MagicFingers

MagicFingers began in 2009 as a braiding salon in Brooklyn. The salon ran for more than 18 years before the business shifted toward hair products and education. Magic Fingers Institute opened on September 6, 2022, and Stasha Harris, who founded both the brand and the institute, serves as its CEO. The founder page says Stasha has more than 20 years in the beauty industry, and the institute describes itself as a top-rated beauty school in Queens.

The institute operates under the New York State Education Department and says its programs prepare students for New York State licensing and state board exams. Hands-on training covers braiding, natural hairstyling, nail specialty, waxing and business development. Students practice on mannequins and live models, and the salon's client services are performed by students working under the supervision of licensed professionals. Clients book with students by visiting the institute or calling 347-454-9666. Services are for adults only, and children's hairstyles are not offered. Clients may bring their own specialty or differently colored hair, and 52-inch synthetic braiding hair in natural colors 1B, 2 and 4 is included in the price of services.

The natural hairstyling course totals 300 clock hours, which runs 12 weeks full-time or 20 weeks part-time. Full-time classes meet Monday to Wednesday in person and Thursday online, from 8:00AM to 3:30PM. Part-time hybrid classes meet in person on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00AM to 5:30PM, with online sessions every other Saturday. Full-time, weekend and evening options are available. The waxing course totals 75 course hours. Natural hairstyling tuition is listed at $7,200, plus a $100 registration fee and a $350 student kit, for a listed total of $7,650. Waxing tuition is listed at $1,849, plus a $100 registration fee and a $250 student kit, for a listed total of $2,199. The enrollment deposit is listed at $450, and payment plans are available. Applicants must be at least 17, with high school seniors needing parental consent, and must show government-issued proof of age. They need a high school diploma or GED, or must take the Ability to Benefit Test. Enrollment can be completed in person or by phone, and prospective students can book a facility tour by phone or email to discuss pricing, schedules and start dates. Job placement is offered, though the institute says it cannot guarantee it.

The online shop sells braiding hair, hair products and tools, shipped directly to customers. The product line includes mousse, sheen, oils and tools, and products are developed with Ampro Industries and sold under the Shine n Jam collection. The business says its products are sold nationwide in retailers including Walmart and Walgreens. Orders are processed within 24 to 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, and a tracking number is emailed once an order ships. All product sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. Damaged or defective items should be reported to chanliss@magicfingers.com within 48 hours of delivery. Some items, such as The Magic Helper, may carry a manufacturer's warranty. Order questions can be sent to (718) 593-7616 or chanliss@magicfingers.com.

Hands-on, supervised learning: students practice on mannequins and live models, then serve clients in a supervised salon setting.