Malaika @ Adore Hair Studio

Stylist: Malaika

I went to Malaika for the first time based on the 5-star reviews she received on this page. I have been getting DevaCuts for 5 years (and by a non-DevaCut trained,but still quite good curly hair stylist before that for 10 years). I have curl type 3A hair with some 2C curls. 

Mailaka is a very nice person, but she is definitely not a curly hair specialist. She took some time to listen to what I wanted (keep the below-shoulder length and add some shape with layers), but she did not give me that at all. Instead, what she left me with was an uneven, between-chin-and-shoulder length bob, without layers and with a mullet. When I pointed out the mullet and said it's not okay, I was told 'Well, that's on you. I was trying to keep the length.' She 'fixed' the back but left an odd chunk of the mullet on one side in the back. There was no shaping done. There were no layers added. She cut my hair wet with giant shears and used a 'thinning' technique that I have never seen used on curly hair. She didn't style my hair correctly despite my telling her that I use clips at the crown roots for lift/volume, and then cut more (continuing to 'thin' vs shape) after partially drying my curls, which is what led to the uneven bob much shorter than what I came in with. 

My curls are gone, and I will have to get this butcher job repaired and then wait 6-12 months for my curls to grow back. 

Malaika claimed to be an 'eclectic' curly hair specialist. I understood that she wasn't DevaCut trained and that was okay with me. I have found some DevaCut stylists to be too rigid in following their cutting style and unwilling to hear feedback from me about how my curls respond to different ways of being cut. Malaika did not demonstrate any knowledge of curly hair with me and she butchered my hair. She needs a lot more training before she can be considered a curly hair specialist, and I have no idea how she got the 5-star reviews on this page. 

Reviewed on: 28.10.17

Stylist: Malaika

Had my first visit with Maliaka and found her top rating is well deserved. She asked me about my hair regimen, didn't push me to do anything I didn't want, and best of all, she knew exactly how to treat my 3b curls. No scrubbing with the towel, no blasting wet curls with a blow dryer. It is the first time I have left a salon and didnt have to go home to finish doing my hair. My layered cut looks fantastic. Also, she was on time, very efficient and just a doll! The salon is in a really cool space with a great vibe. I've definitely found my stylist!

Reviewed on: 28.01.16

Stylist: Malaika

Malaika is excellent. She truly understands how to work with curly hair. I stopped by here while I was visiting Atlanta on vacation, and the reviews here are accurate. Malaika is pricier than other salons but she is worth every penny. 

Reviewed on: 07.09.15

Stylist: Malaika

Malaika is amazing, and i never want to go to another stylist again! I found her a few years ago while searching on this site for a stylist in Atlanta who is comfortable cutting wavy/curly hair in its natural state, since I never straighten it or do anything other than just let it air dry. Much more expensive than anywhere else I've been, but totally worth it for me. I've been back a few times and she always listens to me, looks at the inspiration pictures I show her, and understands what I'm trying to go for even when they look nothing like me :) I get so many compliments on my haircuts! 

Reviewed on: 05.06.15

Stylist: Malaika

I took my 13 year old daughter in to see Malaika for a haircut recently. She is graduating from middle school and really wanted a more grown up look and some insight into how to make her hair look cool.  We figured it would be best to get a cut now and give her the summer to really figure things out. Malaika was great! She pulled out her phone and pulled up pictures and patiently went back and forth with my little girl until she really understood what she wanted to do with her hair. She talked her through her entire washing and styling process so she would understand how do it herself at home. She even gave me her email address and told me to email her if my daughter had any issues or questions. My daughters hair looks great! She has been following the basic guidelines Malaika gave her as well as endlessly watching YouTube videos on curly hair styling. I think she is going to be able to start of her first year in high school finally feeling good about having curly hair. 

Reviewed on: 19.05.15

Stylist: Malaika

I went to see Malaika after I saw a lot of good reviews online. She did a great job! I got a cut a highlights. She gave me beautiful blonde color that has a lot of depth to it. It looks like i was born like this (i wish). My cut was great as well. It took a day for everything to settle back in after the cut which is normal for my hair but once it did it was perfect. All the bulk in the back and sides is gone. I have gotten tons of compliments since my visit. definitely going back. I have found my girl.

Reviewed on: 09.01.15

Stylist: Malaika

I love Malaika! I used to see her years ago when she was at Helmet but I moved away.I never found anyone in Boston that made my curls look as good. Once I moved back I franticly searched to find her. Thanks to this site I was able to find her at Adore Hair Studio. I have seen Malaika twice now and my hair is back to the way I remember it. Fabulous! You have to go see her. She will breath life into your curls.

Reviewed on: 19.11.14

Stylist: Malaika

I love Malaika! I used to see her years ago when she was at Helmet but I moved away.I never found anyone in Boston that made my curls look as good. Once I can back i franticly searched for her and thanks to this site i was ablel to find her at Adore Hair Studio

Reviewed on: 19.11.14

Stylist: Malaika

That perfect haircut and stylist is like that perfect pair of jeans or big foot or the Loch Ness monster. Super elusive or may not even exist. Malaika proved me wrong. Not only is the salon fabulous, chic and clean but they were gracious, kind and made my experience wonderful. Often, I find myself apologizing for my curly monster hair at salons but Malaika worked with me to make my time there worthwhile. She even moved back an appointment in order to spend more time showing me how to take care/style my hair properly myself (so sorry!) but I appreciated not rushed out. She spent about an 1 1/2 hours with me recommended products, but not in that pushy car salesman way and discussed how we can both work together for my hair success- sigh. #curlproblems. I will be going back soon for another cut and highlights!

Reviewed on: 22.01.14

Stylist: Malaika

Malaika is fantastic! She really took the time to listen to what I was looking for, what my hair was like to work with, and what my routine was like in the morning. She gave me an amazing cut and all I can say is wow! My curls have never looked this bouncy and alive. Best of all, she showed me how to style my hair so I can keep the great look she gave me (I hope I can do as good a job as she did :)). I'm adding my recommendation as well!

Reviewed on: 10.01.14

Stylist: Malaika

Malaika gave me a superb cut and color on my 3a curls. I have never looked better. People actually stop me on the street to tell me what great hair I have. I will definitely go back!

Reviewed on: 06.01.14

Stylist: Malaika

I looked all around for Malaika after seeing all of these reviews.. and here she is! First off, she's located at the Inman Park Adore Hair Studio (so no one gets confused). Malaika charges a hefty fee ($70 for a cut/style), but it's worth it. My hair is much healthier now and looks fabulous. Save 10% if you refer a friend OR if you use cash/check. She uses a Bumble & Bumble - Ouidad hybrid style for cutting.

Reviewed on: 05.09.13

Stylist: Malaika

I love Malaika and I would never let anyone else touch my hair. I trust her whole heartedly! I have been seeing her for three years and she recently moved to Adore Hair Studio in Inman Park from Helmet salon (check out her other reviews on this site under Helmet , she has tons of them there) . The new salon is very nice, they have GREAT products, and it has a wonderful vibe. I like it a lot better than her previous salon . We all know once you find a good hairstylist you will follow them to the ends of the earth. If you have not seen Malaika and are looking for a knowledgeable, patient, understanding hairstylist, who is super nice and cute to boot, you MUST give Malaika a try.

Reviewed on: 27.09.12

Stylist: Malaika

Malaika's haircuts are great and she really knows how to deal with and cut curly hair! I've gotten lots of compliments on my cuts.

Reviewed on: 22.07.12