YCS Review: The Weave Bar

By Erika, Resident Fashionista

The Weave Bar is now Suite Extensions. Check out our updated review here.

Please note: this is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions expressed are my own.

With blow dry bars and dye/color bars popping up left and right, it was only a matter of time before other express service salons were going to crop up. This past weekend I found myself in a pinch and unable to get a spot in my regular hair stylist’s chair.  So, I decided to give The Weave Bar – an express hair weaving salon – a shot.  And since it’s always all about our YCS readers, I’m providing you guys with a review of my experiences.

The 411 (from the Weave Bar website)

The Weave Bar is a series of upscale, niche service hair salons specializing in affordable hair weaving (extension services).

• Services start as low as $50
• Stylists aim to provide services in 3 hours or less
• Complimentary wi-fi and beverage services are provided to guests
• 2 locations – West Philadelphia and Germantown Ave.

Stats

Business: The Weave Bar
Location: 5622 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA (Germantown & Chelten Ave)
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Service: The Deluxe
Stylist: You’ll have to email YCS (info@yourchicisshowing.com) for her name!  But you can deets about her work below.
Important Info: Weaving packages start at $50 and assume you’ve already washed and blow-dried your own hair.  You should also bring 2 packs of hair with you.  Other services (wash, flat ironing, cuts, etc.), as well as hair weave,  are available for an additional fee.  Also, services are by appointment only Monday through Wednesday.  Services are walk-in only Thursday through Sunday. 

The Nitty Gritty

As I said, my decision to go to the Weave Bar was a last minute one.  I did some research online and determined, based on the reviews, that I would visit Weave Bar’s Germantown Ave. location (bonus because that one is closer to my house).  The Weave Bar gives very detailed instructions on their website to help the process go smoothly.  Clients are instructed to come with 2 packs of the hair of their choice (I went with Saga Gold Remy, 12 inches, 1B) and to wash and blow-dry their hair with no products or oil prior to arrival.  The night before I followed these instructions and made sure I arrived by 8 am to get in line (services are by appointment only Monday through Wednesday and walk-in only Thursday through Sunday).  I was first in line and the line didn’t really pick-up until 8:45 am.  That said, the line is pretty unpredictable and I would recommend arriving between 8 am and 8:15 am.

True to their word they let us in at 9 am and by 9:09 am I was in the chair.  I was given to a stylist who had a lot of experience.  She also has a business degree and her cosmetology license.  I am not shy and I gave her very specific instructions –  small braids, not in cornrows going straight back, pull tight (I’m not tender-headed), and use lots of hair.  Given her experience (and my specific instructions) I felt confident that my stylist knew what she was doing.  My stylist braided my hair per my instructions rather quickly – I imagine it would have gone more quickly if she hadn’t also been playing front desk manager.  However, since the front desk worker was often off doing something else (mostly talking), she often had to stop to answer the phone or buzz clients up.

By 10am my stylist was already sewing in my tracks – which made me really pleased.  She was quick but she was good.  She did a good job of securely installing my hair.  She also didn’t cut the tracks at the end of my head, instead folding them over to continue to sew.  She skillfully cut layers and dimensions into my hair, gave me my Kardashian curls (my words, not hers) and sent me on my way shortly after 11 am.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience was pleasant and painless; I think this can be attributed to my stylist.  She was incredibly experienced, listened to my instructions and executed on what we discussed.  I noticed that some of the other stylists had less experience styling hair and I wonder if I would have found myself as satisfied wit them.  I had a really good experience; however, I can totally see how things could have gone all the way left had I been in another chair.

Would I Recommend the Weave Bar?

In a pinch? Absolutely!  It was great for getting my weave done quickly and cost effectively.  I won’t, however, be ditching my regular stylist any time soon.  I would 100% recommend my stylist at the Weave Bar.  She was excellent and I was really pleased with the results!

Overall Rating (out of 5 stars):

Review Factors*: These are the factors used to determine the overall star rating for this review.

Cosmo Factor: 1

• I barely made it through my entire Cosmo; I was really pleased with the relatively short amount of time it took to do my hair.

Martini Factor: 2

• Waiting for an hour in the heat was not fun.  Someone informed us that once the staff meeting was complete they would let us inside to wait.  They did not.
• As I mentioned, my stylist often had to take breaks to do other things because the front-desk staff member wasn’t there.

Flat Iron Factor: 4

• My stylist was excellent.  I was thoroughly impressed with her.  When I return I will specifically request her, or go on an appointment day to ensure I’m in her chair again.

Other Factors: 3

• There is a ton of paid street parking and a free lot one block over which was very convenient (+)
• Music was modern and upbeat (+)
• Amenities were minimal (-)
• Even though the stylists were the only ones in the shop before us, it didn’t feel like it was as clean as it could be (i.e. coffee containers on the floor of the waiting room, etc.) (-)

So, have you guys ever tried an express weaving service?  What about a blow dry bar or dye/color bar?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  And what do you think of the job Weave Bar did?  Weigh in below!

Your Chic is Showing,

*Review Factors Defined

Cosmo Factor: How many issues of Cosmo Magazine did I read during my service. (0=blink and you miss it; 5 = paint dries faster)

Martini Factor: How worked were my nerves from the customer service. (0=cool calm and collected; 5 = I need to get drunk to get over it)

Flat Iron Factor: How good was the stylist. (1 = turn up the heat; 5 = hot stuff)

Other factors for consideration: atmosphere, location/parking, and amenities.