Too Groovy Salon

Last Thursday I had one of the worst hair experiences of my life. What made the situation even more of a disaster is that it all occurred on my college senior portraits day. Thanks to Tehira at too groovy salon in midtown a really important moment in my educational journey was almost ruined. I waited a whole week for some resolve but nothing has happened so I’m leaving this review.
On November 5, 2015 I walked into too groovy hoping to get a nice silk press for my senior pics. I’ve been natural for almost three years and within that time frame have only gotten my hair straightened once. I wanted to look nice and laid for my pictures so I decided to try this spot out because of the good things I had heard. I now understand why they say never try something new before an important event.
Since my appointment was very early, 7 am, I knew people would be tired and not as talkative or jolly. Even so with this being my first time at the salon I expected some feedback. This didn’t happen. I wasn’t really told much about the salon by the stylist just sat in a chair. She also made several comments about the state of my hair and the products I used but never gave me any advice on alternatives or even told me about the products she was using to help revive my hair. I’m stating this because I saw a fellow stylist there give her client excellent service and really explain every process she applied. She effectively tried to help her client with the health of her hair.
After being given barely there service my hair was whipped up, Tehira was booked up and running behind, and given a trim. At least that’s what I thought. I must also add that although the actual straightening process was fast I was in that salon from 7 — 10:30 am.
This is where the true horror starts: Within ten minutes of walking out of the shop my tight curls fell. Although this happened I was short on time, picture day, and need to get my makeup done. One hour later after returning to my college with a slayed face and not so slayed hair, which I had wrapped to preserve, I took my hair down and truly took in the state of my hair. It was no good. My straightened hair barely looked like it had been blow dried. Feeling panicked I tried to curl the front and pin the side. This did not help. In the time between me walking out of my dorm and to the picture location, a two minute walk, my hair turned into a horrible slightly fro’d mess. Even though the day was slightly humid there was no reason for my hair to look the way it did.
Side note: two fellow sisters of mine from my College got there hair done at too groovy. One of them went to Tehira and the other was the customer who I saw receive good service. The one who also went to Tehira had her hair revert that same day and had to beg her friend to re– straighten it and the one who went to the other stylist still has lush straight hair a week later.
With only one hour left to take my picture before the place closed I ran to my room, doused my hair with water, and did the quickest wash’n go known to man. I managed to make it to my pic and, no thanks to my 105 dollar hairstyle, slayed my pic. I’m really disappointed in the results of my hair seeing as how I was in the salon for three and a half hours and my hair barely lasted for two. I was really looking forward to having straight hair and now all I’m left with is –105 dollars in my account and disappointment. Also, after washing my hair later on that day, I noticed that instead of a slight trim a good 3 – 4 inches of my hair was cut off. That was a fun experience.
Sorry for this epic I just really needed to get this out.

Thank you so much to Too Groovy for saving my wedding day!!! Ms Sandy was my angel and gave me a bridal style beyond what I could imagine!!! And thank you so much to Amanda for getting up so early to assist and be apart of the team! These ladies are incredibly nice and know how to take good care of your hair — in addition to their amazing styles! I am a true Too Groovy believer and could not be more grateful!

