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Akada

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User Reviews

  • Stylist:
    Kristine
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 5 Scissors
    Review:
    I kid you not, Kristine is a hair genius! She's been cutting my hair for the past two years, and I have to say, I couldn't be happier! I hated my hair before she cut it, and didn't know how to style it after it'd been destroyed by several bad dyings by other hair dressers. I've been to other salons that say they understand curly hair, and that's a lie. Kristine has been amazing, not only giving me a haircut that looks beautiful, but also teaching me how to style my hair myself. She's very receptive to my ideas about my hair, and never rushes through an appointment. I can't wait to get my hair cut again (only four more days!!!) because I know I'll leave feeling beautiful!
    Reviewed by Curlycaity (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Jan 23, 2012
  • Stylist:
    Amie V
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 5 Scissors
    Review:
    Akada is wonderful, very professional. Make sure you get the RIGHT STYLIST, however. I recommend a stylist that also has curly hair. That way, you can be sure they understand what you're going through with your hair. My hair is a nightmare. With "3b" curly hair that NEVER seems to curl the same way two days in a row, it's essential that I have a great cut. AMIE understands my needs and addresses them. She allows me to feel confident and comfortable with what she's doing. I initially began with another stylist who butchered my hair, literally. It took over a year to get it to where I could feel "ok" about it. Amie saved my life, and Akada Salon helped me to feel ok about switching stylists without changing salons. Thank you Akada, and THANK YOU, Amie!!!
    Reviewed by airjeni (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Dec 07, 2011
  • Stylist:
    Amie V
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 5 Scissors
    Review:
    Amie V is fantastic! I've tried four different curly girl specialty salons in San Francisco and Columbus, and had the best experience by far at Akada. Amie was incredibly thorough with her consultation, checking how I normally style my hair, what products I use, how often I straighten it, the cutting method I'm used to, etc. She was easy to talk to, creative, and meticulous. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted when I walked in, but she was able to take my basic guidelines into consideration and give me a fabulous new look that works with my curls and my no-fuss routine. She gave me product tips (and a sample to take home) without making a hard sell, and she took the extra time at the end of my cut to show me some tricks for styling my much shorter new hairdo. I had a fabulous experience with Amie, and more importantly, walked out with a cut that not only looked fantastic that day, but that I'm still loving two weeks later!
    Reviewed by curlynomad (Curly Twirly - 3a) on Jul 17, 2011
  • Stylist:
    Kristine
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 4 Scissors
    Review:
    Akada is known as being the "Curly hair" salon - but not all stylists can actually work with curly hair. Kristine is great though, and does a fantastic job with my 3c hair!
    Reviewed by naima225 (Straight - 1) on Jan 23, 2011
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 5 Scissors
    Review:
    4B rater :) (I put that because I was searching high and low for kinky/coily haired raters of Akada Salon and couldn't find one; just in case you're doing the same :) After much deliberation and self-talk, I finally convinced myself to try Mindi at Akada salon. I was really afraid considering that I had never let a White woman touch my hair before. To my delight, she is quite skilled and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed working with her. We sat and discussed my expectations and she gave me a nice cut while it was in it's natural state (most salons want to blow out my hair to cut it, which i find frustrating). I loved that she was not afraid of diving into my hair (like I would expect most people to be). She got in there, gave me a nice shape, shampooed, conditioned and...get this... TWISTED MY HAIR. I was shocked. I did NOT expect her to coil/single-strand twist my hair. But she did. My hair unraveled quite a bit by the time she was done twisting and I was afraid of what it would it would look like after it was dry. So I went to the bathroom to combined some of the single strand twists into double strand twists. I sat under a hooded dryer for about 30 minutes (feeling and unraveling as it dried). Afterwards, I went back to the bathroom to untwist and fluff- AND IT LOOKED GREAT. Sure, it took a little work on my part, but I was okay with that. I'm hoping that maybe next time I can convince her to do double strand twists (she's really nice and I bet she would be game for trying it out). SIDENOTE: lots of awkward stares from her colleagues. It was like they hadn't seen coily hair before (perhaps they hadn't). That was disappointing and awkward. But I did enjoy working with Mindi so I've decided to just go on slow days.
