Pak Cosmetic Centre

Was visiting London for a few weeks in hopes of moving here next year (which I will be!) But I had to make sure that there were a few african hair places that sold good products. I’m beginning natural and so a place with a wide range of hair products that can satisfy my «product junkie» phase, was a must.
Had no trouble finding it, and indeed there was a good range of products. I was satisfied with what they had. Although some of the employees were a tad rude, it was probably out of caution of shoplifters. I was hounded a little by a few of them, but I didn’t really mind because I liked the selection of hair products and at the price they were at. I’m sure they were just doing their job.
A man who worked there referred me to a great braiding place next door to Pak Cosmetic, and even offered to give me a big discount on the braids (although I had to decline because I wasn’t there for that long), but i’ll probably take him up on that offer when I return.
In any case, I will definitely be returning to Pak Cosmetic for my natural hair needs!

When I was packing to move to London six weeks ago, I decided not to bring hair products because I figured that I could buy them here. I assumed that my local UK equivalent of CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid (read: Boots) would have an «ethnic hair care» section, or at least carry Palmers products. Nope! After visiting *several* Boots and Superdrug locations, I was sorely disappointed in their lack of diverse beauty products. Praise Jesus for Pak! The four Pak stores in this Centre stock every Afro, Caribbean, and South Asian beauty brand you can think of. They even carry natural hair care brands. I was very pleased with the numerous options and well organized shelves.
I only gave Pak four stars because they don’t carry virgin weaving hair. Yes they offer tons of remy, but no virgin Brazilian, Peruvian, etc hair. With so many stores in this cluster, I hope that Pak expands to higher grade hair in the future.

I am black, and can’t always find ‘my’ type of hair products in a Boots or Superdrug, at least consistently. I did some online research and came across Pak’s.
Upon visiting, I found the customer service here to be downright rude, very intrusive and extremely lacking. I was followed around the store by two to four men at any given time, and stared down from various corners when I was simply perusing the products. When I went to pay, the man at the counter threw my items at me. I also sensed that I was being spoken about unfavourably in another language. It made me uncomfortable.
It was apparent to me that there exists a real disrespect and disregard for customers of color. I felt totally demeaned after visiting this place and would not return again.
To their credit, they do have a lot of variety and hair products from around the world. There were two huge stores, one devoted to wigs/​weaves, and the other to bath, body and primarily, hair products. Both are located on Stroud Green Road, across the street from each other.
However, I believe in being direct, truthful and real. I cannot support them in good faith, and choose not to given my experience. And I would urge other black women find a black-​owned outlet in London, or order from one online.

I could have easily reviewed the one in Dalston, but this one has a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of place that it’s only possible to have a love-​hate relationship with. Love the bargain basement hair nets and gloves. Hate the fact that it’s in mugger-​infested Finsbury Park. Love the fact that you can get wonderfully niche afro Caribbean products, like cream that gets rid of shaving bumps, or find a wig in literally any pantone number that exists on God’s green earth. Hate the brusque, unfriendly service and the overwhelming sense that the only reason why the staff are approaching you is not to help but to check you’re not stealing something, or mugging someone. For goodness sakes people. I have a push bike outside! Not exactly a getaway vehicle is it!
To their credit they were the first place to stock decent hair care products from the US; rather than those embarrassing-​looking bright yellow tins of junk, or hair creams that looked like green Vaseline. They need to chill out though, or move to somewhere less crime ridden. Try Kensington.

Just a hair shop really, decent prices if you like to haggle.

The neighborhood is rather sketchy, but when I lived in London I would travel for miles just to come to Pak Hair. They’ve got the best selection of hair extensions in London.

Whether you’re having a bad hair day or just bored of your hair, Paks is the place to be. With 3 shops in Finsbury Park specialising in everything from haie extensions, hair products and cosmetics– Paks is definately a one stop shop for all your hair and beauty needs.
If you want to transform your mid length hair to Beyonce style waves head for the weave specialist store. Choose from either synthetic or human hair, platinum blonde to cleapatra black, 16 inches to 24 inches and begin your hair makeover.
Accoding to some of the staff supermodel Naomi Campbell purchases her luxury Remy hair extensions from Paks. I have never seen her there, just a few wannabees, but I have seen Oscar nominated Brit actress Sophie Okonedo stocking up on hair products before her appearance in acclaimed Hotel Rwanda.
One of the best things about Paks is the great restaurants nearby, the Caribbean food is particularly good.
Once you visit Paks there should never be a reason for a bad hair day!

Paks Cosmetic Centre is part of the Paks empire (Paks Wig Centre is across the road) that occupies much of the beginning of Stroud Green Road. Whilst there isn’t much excitement to be had buying men’s health/​beauty supplies (another blade Gillette? You minx) I thought Paks worth mentioning nonetheless.
It has an incredible range of beauty products from across the world. Finsbury Park has a big Afro-​Caribbean population and this is catered for (both men and women). So if you’re looking for any international products, having difficulty finding Black hair and beauty products, or just curious I’d recommend Paks.

This store on stroud green road is the best. its has all sorts from hair products to body products and wigs. it sells weave and different colour dyes for ur hair. There aint nothing u cant find here as they stock almost everything. there great. they opn at 9am till 8pm which is very good and its located near a train and bus station.

Located on Stroud Green Road, just 3 minutes from Finsbury Park station, this chain of Afro cosmetics is a local treasure. There you can find all sorts of cosmetics for dark skins, as well as quality hair extensions and wigs, with prices ranging from £3 to £50.
Many dare the trek in order to enjoy these great bargains!