I emailed the salon, in which I received no response. Here is the email:
Dear Owner/​Manager,
I want to begin by thanking you for taking the opportunity to read this email. After doing a lot of research online I found your salon on Unilocal,and I was very excited about my first visit. After months of debating whether or not I wanted to leave weaves and braids behind, I officially booked my first appointment with your stylist Jenee. I thought the salon was beautiful, and I thought Jenee was very sweet and made me feel very comfortable, but she didn’t deliver a great product.
Jenee asked if I wanted to be a straight or curly natural since I’m new to the natural world, and I told her straight but then she kept encouraging me to wear my hair curly. I also asked her to cut my hair, but she talked me out of it, insisting that if I did wear my hair curly that having a cut would affect how my curls laid. She also mentioned that most naturals strive for length. But when I walked in there I knew I wanted to have a cute short cut. In addition, my hair reverted back within 15 minutes of me walking out of the salon. I didn’t call or say anything because I assumed it had something to do with my hair texture because I was unfamiliar with being a natural. And throughout the entire styling process, Jenee also kept emphasizing that she would «try» to get my hair straight but it may revert. I was so frustrated when I got home, I drove to the hair store and bought $ 30 worth of products to try and fix it myself. And within a few days I was even considering relaxing my hair! However I had friends that kept insisting that I try a Dominican salon before getting a relaxer.
I didn’t want to go to a Dominican salon because I’m a young black professional, and it is important to me to support black owned businesses. However, my experience at the Dominican salon was amazing! I walked out with a huge smile because not only did the stylist listen to me, but she also delivered a great product. My hair was straight, short, it was blowing in the wind, it was beautiful, and it didn’t revert!
Again I want to emphasize that Jenee was very very sweet. However, not informing you of my negative experience does a disservice to your business. Thank you again for your time!

I initially went in for a consultation. I thought I had explained what I was looking for… apparently not.
My hair curls naturally, I don’t need to pay for that, however, I don’t want bone straight hair either. I wanted my waves, sans the frizz and tight curls.
What I got was, after two hours, were tight curls all over my head. She had the rods in so tight they hurt.
Fortunately, I found a salon where the stylist actually listened. My waves looked beautiful and I have found my new stylist. I will never darken the doors of Too Groovy again!

I’d give this spot a negative one but it’s not possible. Save your money. Over priced and horrible. I got the worst haircut of my life at this spot and I have not been back and won’t be back. Wtf is wrong with this place!!! It’s the worst. Mad I tipped before seeing the full evidence of my haircut. Should’ve know when the staff kept looking at my head as though a bird were on top of it. Wow!!!

I hate for my first Unilocal review to be negative, but oh well. If you value your time, don’t go to Too Groovy Salon. If you’ve just accepted that black hair salons constantly run late and there’s nothing you can do about it, Too Groovy might work for you. I made an appointment last week for shampoo, trim and style. I explained to the guest services person that I had natural hair with a tapered cut, and I would need someone who would know how to work with that. She asked if I was getting it straightened (everyone I spoke to at Too Groovy asked me that and I found it strange), and I said no. I got to the salon 5 minutes late for my 5:30 appointment and checked in. It was 6:00 pm before Mia, the person who was supposed to be my stylist, came to greet me. Mia told me that she doesn’t cut «wet hair» and that she would have to blow my hair out straight to cut it and then wet it again. She tried to find someone that could do my hair, but everyone was booked. Mia is a sweet lady, and I understand that it wasn’t her fault that she was scheduled to do something that she wasn’t capable of doing. What was irritating is that I had to sit around for 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment just to be told that I would have to go home and come back tomorrow for someone else. I came back the next day (I did not want to reschedule with them, but I needed my hair done the next day for headshots) and someone else did my hair. I asked for a trim, just to reshape my fro. She cut it down to the length it was six months ago. I’m not one to cry over hair on the floor, but it was annoying. Everyone was very nice and the salon is clean and well-​kept, so they have that going for them. But I’ll stick to my regular natural hair salon down the street.

From 3/30/2013:First visit and definitely a good one. Able to make an appointment online and they were ready for my daughter at the exact time. She was tended to by Denise who did a beautiful job with a through and comprehensive wash, recommended the stream hydration treatment (which nut daughter did), beautifully blew out her thick hair, flat-​iron, trimmed and fabulously styled. I’m so jealous. I wish we lived nearby to use their service on a regular basis.

I went back and had my hair properly done. Rosaline, Robin, Shantelle, and Guest service Rep Chantel were very professional and understanding. They made sure hair was right before I left. I was offered coffee and water and they actually took the time and talked and communicated with me. I didn’t even want to complain or go back, but I’m glad I did. I will be returning. Word of advice though, Do Not let Andre touch your hair, PERIOD!

