African Braids by Safi

Certified professionals

Established in 2002

Have been coming here for the past 5 years and have always had a great haircut. Linda and Nicole…read moreare both wonderful, highly recommend!

I had a wonderful experience with my stylist, Hailey! She listened carefully to what I wanted,…read moreasked great follow-up questions, and offered helpful suggestions. I absolutely loved the haircut! She completely nailed the layers and curtain bangs exactly how I wanted them! The color, however, turned out much darker than we had agreed on. While I was bummed about that, Hailey's honesty and professionalism in handling the situation made all the difference. She handled the situation gracefully and offered to waive the color service for me. Her honesty, sincerity, and dedication to customer satisfaction is incredible, and I'm so happy I found her. I will definitely be back

Salon Drew's Makeup Station

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The Cherry Blossom

4.9(47 reviews)

1.0 mi

This review is long overdue. I have been going to Janet at the Cherry Blossom for a couple of years…read morenow. My hair is coarse, wavy, frizzy and dry (I use a lot of heat products). Until I met Janet, I always had trouble finding someone who could work with my hair type. I always come in with a picture inspiration or something in mind and Janet does magic to my hair. I've always left happy with my new do. We have played around with so many colors and styles from ombre, balayage, to single color dye. Most recently I wanted the rose gold look and I was so happy with how it came out. Before I left that visit, she gave me tips on how to keep the color vibrant and products to use to prevent it from fading. Being that my hair is so wavy, frizzy and hard to manage I had her do the Brazilian blowout on one of my visits. It was a process, but It left my hair so silky smooth and I probably didn't use any heat products for over 6 months because I had no need to. If you have my hair type you probably know what I am talking about when it comes to having to style it every day in order to manage it, but this helped. I will definitely be doing a Brazilian Blowout again. The last part of my review is on wedding hair do. I got married last year and being that Janet knows how to work with my hair I decided she should be the one to do my wedding hair. I really wanted hair extensions for my wedding, so she helped me choose the right brand and hairpieces. I had a hair trial with her before the wedding to work on my inspiration of half up and half down with my hair extensions. The day of the wedding the style came out perfect and my hair-do stayed in place until I went to sleep that night. Needless to say Janet knows her stuff and I always look forward to my next hair appointment to play with some new styles and colors.

I had a great experience! The salon is very clean and tighty and has really good vibes. I hadn't…read moregone to a salon for a haircut in very long time so I was wary but Janet really took care of me. I showed her some pictures of what I wanted and she did exactly that. My hair is long, thin, and had so many split ends but she managed to revive it. Prices are definitely reasonable as well, depending on the type of hair you have. She washed, conditioned, cut/styled, and blow dried my hair. I had an awesome experience and would definitely recommend.

So happy with my hair!!

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Made In LA

4.6(175 reviews)

1.8 mi

Liz did my hair today and it was AMAZING!!! She was so…read moregentle and made sure everything was perfect, she's super nice and the whole vibe of the salon is just super calm and friendly!

After years of going to our family hairstylist I made the bold move of trying someone new and I've…read morenever gone anywhere else since! Deedra takes care of every detail and I love how much healthier my hair is now with her care. I'm never disappointed with any hair color I throw at her. From short to long, dark to light, I know she got me. Plus, spending the day at the salon is a girls day all in one so it's a win-win.

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M.k salon

4.8(378 reviews)

5.4 mi

•$

After a few fix-ups from a botched haircut at another salon, I came in to see Maly for one small…read morerefinement. I was really nervous about getting my hair cut again, but she listened carefully to what I wanted, was mindful of preserving my length, and checked in with me throughout the process. She was kind enough to fit me in for the quick adjustment, and I really appreciated her generosity and willingness to help. I'd definitely recommend her :)