    Reviewed by drrdph (Kinky Crimpy - 4b) on Jan 22, 2011
  • Stylist:
    Mindy
    Rating:
    Salon Rating: 5 Scissors
    Review:
    Mindy at Akada is absolutely fabulous. I started going to her about 2 years ago and have never received a bad cut. In fact, my curls look better than ever. She always give me a cut that compliments my face. My curls always lay nicely (no triangle-head) and my cuts always grow out beautifully. With her, over the 2 years I've been going to her, she's made me so comfortable that I've been brave enough to go from curls that were down to the middle of my back. to curls that now sit above my chin! She knows when to tell me "no, this will probably not look quite right on you" and when to tell me to "go for it." I've got to the point where I tell her to "just have fun" and let her do what she feels like. She's taught me how to style my hair, apply product and dry it so my curls come out wonderfully. Mindy is amazing!
    Reviewed by curlygreek (Wavy Whirly - 2c) on Dec 22, 2010
  • Stylist:
    Kelli Sanders
    Review:
    I have been to many salons who say they know curly hair, but after outrageous amounts of money I still walk out with a bad haircut. So after reading all the reviews about this salon I could not wait to get in for an appointment. My stylist Kelli knew exactly what to do the the big mushroom on top of my head. Kelli told me where and how she would fix it and after a very informative styling lesson I walked out with the best haircut of my life for only $25! I will definitely be returning to Kelli at Akada!
    Reviewed by sp0102 (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Nov 25, 2010
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    Mindi is the best!!! I have looked long and hard for someone to cut my curly, unruly hair and Mindi is it. Not only does she take into consideration your curls but she talked me into going short and I LOVE IT!!!! I have had longer hair for YEARS! She's great, I would recommend her to everyone!!
    Reviewed by hphillips (Curly Spirally - 3b) on May 07, 2010
  • Stylist:
    Mackenzie
    Review:
    I just wanted to say that Mackenzie is pretty awesome! I have really fine, silky, loose curly hair. I guess it's along the lines of type 3a. It's pretty confusing for most people to cut and style, but Mackenzie just went for it with very little explanation on my part and it looked great. I DID go back tonight because I wanted more layers, but she nailed it. She's very confident and knowledgeable, and the first hair stylist (including my cousin, friend, and sister) ever to style my hair in a way that actually left me feeling good when I left. She's one of the younger and newer stylists there but she's fantastic. I can only imagine how good she'll be in a few years. Glad I got in early! :)
    Reviewed by Serayepa (Curly Twirly - 3a) on Oct 27, 2009
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  • Stylist:
    John
    Review:
    I am SO happy with my hair after visiting Akada and John last Saturday. He listened to everything I had to say and was very informative about how to make it work via both cut and styling products. My husband loves him now because I haven't been this happy with my hair in a LONG time! It's exactly what I wanted. The curls look great!
    Reviewed by ginaterp (Curly Twirly - 3a) on Sep 29, 2009
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  • Stylist:
    mindi
    Review:
    My sister and I drove 2 hours to see mindi after reading other reviews and I have to say it was well worth it. Not only did I get a great haircut(Im a 3b) but what I loved the most was the time she took to explain everything. Mindi even said if I had more questions I could call back up there. She showed me the products to use and how to use them but did not push to buy. I will keep coming back. Its well worth the time and drive.
    Reviewed by sherogl (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Apr 14, 2009
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  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    I'm a little late on this, but Amy cut my hair a few months ago. She did a great job of explaining how to style it step-by-step. Of course, I could never do it as well as she did, but when I left the salon, my curls never looked better!
    Reviewed by kbanthony (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Sep 03, 2008
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I drove 2 hours to go see Mindi after reading the reviews here - and I will continue to drive to go see her! She was wonderful! She was running a bit behind, but once I got to see her, it was totally worth the wait. She actually consulted with me about what would be best for my face and lifestyle. She also talked to me about hair routine and products. I love my cut and she was an absolute sweetheart! I also love her red crazy curly hair! As soon as I saw it, I knew I was in good hands! :)
    Reviewed by curlygreek (Wavy Whirly - 2c) on Jun 10, 2008
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I went to Mindi for the first time today and I could not be happier! I have fought viciously with my curls for 24 years and have worn my hair up everyday and night for the past five...Mindi gave me the best and cutest hair cut I have ever had. I could not have asked for something better. I will NEVER go to another stylist as long as she is within driving distance.