I have been going to Too Groovy for about 4 – 5 years. Danny is the only stylist I trust and will continue to go to for my hair needs. Although he’s good at what he does (color, cut, style, etc) his friendly and cheerful personality is what keeps me hooked. I love a stylist who actually enjoys what they do and go above and beyond to make you feel good about your hair. He never tries to up-​sale you… that’s one of my biggest pet peeves with AA salons. He listens to what your needs are and you end up leaving beyond satisfied. If you want a friendly and honest stylist, who’s passionate in what he does, please make sure to schedule your next appointment with Danny.

I have a good review at the bottom, but first, I HAVE to say: Do NOT let Andre touch your hair. He completely massacred my son’s hair. It wasn’t even simply a «bad cut,» it was borderline disrespectful how he cut my little boy’s hair, and proceeded to charge me for the «cut.»
My son’s afro was approximately 3 – 4 inches long… I wanted him to get a cut while I was getting my hair done for family photos that day. I LOVE the way Rosalind does my hair (she’s great)! And I’ve been satisfied with my services since I began going in April, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give one of their barbers a try.
Andre cut my son’s hair (with clippers) without combing it out 1^st. Needless to say it was drastically uneven. No exagertation. There were parts of it that were extremely short, and in the very same spots there were very long patches of hair. A complete joke. (I’ve uploaded a video for people to see.)
I’m not the one who usually takes him to get haircuts, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. The edges looked fine, and his line up was okay… so I left and didn’t notice the problem until I tried to style his hair that evening for our photoshoot.
I called my husband on the phone upset and told him what happened. I asked him if I should get our money back. But he advised me to just «call it a loss» and to never take our son back there again. He said to take him to his usual barber from now on.
BUT when my husband came home and actually saw the «haircut» in person, he told me I needed to go back up to the salon to show a manager. He said he’d never seen anything like that before. He said «a grown man would’ve cursed that barber out over something like that.» Lol He was also very adamant that we get a refund for what was done to our son’s hair. I’m not one to fuss over $ 25…but I also don’t believe I should have to pay for such awful «service.»
I went to the salon, but the manager had just left for the day. The young lady at the desk looked in disbelief as I showed her what Andre had done to my son’s hair. She looked shocked. She apologized and told me the manager would be back the next day.
I called the next day and the manager gave me a refund. I’m satisfied with the refund. I want nothing more, but I’m really contemplating taking my son back up to the salon so the manager can see 1^st hand what was done to my baby’s hair. I want him to really see and understand that this wasn’t simply a matter of dissatisfaction with a haircut… this was really bad, lazy, careless service.
Now, with that said, I WILL say that I’m very happy that management rectified the situation, and because of that I hold no hard feelings toward the salon. I just feel compelled to warn people about that «stylist» in particular.
I’d like to add that if not for that incident, I would have absolutely given Too Groovy 5 stars! Everyone there is very nice, it has a comfortable/​clean environment, it’s easy to make/​cancel/​reschedule appointments.
Rosalind is very knowledgeable about hair care and communicates well with me regarding my hair. I don’t always get my hair straightened, but when I do, she’s quick, doesn’t put too much heat in my hair, and it always turns out beautiful!

Had my hair done my Jenee. She is so fantastically a great person. And the person who washed my hair was D. She washed my hair vigorously enough! Tip here is to make sure you bring those ear shields when you go under the hydration steamer. You will thank me later. I am only a few hours after leaving there, hopping an Über back to the hotel in below freezing type air conditioning temperatures so no idea if hair will still hold tomorrow. Did the wash, hydration, blow, flat iron, and trim. Danny is my normal and this was my first time with Jenee. Will change rating after I see hair 5 days later. Will never be in water, moisture or non-​air conditioner if at all helped! And I will be fair. Pics on to see how it looked when I left today at 4:00pm ET. It is now 9:07pm ET.