My mom & I had such a lovely experience at M.K Salon! My mom got a touch-up & tone for her short…read morehair. Maly did a cool blonde tone & even styled it into a soft blowout. For me, I got a fresh balayage. Maly fixed my previous bleach, toned my hair twice for the perfect shade, then gave me a nice cut & styled it beautifully. I honestly didn't know how to explain what I wanted, but I showed her a few inspo pics & she immediately knew what to do. Her salon is small & tucked away in a little plaza in Long Beach, but so worth finding! We actually know about her because my mom's coworker referred us! The atmosphere is so intimate with only 3 salon chair. Oh! She treated us to complimentary ramen & donuts lol. Prices are unbelievably affordable.. only $400 for both of us, including tip! That's rare these days!! The only small note is that Maly has a bit of a heavy hand while working!! My mom on the other hand said she actually loved it because it felt like a scalp massage . Overall, we're obsessed with our new hair and will definitely be back.

Before and after

On the right is what I got vs the picture I showed her many times for reference.

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Expressions Hair Lounge

4.3(112 reviews)

1.9 mi

Jaz created an up do twist braid style for me that generated compliments everywhere I went. I'll be…read morerescheduling another braid style with Jaz at Expressions Hair Lounge, with kool business owner Catrina Carter. Sherice

Braider Tee Tee - Vape breaks & broken appointments review…read more "Last Christmas, Tee Tee braided my hair beautifully, despite stepping out to vape every couple of hours. I booked a touch-up a couple months later. When I arrived on time, she was already on someone else's hair, then moved to another head. Two hours past my appointment, I asked if I had a scheduled time. She seemed to have forgotten and said she'd get to me after the current client. I found that odd, but she did my hair and called it a day. Next time, I couldn't reach her on her cell anymore. When I finally got through at the shop, to schedule a braid removal, she complained , "I have to take all those braids out" -- unprofessional. She promised to call me back but never did. I had to call her back. I said I'd take them out myself. So she scheduled me for the following week. I arrived to find someone in my seat. Tee Tee showed up 30 minutes late, said she was overbooked, and would do me after her current client. When I asked what happened, she brushed me off with "I dunno, I dunno, I dunno." I asked her to at least call when she's overbooked. She said "yeah." I went home. She never called. I had to call 3 times. I waited 6 hours past my appointment. I asked for small braids, but she kept making them large, so she could finish early. I had to keep correcting her on the size. She's disorganized and doesn't value her clients' time. Beware of Tee Tee -- the bait-and-switch braider. Treats you well until she has your money after the first visit, then switches on you the second."

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Full head sew in

The Color Studio

4.9(58 reviews)

3.3 mi

•$

I LOVEEEE my results! I hadn't colored my hair in a long time, so I was beyond thrilled with how it…read moreturned out this time--I absolutely LOVE it! I'm usually a little disappointed, but not this time--everything exceeded my expectations! Cindy was incredible! I shared an inspiration photo, and she offered guidance and suggestions, which I truly appreciate in a stylist. It shows she genuinely cares and wants the best for her clients. She was also attentive, asked thoughtful questions about what I liked and the results I was aiming for, and was so friendly throughout the process. I also liked that she didn't pressure me to do anything I didn't want. She is definitely my new hair stylist!

'Im so happy with the results…read more Cindy did a wonderful job with my color correction. I had a lot of brassy tones Abd my grays was overwhelming my roots. Im in the process of growing out my gray roots and blending my grays w my hair. To achieve it Cindy helped me decide on what's right for me. Everyone will have a different journey with gray blending or when you grow out your Grey. I'm glad I found Cindy and she made it easy for me. You will start with a consultation and she will take the time to explain the process and what I need to do for my hair care routine And together you'll make a plan. Just do it. Treat yourself. I'm glad I did. I'm returning again in 8 weeks and we will see what's the next step for me. Just be patient because growing out your grays is a process. I got super lucky my first session was a slam dunk. Thanks Cindy!! See u soon.

#Going Gray. Grey blending. My journey step 1

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Glass House Hair Studio

4.7(37 reviews)

1.6 mi

Love this salon! Olivia is my stylist and she is amazing at color! I've had red, purple, blue, and…read moreother colored hair and it last a long time. Olivia is the sweetest and listens to what you want. I have textured curly hair and she does great with it. The salon is very nice. They offer coffee, water, and drinks. Parking is street parking only. In the front of the store it's 2hrs only and behind is a neighborhood to park in. I would recommend getting there a little early to find parking.