    Reviewed by MissEm on Apr 24, 2008
  • Stylist:
    John
    Review:
    Wow, there are a lot of wonderful reviews on Mindi and Amy, but I wanted to let everyone know that John is amazing as well. I have long, tight curls that tend to get frizzy easily, and he has consistently given me great hair cuts for the past 8 years- and he is the only one I have let cut my hair over the past 8 years. Overall, this is the place to be for curls.
    Reviewed by hannahb07 (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Mar 21, 2008
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    Amy is amazing! I went to Akada right when I started going to school at OSU because of the reviews that I read on here, and I love it! Amy talked to me for a while before she started cutting my hair to really understand the look I wanted. The way that she cuts curly hair is so different than the other bad stylists I've gone to, and the end result is amazing. She really knows everything there is to know about curly hair, and suggests ways to style it better/easier as she is cutting. I could see the difference in my hair before it was even dry! Then I went back less than a month later to get my hair highlighted for the first time ever, and I was nervous that it would look fake. But Amy is a genious at coloring. She lightened up my dirty blonde hair perfectly with natural blonde highlights, and no one would ever be able to tell that my color is fake. I'm so glad that I finally found a salon that knows curly hair. Go to Akada and go to Amy, you won't be dissapointed! :)
    Reviewed on Oct 19, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    I found Amy on this site, and went to her with a 911 for my growing out curls (I had been short for years) that made me look like a poodle in desperate need of a grooming. Amy looked at all the pictures I brought of my hair through the years, in addition to the mag pics of what I ultimately WANT my hair to look like, and with a little snip-snip, razor-razor,and flip-over diffusion, I walked out looking like a million bucks. Oh, and did I mention she is a GENIOUS with color. My glorious copper curls elicit compliments from complete strangers in the grocery store. I LOVE my hair now...even in its "growing out" state.
    Reviewed on Oct 07, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    After reading recommendations here, I decided to give Amy a try. She was able to fit me in as her last appointment of the evening and still took her time. My hair is more wavy than curly with a finer texture but stylists have always wanted me to wear my hair straight -- which involves blowing it out and then using a flat iron -- and I was sick of it. Amy was AMAZING. She took the time to listen to my thoughts about my hair, shared her own and then offered suggestions. She actually cut my hair in such a way that it enhanced my curls and I can wear it naturally and feel good about it -- this was quite possibly THE best cut I've ever had. There was no pressure to buy any products though she did offer suggestions for styling aids as well ways to work with my hair to go longer without washing it everyday and drying it out (which I'm certainly guilty of...). I will definately recommend Amy to all my friends.
    Reviewed on Aug 16, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    I went to vist Amy based on all the great comments on this site! Well they were right! Amy rocks!!! After my pregnancy I thought my curls were gone forever!Amy gave me the best haircut of my life and spend time with me showing me how to style my curly hair! I can honestly say I have never been happier with my hair! The cut is wonderful and now I know the do's and don'ts of styling my curly hair! Curly girls in Columbus you NEED to set up a visit with Amy!!!!!!! Mandy S.
    Reviewed on Aug 08, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    Amy is fabulous! I was so nervous about finding a new hairstlyist after mine moved out of town. I was so put at ease when she did my consultation prior to cutting my hair. She had great suggestions - I felt like she really took my hair and curls into consideration :) I feel like I'm able to go longer between cuts because the cut she gave me worked so well with my curls. She's amazing! I'm moving in the next month and dread having to find a new stylist - I'm really going to miss Amy!
    Reviewed on Jul 25, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    Amy is fabulous! I was so stressed about finding a stylist who knows how to cut curly hair and was thrilled to find Amy listed at a salon in Grandview close to where I lived. I was very much put at ease when I had my consultation with Amy prior to my haircut. She knew what she was doing and had great suggestions for my hair. I feel I'm able to go longer between haircuts because Amy cuts my hair in a way that works with my curls. I couldn't be happier. I'm moving out of town and am very bummed about leaving Amy and having the stress of finding someone as wonderful.
