Customer Reviews (100)

Demi Lomax • 2025-03-24T20:21:27.268Z

its okay. this game is quite annoying, whenever ii join theres a black screen and i cant get in. i deleted the app and got it back after a day. ALL MY MAKEUP STUFF WHERE GONE! i paid for that and now its gone! i just deleted the game and got it back. ilk tell you if its not black overall its a three its fun but some big problems. edit:it doesn't work. im putting it to a two. if you like this game and it doesn't work now, get monster high hair dresser. please fix the game an ill up my review.

Lwandlepro • 2025-03-24T14:03:07.530Z

very nice game love it has very cool characters but u can't really do the makeup on the characters cause u need to subscribe to something but other then that it's a very fun game 😌😋😊

Sophie Roberts • 2025-03-23T19:53:11.432Z

Ewww

Summary of Key Insights

  • Toca Boca Hair Salon 4 receives mixed reviews, with a significant number of 5-star ratings (58%) indicating a generally positive experience. However, a substantial portion of users (23%) gave 1-star ratings, highlighting critical issues.
  • The primary weakness is the shift to a subscription model and the paywall placed on previously free features like makeup and additional characters. This change has frustrated many users, especially those who are children and lack the means to pay.
  • Technical issues, such as black screen loading errors and loss of purchased content, also contribute significantly to negative reviews.
  • The app's strengths lie in its creative freedom, engaging gameplay, and appealing graphics, which many users still appreciate.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the content of the reviews (mentions of recent updates and subscription changes).
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (identifying recurring words and phrases related to issues and positive aspects), and frequency analysis (counting the number of times specific issues or features were mentioned).

Key User Pain Points

  • Subscription Model/Paywall: The most significant pain point. Users are upset that features previously available for free (makeup, additional characters) are now behind a paywall. This is perceived as greedy and unfair, especially since the target audience includes children.
  • Technical Issues (Black Screen): A recurring problem where the app fails to load, displaying only a black screen with background music. This prevents users from playing the game at all.
  • Loss of Purchased Content: Some users report losing access to previously purchased content after updates or reinstallations. This is a major source of frustration and reflects poorly on the app's reliability.
  • Age Verification Issues: Some users, particularly younger ones, are encountering problems with age verification processes, hindering their ability to play.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Free Makeup: The most common request is to make the makeup feature free again or to offer more free makeup options.
  • More Free Characters: Users want more free character options without having to subscribe.
  • Bring back old version: Some users prefer the old version of the app before the subscription model was introduced.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Creative Freedom: Users appreciate the ability to create diverse hairstyles, experiment with colors, and design unique looks.
  • Engaging Gameplay: Many find the game fun, addictive, and a good way to pass the time.
  • Appealing Graphics: Some users praise the high-quality graphics and realistic details.
  • Educational Value: Some parents believe the game can inspire children's creativity and interest in hairstyling.
  • Nostalgia: Some older users enjoy revisiting the game from their childhood.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Black Screen Issue: Investigate and resolve the black screen loading error immediately. This is a critical bug that prevents users from accessing the app.
  • Address Loss of Purchased Content: Implement a reliable system to ensure users retain access to content they have purchased, even after updates or reinstallations. Provide a clear process for restoring purchases.
  • Re-evaluate Subscription Model: Consider offering a more generous free tier or a one-time purchase option for features like makeup and additional characters. The current subscription model is alienating a significant portion of the user base.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Age Verification: Streamline the age verification process and ensure it is user-friendly for younger players.
  • Enhance Customer Support: Provide better customer support to address user issues, especially regarding lost purchases and technical problems.
  • Optimize App Performance: Improve the app's overall performance to reduce loading times and prevent crashes.

Low Priority:

  • Address Minor UI Issues: Fix minor user interface glitches, such as the background issue mentioned in one review.
  • Update Character Designs: Consider updating the tip of the head design as suggested in one review.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Subscription Management Tool for Kids' Apps: A platform that helps parents manage and track subscriptions for various kids' apps, providing insights into usage and spending.
  • In-App Currency System for Kids: A safe and controlled in-app currency system that allows kids to earn virtual money through gameplay and use it to purchase in-app items, without requiring real-world spending.
  • AI-Powered Hairstyle Recommendation App: An app that uses AI to suggest hairstyles based on facial features, hair type, and personal preferences, targeting users who enjoy hairstyling games like Toca Boca Hair Salon.

Trends and Observations

  • Negative Sentiment Shift: A noticeable shift in sentiment from positive to negative following the introduction of the subscription model.
  • Language Diversity: Reviews are written in multiple languages (English, Indonesian, etc.), indicating a global user base.
  • Focus on Monetization: Users are highly sensitive to changes in monetization strategies, especially when it impacts previously free content.

Conclusion

Toca Boca Hair Salon 4 faces significant challenges due to its subscription model and technical issues. While the core gameplay remains appealing, the paywall has alienated many users. Addressing the black screen error, ensuring purchase persistence, and re-evaluating the monetization strategy are crucial steps to improve user satisfaction and regain positive momentum. A more balanced approach that offers a compelling free tier alongside optional paid content could be a more sustainable and well-received strategy.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tocaboca.tocahairsalon4