My hairstylist I've had for several years wasn't available and I really wanted a blow out and so I…read moretook a chance on glass house, I've driven by it for many years. They responded right away and I got booked with Olivia. She is awesome so personable and easy to talk to. After doing by blow out she noticed I needed an update on highlight cause my greys were showing and she asked if I wanted to book an appointment to get that done... And although I was hesitant to book bcs I really like my hairstylist, I booked and I kept my appointment she did such a great job on the highlights. She listened to what I liked and didn't want and she gave me exactly that. She's awesome!

Beachy brunette custom color by Mia @hair.with.mia 5623883266

Hair by Chloe (562)822-0398

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Hair by Chloe (562)822-0398

Viva Barber & Beauty

4.6(138 reviews)

4.2 mi

Great service! My hair is always taken care and Vanessa always makes the best recommendations and…read morelistens to my suggestions. My hair is always given the proper care and always end up with great results. I never get disappointed. All my years coming to the salon has been a great, positive and refreshing experience. I highly recommend them and I enjoy my visits there. Nice, peaceful and positive ambiance. My hair always turns out great with lots of shine, color, glow and volume.

Thank you Susy for doing my hair for prom!! I requested a blowout and layers and she did just that…read moreI loved it!!! Ill be returning for future hair appointments :)

Rose gold Balayage

Beautiful copper hair color!

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The Kattwalk Salon

4.7(121 reviews)

4.2 mi

Took my mom last minute on a Sunday morning. Girls were…read moreamazing, mom felt so pampered, Highly recommend!

I chose this salon and made the drive based on the many positive reviews and mention of its…read moreconnection to Carlton Hair. Unfortunately, my experience this past Tuesday was extremely disappointing. My appointment was scheduled for 3:00 pm. I arrived on time, but there was no one at the front desk, and a few stylists assumed I was a walk-in. The stylist who was supposed to do my pixie cut was still with another client, blow-drying her sopping wet bob-length hair, and didn't acknowledge me for quite a while. When he finally did, he said he would be finished in 15 minutes. I told him if it would take longer, I would rather not wait, especially since I had driven 35 minutes from Orange County (one way). I left briefly and came back at 3:15 pm, but he was still with the same client. A professional would have communicated a delay and respected the client's time. By 3:21 pm, when I decided to leave, he was still styling her hair with no end in sight. Meanwhile, another employee attempted to divert me by offering a shampoo. She handed me a robe that was far too small and insisted I wear it, even though I explained I didn't mind hair falling on my clothes since I was going to the gym afterward. I also mentioned my long drive, and she responded with an insincere comment about how "beautiful" the 91 freeway is--something that felt dismissive and patronizing. As she led me to the shampoo area, she rolled her eyes and made faces to a coworker. At that point, I stood up, told her not to make faces, and informed the stylist I was canceling my appointment. The entire atmosphere felt unprofessional and immature--more like a schoolyard than a salon. There was no customer service, no apology, and no manager present to address the situation. I genuinely feel bad for the salon owner, who may not even be aware of how poorly NEW clients are being treated.

After- looking so vibrant, young and sexy!

Hair by KZ

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Balayage by Kat Z.

Nees Salon

4.5(10 reviews)

1.6 mi

The owner and stylist is very sweet! My 6 year old son's haircut was only $20 plus $5 tip there is…read morea barber shop adjacent to her salon which is so much more expensive! I bought hair dye and she charges $40 to dye your hair. She has korean and italian haircare and skincare products as well. I am actually taking my son to cut his hair this Friday May 1st, 2026. She is located on 6209 Orange Avenue Long Beach, CA 90805 (562)256-4848 I think her hours are from 9 am to 5pm daily

Love this place. Nails & wax all ready for my daughter's graduation at UCSD! Graduation acrylic…read morenails & dipped nails. Full service salon. As a native to the neighborhood I remember coming here over 40 years ago. Beauty salon was in this same spot. My mom would have me stop on my way home from school for a trim and wash. I was like in 2nd grade. Sounds crazy, huh! My stylist was Gerri - back then.

