!