Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop logo

Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop

Beauty salon · Takoma Park, MD · reviewed since 2026

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%97+61.6Reliability 28%95+26.8Replies to reviews 8%66+5.4Experts Score= 94Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.94SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#18 of 57 wedding hair stylistsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 70%
5.0 ★★★★★ 388 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
4.97★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
58%reviews answered by the owner
$48typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).

Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop at a glance

Google reviewers rate Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding highly, citing skilled haircuts, braiding services, and a clean shop environment. Customers frequently mention the availability of late-night hours, reasonable pricing, and attentive communication during appointments. While most praise the professional results, isolated complaints note instances of missed appointments without prior notice and dissatisfaction with the handling of natural African hair textures.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 388 reviews (99% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 388 Google reviews (316 with written comments, 69 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 58% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 18, 2026.
  • Service: Wedding Hair Stylist serving Takoma Park, Maryland.

Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.

Score profile vs other wedding hair stylists

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction97Reliability95Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews66Satisfaction: 97 (median 89)Reliability: 95 (median 85)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 66 (median 48)
This companyWedding Hair Stylists median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
97
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 85.A
95
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop: 66/100 on this factor. Category median: 48.B
66

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

388 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars38599%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star31%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 316 written reviews

  • Praise34399%
  • Complaints21%

Price

What customers reported paying

$48-59% vs typical wedding hair stylists

Middle half of what 181 customers paid ($35–$58) · gold mark = category median.

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude11032%
  • Would recommend9828%
  • Quality & results8725%
  • Speed & response196%
  • Honesty & trust123%
  • Price & value103%
  • Communication93%

What customers talk about

We read 316 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “We received very friendly service, loved the music and the haircut was exactly what I asked for.”
  • “I'm super happy with my haircut akim killed it is highly recommend everyone looking for a good barber and super clean barbershop smells good 👍 thanks…”
  • “I took my son to get his haircut and he did a great job.”
  • “It was quick and efficient so my toddler didn’t get restless at all.”
  • “…was an emergency Akim took me in right away took good care of my hair honestly best cut I had in a while, very professional very attentive and nice I’…”
  • “Plus snacks & drinks, super clean environment and friendly vibes all for a reasonable price compared to the other barbershops in the area.”
  • “He was super patient, listened to exactly what I was aiming for, and made sure the fade was smooth.”

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent priced reviews

Emma4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

I'm super happy with my haircut akim killed it is highly recommend everyone looking for a good barber and super clean barbershop smells good 👍 thanks akim I will definitely be back

Paid $20–40Shampoo & conditioningHaircut
Kier1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Such a great barber! He’s really good at what he does, and I’m very happy with my haircut. Glad I found him. If you’re looking for a barber, I highly recommend giving him a try. Five stars!

Paid $160–180Haircut
Kirubel7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

Excellent barber I had a good experience he took care of me well I recommend everyone to come get haircut I absolutely loved it

Paid $40–60Shampoo & conditioning
BetiLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

My 3 year old had a great experience getting his haircut here. We received very friendly service, loved the music and the haircut was exactly what I asked for. It was quick and efficient so my toddler didn’t get restless at all. Will definitely be back again.

Customer photo from Beti's reviewCustomer photo from Beti's review
Paid $20–40Haircut
Remi1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★

5 STAR SERVICE. ALWAYS. Hey man, if you need a nice haircut, for a date, bday, or even just to get a clean lineup or trim. Look no further!! AKIM is a Phenomenal barber. He's quite humble, pays attention to details, and is skilled at his craft. A true professional.in every sense of the word.. And ive met a lot of…

Customer photo from Remi's reviewCustomer photo from Remi's reviewCustomer photo from Remi's review
Paid $20–40Haircut
Meleine3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

The think with him that I liked the most was the fact that I asked him to free style and he understood the assignment. I’m very much satisfied with my results. I came with no idea in mind and I’m coming out fresh and beautiful. I know ginger is my color!!! I know you know too!! Thanks Akim!

Customer photo from Meleine's reviewCustomer photo from Meleine's review
Paid $100–120Shampoo & conditioningHaircutService not listed

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 388 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Mabel Darkwah5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mabel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Good trimming, blades that work, and some incredibly hospitablity

  • Services: Haircut
  • Atmosphere: Relaxing
  • Maintenance: Well-kept
Emma Mayi4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Emma has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I'm super happy with my haircut akim killed it is highly recommend everyone looking for a good barber and super clean barbershop smells good 👍 thanks akim I will definitely be back

  • Price: $20–40
  • Services: Shampoo & conditioning, Haircut
  • Atmosphere: Relaxing
  • Maintenance: Well-kept
Kier Ndul1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Kier has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Such a great barber! He’s really good at what he does, and I’m very happy with my haircut. Glad I found him. If you’re looking for a barber, I highly recommend giving him a try. Five stars!

  • Price: $160–180
  • Services: Haircut
  • Atmosphere: Relaxing, Energetic, Modern, Traditional, Cozy, Other
  • Maintenance: Pristine
Damilola2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Damilola has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The best in town

kelley MiddletonLocal Guide · 124 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews kelley has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I took my son to get his haircut and he did a great job. They stay open until 11pm. Also they do braiding and dreads as well. Its a very nice shop.

Kirubel Tamene7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kirubel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Excellent barber I had a good experience he took care of me well I recommend everyone to come get haircut I absolutely loved it

  • Price: $40–60
  • Services: Shampoo & conditioning
  • Atmosphere: Relaxing, Energetic, Modern
BetiLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Beti has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My 3 year old had a great experience getting his haircut here. We received very friendly service, loved the music and the haircut was exactly what I asked for. It was quick and efficient so my toddler didn’t get restless at all. Will definitely be back again.

  • Price: $20–40
  • Services: Haircut
  • Maintenance: Well-kept
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Akim’s empire cuts and braiding is saying thanks you for your support and your patience ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Marcellus Parker1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Marcellus has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The best barber

collins takah5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews collins has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Best service well appreciated. Will definitely be coming back soon.

Andre Henderson8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Andre has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

These guys are great go and check them out took me on short notice and gave a good cut

Akim’s Empire Cuts & Braiding barber shop on Google Maps →

Business details