Matteo getting his hair cut by the owner. She is very nice and sweet.

Matteo after his haircut!

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The washing station for hair dye.

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Sandra B.

9 years ago

OMG my braids are beautiful. Safie is an outstanding braider. She is amazingly fast and her customer service is top notched. WOW...Safie is an exceptional braider with the quality of her work and super speed in braiding. Each individual braid is the same size and of the same quality in the braid. From now on, I only will allow Safie to braid my hair. I am in LOVE with my hair and my hubby LOVE my braids as well. Thank you Safie so much!!!! Verified Customer: Sandra read more

Safietou N.

172

13 years ago

Beautiful, Fast, Gentle, and Cheap. African Braids by Safi. Professionally trained in Senegal, West Africa. Micros Singles Individuals Tree braids Twists I began braiding in my country and then continued braiding when I moved to the United States. Meet the Business Owner: Safietou N'Diaye Safi was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. She was professionally trained in Ziguinchor, Senegal. read more

Barbara P.

12 years ago

Safi was terrific, pleasant, price was reasonable, fast braider. I love Safi and her sister friend that was braiding also. She is ver hospitable. I love my Braids, everyday I receive compliments. I got my braids done on Sunday, June 22 and they still look beautiful. She will be my regular braider. You can't go wrong with using Safi. read more

Ruth R.

13 years ago

I am very tender- headed and rarely have braids. After a friend recommended Safi I decided to give it a try. SAfi was very gentle and assured me of it. My braids were perfect and after she was done I did not have the tenderness and tightness.. She is simply awesome and very professional.. I will definitely be back.!! Thanks Safi! read more

Michael S.

13 years ago

Safi is great! She braids my daughter all the time. She is real friendly and the best hair braider in Long Beach. I highly recommend her. A lot of hair braiders will spend the entire day talking to the other braiders in a language that I don't understand. Not Safi, she talks to you the whole time and helps make the time fly by. read more

Aquarius A.

11 years ago

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Safi yesterday! She is extremely nice and talented! I got small box braids and she did an Amazing job! My braids are very neat and the price was great! If you're looking for a stylist to do your box braids then I highly recommend you contact Ms. Safi today! :) read more

Brittany R.

8 years ago

Safi is absolutely amazing. She makes sure her braids are neat and done to perfection. I received the Senegalese twists a month ago and they are still beautiful. It is time for a retouch but that because of my new growth. I definitely will be calling to schedule my touch up. read more

Patrice R.

9 years ago

I would recommend Safi to everyone who likes to get their hair braided and don't like to sit for long hours. I was totally blown away by her quickness. Safi loves what she does you can tell by the end results. Can't wait to go back and get a different braiding style. read more

Joy C.

11 years ago

This is my second 5 hour flight between Tampa and L.A. for the sole purpose and privilege of having my tree braids done by the gifted and talented Safi. Her skills are amazing. She is a perfectionist and my hair looks fantastic. She is so worth the trip!!! read more

Safiya M.

9 years ago

Safi has very gentle hands. She does a very neat job also. I've been knowing her for four years and this is the first time I've let her to my hair. She did a wonderful job and I am pleased. I will definitely back to let her do my hair again. read more

Patricia S.

12 years ago

I just got my hair braided today by Safi this young lady is awesome. I love my braids the price was reasonable and she braids FAST!! Safi is a very sweet I highly recommended getting braids by Safi I will be a returning customer. read more

Angela B.

8 years ago

I received so many compliments on my box braids! They were so neat! I loved them! Safi made me feel so comfortable and kept me laughing the whole time! I will definitely be coming back and recommended her to several people. read more

Samantha C.

12 years ago

Came in at 9 am Safi is a fast braider, the price to get my hair braided is reasonable all other shops cost more. I got regular individual braids and I'm very pleased with how neat and fast she braids. read more

Aisha K.