I had a bad experience with a scissor-​happy stylist back in October 2014. The stylist, Asa Perry, interpreted my request for a trim as license to cut a good inch of hair off, even after I explained to him that I wear my hair curly (in stretched afro styles) and that he didn’t need to try to even my hair out (I have different layers in my hair that are still growing out from a bob that I had back in my relaxer days). I asked him to cut as little as possible. I couldn’t see what he was doing, and he didn’t communicate with me at all about how much he was cutting, or why he decided to cut THAT much off.
After the cut, I waited a few hours to cool down and make sure it was as bad as I thought it was. It was bad and I was still upset, so I talked with Bruce, the salon manager, and he agreed that Asa should have shown me how much he was cutting and explained why. Bruce offered to either comp my next service or refund the twenty-​something dollar charge for the trim (even though the whole cost of Asa’s services were $ 55, and I guiltily tipped him, too [I’m a waitress and I can’t bring myself to not tip]).
I decided to take the comp and give Too Groovy one more chance. It took me until May 2015 to build up the courage to let a stylist trim my hair again. I did my research and selected a stylist, Matthew Fears, based on a number of good reviews he had received. I arrived for my appointment and the place was packed. I arrived at 1 PM on a Saturday. I waited a long, long time for every step of the process.
I was under the steamer for a loooooong time. Matthew later told me that he had decided that it would be a good idea to sit me under the steamer FOR AN HOUR because he «thought it would be good» for me. In reality, he sat me under there that long to start working on his 2PM client. At the time, I had no clue how long it had been. Someone finally rinsed my hair, and I sat on a couch waiting with wet hair for another fifteen minutes or so. At this point, I realize it is 2:45 PM. I look over, and Matthew is in the middle of flat-​ironing a client’s hair. WTF?
I get up and find Bruce and tell him I need to be out of there by 3:15, for real. He walks around talking to a few people. 2:55 rolls around and I’m like, «I seriously need to leave.» I was getting ready to walk out with my hair soaking wet under a shower cap. They ask flat-​iron girl to get out of the chair and wait so that Matthew can finish my hair. I SHOULD HAVE JUST LEFT WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE.
While I’m in the chair, homeboy proceeds to ask me out for a drink. Tells me he was so hungover that morning he almost didn’t make it in. Great thing to hear when someone is about to cut your hair. He asks if I have a baby, a husband, and if I’m single. After I tell him I have a boyfriend, he get quiet. Ol’ dude was RIPPING through my WET, KINKY, COILY hair with a fine-​tooth comb the whole time. I ask him to start detangling from the bottom of the strand, rather than starting from the middle/​scalp, and he gets really defensive about his curly-​hair-​detangling skills. If my head is jerking around from the detangling process, you’re being too rough. I don’t give a damn what they taught you in hair school. I take care of my hair myself, so I know how much hair I typically lose/​shed in the detangling process. I’m pissed at this point, so I stay quiet, trying not to cry/​flip out on this dude in a salon full of people.
He finishes, and I look around the floor at all of MY hair on the ground. He didn’t cut a whole lot off, but he sure as hell ripped a lot of my hair out. He also blow-​dried my hair with nothing on it whatsoever. There was no product applied to my hair after the conditioner was rinsed out. I’m sure that damage will become apparent over the next few days.
Got to the register at 3:45. Almost three hours in the salon for a shampoo, trim, and blow dry. According to Matthew, that’s what you should expect coming in there on a Saturday. The counter girl was very sweet. Bruce told her to comp everything but the shampoo, which was $ 15.
Remember how I said the service was supposed to be comped because of my previous experience? And then I had to get a manager involved the second time around, too? Apparently, that still means that they had to charge me something. I still tipped Matthew $ 10 because he did spend time with my hair (and the girl they had to pull out of the chair looked kind of mad). If he had given me good service, it would have been $ 20. I learned my lesson though. That’s the last $ 25 Too Groovy will ever get from me. I’m going to try Oh My Nappy Hair or Ashley Walker next time.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my two experiences at Too groovy. Customer service was excellent. I like the fact you can conveniently book appointments online or over the phone. The shampoo and hydration condition are always amazing in moisturizing my hair. My first visit I was in and out within an hour and half! Friendly stylist who met my style and hair needs. Only con: They do use a lot of heat (blow dry and flat iron). Wouldn’t recommend to individuals who are sensitive to that. Otherwise, it is a great place to get that flat iron look you love!