    Reviewed on Jul 24, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Mindy
    Review:
    I waited sooo long to get in with mindy and it was well worth the wait! She is unbelievably talented and seemed truly concerned with my issues. I had been in before with Amy who did a good job, but while I was there I got to see Mindy in action and decided to get my next appointment with her. The difference in my haircut was very noticable. I had sooo many compliments! I'm sticking with her!! I highly suggest her to anyone!
    Reviewed on Jul 15, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I hesitate to write yet another raving review for Mindi since it's getting harder to get in to see her! But, she really is fabulous. She has such a gift and is the first stylist (and I have tried MANY) that made me love my naturally wavy/curly hair. I spent years paying for weekly blowouts because I was never happy wearing my hair naturally. Mindi takes the time to figure out what you want, and is a master at creating the perfect style.
    Reviewed on Jul 11, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    I tried Akada and Amy based on this website's recommendations. Amy is great! She took plenty of time at our first visit to look at my curls, find out what has worked and what didn't work about previous haircuts, etc. My style came out great. She also did a fantastic job with color. I definitely recommend any "curlies" to see Amy.
    Reviewed on May 21, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I have been going to Mindi at Akada for years, and I must say, she is hands down, the best curly hair stylist in Columbus! Of all the years that Ive been seeing her, I continue to recieve styles that look beautiful when I leave the salon but also grow out gracefully... and receive compliments up until I go back in. Mindis styles are fresh and innovative. She is in HIGH demand though... so book in advance... shes soooooooo worth it!
    Reviewed on Jan 03, 2007
  • Stylist:
    Amy
    Review:
    Although there are a lot of recommendations for Mindi, I am here to tell you about how AWESOME Amy is for curly girls! She works faster than Mindi and is always on time where I have had to wait quite a few times for Mindi and time is always a concern of mine and Amy is way easier to get into than Mindi to since she books every half an hour and works late 2 nights a week. Amy is a visonary with color and I love not having to go in and say this is what I want, she is used to letting me know what she thinks and more often than not I go with her expertise and it has always turned out wonderful. Anyway you cut it, Akada Salon is the best place for curly haired girls!
    Reviewed on Sep 15, 2006
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I was the first one to post Mindi on this site. While I am no longer a resident of Ohio, I am glad to see everyone is enjoying her (and that she is doing so well!). My first haircut with her was 5 years ago tomorrow (I remember because it was minutes after the 9/11 attacks). That haircut was still the best one of my life!
    Reviewed on Sep 10, 2006
  • Stylist:
    Mindy
    Review:
    Wow! Mindy made me love my curly hair again. I have struggled trying to find someone as awesome as Mindy after moving to Ohio from another state. Not only does Mindy know the best way to cut curly hair, she has wonderful tips on washing, drying, styling and product selection for your hair type.
    Reviewed on Aug 04, 2006
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    I have hair that is more wavy than curly, and went to see Mindi after reading recommendations on this site. I had previously trekked to Devachan in NYC for a haircut after too many vicious blow outs. Mindi was great,even with my wavy hair. She did a wonderful cut that was her suggestion after talking extensively with me, recommended styling (or no-styling!) techniques, and was laid back and fun to visit with. I am LAZY and want easy care hair ad work in a professional environment. Mindi delivered! No high pressure sales for product, either, which I appreciate since I mail order DevaCurl.
    Reviewed on Jul 13, 2006
  • Stylist:
    Mindi
    Review:
    Here is another one for Mindi...She is WONDERFUL. I have been to pretty good hairdressers but she is MARVELOUS. I also drove (an hour) to see her...not only was she worth it but I will definitely be going back. After the first visit, I am so comfortable with her abilities, I could literally go to sleep in her chair and wake up when she is finshed and be confident she did a wonderful job. She not only knows about curly hair but the products also - she gave me the pros and cons of some of the products I was currently using...you would think I would have realized the cons but I didn't, so, I have slightly changed my hair regimine. She gets five stars. The salon is nice also, everyone was friendly and laid back.
    Reviewed on Mar 10, 2006
  • Stylist:
    Mindy
    Review:
    I went to Mindy at Akada after coming to this website and reading a good review. I've been going to her for the last year and a half and couldn't be happier. She has hair just like mine, so I knew she would understand. She gives incredible suggestions and tips and gives such fabulous cuts, I couldn't be happier! I highly recommend going to Mindy if you need your curly hair cut!
    Reviewed on Feb 12, 2006