12 years ago

Love love love my new look. Safi is friendly, very professional and an excellent braider. She braids my daughter and I. We have received lots of compliments. Thank you! I'll definitely come back. read more

Gabriela C.

11 years ago

I love my box braids so much, it's my first time ever getting them done and I must say I've got the best box Braider ever! Thanks so much I loved them I'm definitely coming back! read more

Cathy C.

12 years ago

Safi was AWESOME!! I continue to be pleased with my braids! I would highly recommend her!!

Sha W.

10 years ago

Love my braids, very neat and quick!!!!

Daveta S.

11 years ago

African Braids by Safi - hairstylists - Updated October 2026

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Mimi's Braid Boutique

(123 reviews)

Mimi's Braid Boutique is the TRUTH. I found Mimi on Instagram. She immediately got me booked and I…read morehave not been to any other braider since making the move from DC to OC. Mimi and Chris know hair, fast and great prices. Plus the shop atmosphere is amazing. I've networked with other clients and found some Gems to check out in Southern California. I highly recommend this shop. These shots are from my 50th photoshoot. Chris did my braids and I loved the triangle parts. Go check them out y'all. #DC2CALI

This has to be the worst braiding shop ever! I needed a quick braided style for an event and I…read morefound this place advertised on her website that they have 24hour service Thursday-Sun, turns out they are not. To me that is false advertising. I was in regular communication with the braider, let her know I was a little late, when I was in line at the beauty supply store and that I would be there in less than 5 minutes. As I am pulling into the parking lot I get a text message saying that she has to go. I text her right back telling her I was there and walking to to the door. No response. I walk in and the owner said she waited all day for you! Which was not true. I asked if she could contact the woman and she said she's gone. There was no offer to call another braided or anything to help me. After a couple of minutes I walked out to my call and the chick who was supposed to do my hair had been sitting in the car next to me the whole effing time! I then recalled how this shop was so familiar to me and that's when it hit me! I had been here in the past (10+ years) and received similar crappy customer service. The owner is borderline rude, blasé, unprofessional and has no semblance of what customer service is. My guess is that she has only been able to stay open this long because of her location, her friends and family and what regulars she has on top of collecting booth rent from other braiders.

Mama African Braiding Salon

(95 reviews)

This is the spot, I love the energy here. I won't go anywhere else, they're very clean and…read morewelcoming. As for mama, she's the best.

I went to Mama African Braiding Salon and originally wanted boho braids, I ended up getting…read moreknotless braids, waist length. I was still impressed and pleased with Mamas work. Her braiding is neat, she's fast and the other braiders in the shop were friendly and professional. If you want fast, neat braids give Mama a call and set up your appointment!

Tracys Blessed Hands Salon

(48 reviews)

Same day, great results! Thank you! Silk press was definitely did exactly how I want it…read more I came from San Diego, in need of a hairstylist for the weekend, after a no communications from a previous one. I found her shop on yelp and she provided me with a same day appointment ( disclosure- she had clients but wasn't completely booked that day) The conversation was great and the vibe of her shop was perfect.

Tracy is an amazing hair stylist. I was so pleased to know she does press and curl as this request…read moreis not often most popular. My hair was different lengths but, Tracy gave me a beautiful blunt cut that accentuated my facial features. She has over 10 years experience as a professional stylist - Impressive! Her salon is beautiful. The decor is soft, warm, and welcoming. I'm over the moon!!!! I finally found an experienced professional hairstylist. I'm a customer for many years to come. Thank you Tracy.

Blessings Hair Braiding - Long Beach

3.7

(170 reviews)

•$$$

I had such a great experience at Blessings Hair Braiding! Mame did my Bora Bora braids and she did…read morean absolutely beautiful job. My appointment was definitely a long one (about 10 hours!), but she was so patient, detailed, and really took her time with my hair from start to finish. The braids came out gorgeous, super neat, and exactly the look I was going for. You can tell Mame really cares about her work and pays attention to the little details. I've already gotten compliments on them and I'm so happy with how they turned out! Thank you so much Mame for spending basically the whole day making my hair look this good I would definitely recommend her if you're looking to get Bora Bora braids. I'll be back!