I absolutely love this place. Here are a few of the reasons why:
1. Consistent expertise amongst all the hair stylists. This is important because I am not locked into going to just one person who can style my hair. Really all of the technicians are great. You can tell by the price they charge what level of experience and expertise they have within the salon. Prices vary from person to person. Sometimes I want to spend only $ 40 so I go to one of the newbies. They do a good job. However when I want something a step above I would go to someone who charges $ 55 – 60. I have my few that I rotate. I like this freedom.
2. Online booking. My schedule is hectic with two small kids and a husband and a busy job. I cannot always make plans so far in advance. I typically go online and see who’s available either the day before or the day of and make my appointments. This works very well for my schedule.
3. Your hair will look great. I am positive when you leave here you will get tons of compliments from random people about how nice your hair looks. That’s always a great feeling!
I would say if you are on the fence, try it out. Choose a stylist that is not a newbie (they are fine for me but if you are new to the Too Groovy experience, go to someone who is a veteran for your first few visits). I am a weekly patron of this establishment and am very happy with my hair.

I have been here twice a year since 2012. Each time I’ve had great results and I have very thick hair and a tough curl pattern to deal with. My hair has always reverted back to its natural curl pattern and I haven’t gotten any heard damage. (Tameka is my stylist) I have even had it blown out twice in one month (two weeks in between) and my hair still reverted back once washed. I do find that when she is the one to wash my hair I get better results and I’m not there as long.

I didn’t want to write this review, but I feel I must.
I took my 80-​year old grandmother to this salon on the recommendation of a friend this past Friday afternoon. She was styled by Vashonda. When I arrived to pick her up, I was told that that it would cost $ 135.00 for a wash and cut. When I saw her hair, I knew it wasn’t worth it. Less than 24 hours after taking care of it as told to her by the stylist, it was a mess.
I called the following Monday morning (2 days later) because I had a busy weekend and a party for twin five-​year olds to throw, to voice my concerns, I was asked questions that made it seem like it was our fault for such a bad hair job. I also took a picture of my grandmother’s hair the next day because I couldn’t believe the way it looked.
I was told that someone would call me back, but no one ever did.
I am very disappointed in my experience at Too Groovy on Ponce. It was overpriced and we did not get what we paid for. Keep your money in your pocket.

For them to specialize in natural hair they sure don’t show it. They use lots of heat, chemicals, and non natural hair friendly techniques! So disappointed, they ruined my Afro and now it has to be braided up until it grows back. If you value your hair, DONT STEP FOOT IN THIS SALON! You will regret it.

Update September 2^nd:
I went to their midtown location and had my hair dyed back it’s originally color, by a new stylist and she also gave me a great cut.
Update:
The owner personally called me after this experience. She was courteous and professional and offered me a free month of service in order to make sure my hair was taken care of. Most salons don’t care enough to do this, so I wanted to make sure I was giving credit where it was due.
My daughter also had her hair done. She has extremely long natural hair, and they did a great job with her.
Off to rocky start, but all in all it was a good experience. I will be going back soon.
August 29^th
Today was my first time there. I was referred by my sister, who I suppose doesn’t really like me. I saw porcia in the buckhead location. I went in to get chocolate hi lites and a set. That’s it. I’m natural by the way. I left there almost 5 hours later with a rust colored mullet. It was awful. I look a mess. The lady that works up front could see i looked a mess, and to her credit, she offered me the opportunity to see another stylist, but i didn’t have another 5 hours to wait. I have an appt to see another stylist but i don’t want them ruining my hair while trying to fix their work. And she didn’t charge me for this mess.
And i should mention that my daughter got her hair done. Just a wash and straighten and her hair looks good. Maybe they should stick with less complex services.
BTW, i’m sitting on my couch with conditioner and a shower cap on. Not good money spent.