The service was good! I was there for about 4 hour but the results were pleasing and it lasted a…read morelong time.

Creations By Shay Suite

5.0

(7 reviews)

I happened to fall upon Shay's Instagram page, while searching for braiders in the LB area. Thank…read moreGod I found her! With the hundreds of braiders I found on IG, she was one of the few that I contacted that could do the halo braid style I was looking for at the time for a wedding I was in. But she actually does it ALL! She was even able to accommodate me on a day that most hairstylists tend to take off and I was soooo thankful. Not only did she do an amazing job, but she was so sweet and professional. Her studio is so cute and comfortable. She really knew what she was doing and surpassed all my expectations. Thank you so much Shay! You made me feel beautiful and with all the compliments I received confirmed it.

Shay is amazing and really nice! I love my Bob/haircut the shop is very nice and private, her and…read moreher assistant have the best energy I'm 100% satisfied! I've been going to hair salons for over 15yr and I must say this was my best experience yet, you can really tell she's passionate about hair thanks Shay! P.S I love the hair wash and steamer my hair felt new!

Flavy Hair Braiding

4.7

(41 reviews)

Ellen did an awesome job this is my first twist braids. Great vibe kind friendly I was able to just…read moresit and be blessed.

Just got my hair done by Flavy and I'm OBSESSED…read more So many compliments already--long, thick, and exactly how I like it. This was my first time getting Boho braids, and while they felt heavy at first, wearing them half-up, half-down has helped a lot. The results? Even better than I imagined. Totally worth the cost--and the six hours in the chair.

Hair Palace

5.0

(21 reviews)

The best thing that happen to my hair was meeting Leah at the car wash. She turned me on to the…read moreBeaded Sew In and BAAAAABY I am so in Love. EVERYONE thinks its my hair I tell everyone about Leah she is heaven sent

I found Leah on social media and started following her because I was looking for a new local…read morehairstylist that focuses on healthy hair. After following her for a couple months and seeing the content she posted I decided to check her out. I had an in person consultation where she gave me great feedback regarding my hair health and scalp. From there, I joined her crown root society and it's the best decision that I've made. I had a pixie cut for the last 15 years and have not had a sew in. I wanted to change up my look. At the consultation Leah suggested I get a closure due to the condition of my hair. I trusted her judgment and I'm glad I did because I absolutely love my hair. I get so many compliments after I get it done. I love how I don't have to worry about trying to blend a leave out. I'm so happy I found Leah and excited for my new hair journey.

Black Pearl Hair Affairs

5.0

(5 reviews)

I have been knowing Cora for over 19 years. We were track teammates in high school and she used to…read moredo my hair for the track meets because my mom, being a single mother of 4, could not afford to get my hair done. Cora is ALL about hair care. She is so professional and does not do ANYTHING raggedy. She is an award winning hairstylist and she is a student of hair, frequenting hair shows and placing in top 3 in various categories. She is real, even if you want a style, if it is bootleg or something that is ultimately damaging she ain't going for it. Some people are just good at one or two skills with hair...Cora can do it all. She has been my stylist for years and would do my weaves before I would go play basketball overseas. She has fair yet competitive prices. She schedules very easy and gets you in and out (no all day visits to the hair salon). She has a cool vibe and always have a impersonal atmosphere where you are comfortable during your appointment. She really makes it feel like a service just like a spa or any other beauty service. All I can say she can grow some hair! Love her!

This was my first time here.. I went in for a consultation and ended up chopping my hair off.. It…read morewas very emotional but my stylist CORA took very good care of me....

Hair by Patrina

4.8

(4 reviews)

No lie. Book your appointment with Netta. Braids, cuts, trims, color, sew ins etc! She has skills.read more

Pat did my hair. I was a little worried at first because I just went natural. Pat turned my hair…read morenightmare into a hair masterpiece. She gave me twists and they have lasted for 4 weeks now. I am definitely going back! The place has beautiful paintings throughout it also.

Hair By Jacqueline

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