Been here once a few months ago and forgot to write a review.
My hair stylist was Tameka and I was in for a steam treatment, wash & flat iron and a trim.
Another young lady washed my hair but Tameka actually blow dried and styled my hair. She gave me a trim and the steam treatment for free which was nice of her.
My hair looked nice but not that great. Also I asked for a trim and she CUT my hair. My hair was well below my bra strap and when I left it was above. Maybe she cut what she felt was necessary? Either way my hair has grown back so I’m not upset as I was when I got my hair done.
Went there once and won’t go back. Not because of bad service. I’ve just seen better results at other salons when I walk out my hair is shinning and looks flawless. My hair after leaving Too Grovy looked like I could’ve done it myself. $ 80 not well spent.
I just would’ve expected better from a salon that my natural friends raved about. Too much money for average results.
Not for me.

So here’s the thing:
If you want bone-​straight flat iron hair, this is your place!
If you want healthy hair with curl pattern retention, this is not your place!
I use to love coming here. I would come only about once a year when I wanted to see how long my hair was. (My hair is much longer now than in my profile picture).
I would hear of some horror stories from time-​to-​time, I never really listened. But a few things happened that made me begin to question Too Groovy’s method.
First, each time I went to the salon a hairdresser (random each time yet one of the ones you pay more for) would tell me how strange it was that my hair has «kept its curl pattern» so well. I would frown and then tell them about how «I don’t come here often» & then (no joke) they would say «oh that explains it!»
So not heeding the subtle warnings I was receiving each time I went, I continue to go for my usual annual straightenings. I would dish out my $ 80-​$ 85 each year (I always did the steam treatment). I thought that I was being safe in coming annually. That was, until the incident.
In February I had set up my appointment as usual & ventured off to Atlanta excited to see how much my hair had grown after a year and a half since I last had my hair flat-​ironed. The hairdresser raved about how healthy my hair was. He wanted me to be a scheduled client. He boasted at all he could do with my hair. For some reason, I felt a little strange about this session. But I ignored my intuition.
The results were beautiful (they really were!). My hair was past «bra-​strap length», & I was pleased (slightly, I still felt uneasy). It looked great & I received many compliments.
Long story short, flash forward a week & I’m washing my hair & it won’t curl. It – won’t – curl! I spent 3+ hours (I promise I’m not exaggerating!) in the shower pouring my conditioner onto my head & massaging it in. I cried, I shouted angrily, I was having a utter meltdown! (Can you imagine what my family must have been thinking!!)
So I did what any Christian girl does when she is on the verge of losing her sanity, I prayed (stay with me!) & my curls began to slowly come back!
Now, most people are skeptics and that’s fine. This is not a religious post. I’m not trying to convert you (at least not today ;)!). But I will say this: my hair was a mess & I blame Too Groovy (& myself for not listening to my intuition). I will not be returning to Too Groovy. I am very aware that some naturals don’t really care (no judgement!). But for those who do, please find another way. Don’t do it! It’s tempting but don’t do it! I’m not being over-​dramatic when I say that this salon will eventually damage your hair. I guarantee it. Looking back, it’s a hilarious experience. But it’s only hilarious as I write this with my beautiful bouncy curls on my head!
Now, there are other things that make this salon unpleasant. The staff can be extremely rude & disorganized (especially those who work at the desk). Never try to call-​in to cancel an appointment or to make one. They will not answer the phone. Never rely solely on making online appointments & never trust email confirmations to affirm whether or not you have an appointment (they often reschedule you or «cannot find you» in the system. Try to call (well in advance) or visit to reconfirm. I never cared about their customer service before. Treat me poorly, but do my hair right! That was my motto. Treat my hair poorly & we have a problem!
They do (here are the positives) have a clean work environment & nice refreshments. And like I said before, they do a really good job at straightening your hair. I just no longer believe the consequences are worth it. I’ve been coming to Too Groovy for 5+ years and I will never be returning again because I love my hair!
The truth is that I am just a girl, standing before Unilocalers, asking them to believe her! (Kudos to you if you got that reference!)
+2 stars because the truth is that they do what they say they will do. Your hair WILL be straightened! And it WILL look nice.
–3 because they WILL damage it. & for poor customer service.
Unfortunately, Too Groovy is not so groovy anymore.: (