My daughter got her hair braided here on Monday, and unfortunately, we were both very disappointed with the outcome. A full week before the appointment, I submitted a photo of the exact style we wanted to ensure there was no confusion. The style she received looked nothing like the reference photo. Not only was my daughter unhappy, but I also reached out to express our concerns. Rather than being met with any accountability or effort to fix the situation, I was simply told to spend more money with them. It became clear that the priority wasn't customer satisfaction, but profit. This experience is exactly why it's difficult to support some small businesses--when quality and service take a backseat to making money. I genuinely tried to resolve this issue respectfully, but given the response and the poor results, I will not be returning or recommending this salon to others. read more

I can't seem to decide on a hairstyle until last minute--especially if it's braids. Some awesome photo scrolls across Instagram and I've got to have it that day or next. This place came through, though! I called at 11am and got an appointment at 3pm for Senegalese braids for $180 and up. When I got there however, the person who could do Senegalese wasn't available so I had to go with box braids instead. Eh, this was a last minute appointment so I wasn't too miffed. Also I had to go buy my own hair (only $6 a pack tho) across the street. They do have hair there, but just not in a color I wanted. Anyway, the shop is bright, yellow, spacious and clean. They only play African music/videos but it's really good and keeps the atmosphere chill. There were only two other clients and one had two people working on hers (microbraids, god bless!). Mine took like two and a half hours? It was faster than I thought it'd be! And she even tried hard to get the triangle parts in the way I saw it on Instagram. Great customer service! Extremely happy with the results and will be back. read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Inspo - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I'm in love with my Boho braids. Mariam is professional, sweet, and very gifted!! I have been going to her for almost 10 years and I get compliments with every set of braids read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I asked for a boho bob hair style and Miriam did my hair better than expectations. I'm in love with my hair I would give this shop 10 stars if I could . read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Boho bob - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

This place is amazing! Best service, atmosphere, and braiding! Friendly, easygoing, no attitude, straightforward.  Everyone who works there, even the clientele seems to have a happy spirit! I am so glad I discovered this shop. I am a man who started growing my natural 4C hair a few years ago and got to the place where I realized it would be best for my hair to "keep it stretched" and have protective hairdos from time to time. To be honest, I was slightly nervous about being a guy walking into a shop and asking about something I had limited knowledge about at the time. I tried to book an Appointment at a braid shop a few blocks from home and not only was the atmosphere jaded, but they were rude to me and never returned my phone calls.  Mariam, the owner of Akwaba braids is the opposite of this. Friendly, responsive, and engaging! A great spirit who also finds friendly and skilled staff to round out the professional atmosphere. I don't always wear my hair in braids (afros, wash n' go, twist outs, and do it yourself 2 strand twists in-between braiding), but when I do, I can't think of a better place than Akwaba braids! I did try a different and cheaper place (and Akwaba's prices are very reasonable, but I tried another place because of a closer location as well), but regretted it as the result was far less good-looking (crooked parts, uneven braiding, and frizzy roots in 2-3 days). I was mad!  I am never mad after the many times I've gone to Akwaba Braids!  In fact extremely proud and happy! As I write this, I am about a week and a half Into box braids, that Mariam did for me, and I still look like day one! Although I have had box braids several times, I also loved the 3 times or so, that my hair was corn rowed, the price for that is amazing and the stylist, Coretta gave me these micro cornrows that seemed to spiral from my edges, that got me so many compliments. Lastly, I gave away my niece at a wedding in Mexico. My box braids, done by the owner herself got me so much positive attention. One of the people I met at the resort in Mexico, who was from Brazil said "I wish I could come to Oakland California to get my hair braided like yours!" ‍ So, if ya wanna look good, at a great price, and be in a positive environment at a place that is welcoming, clean, and professional, I recommend Akwaba Braids.! read more

I love getting my hair braided here I've had my hair done in thin box braids 4 times so far by diff Braiders and my braids have always came out perfect and also done in less time ive been coming here every 2 months and will continue to as long as possible and somthing else I loved about this salon is the chairs are very comfy read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - My latest braids from them - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Don't do business with this establishment the owner is a liar I got my hair done from in in August I paid $300 for small knot less singles and she did not deliver I booked through Booksy and after I left a review she asked me to change it and she will redo my hair big mistake I shouldn't have updated my review because she did not redo my hair like promised when the time came she said she had an ruin Africa and she will do it when she gets back in 3 weeks I'm irritated at this point but I'm like ok mind you she did not reach out to me when she got back I had to call her then all of a sudden the day before I booked the 2nd time she has the flu I'm beyond irritated now so she was like I'll do it next week which is supposed to be Friday now she's not available just keep the $300 it won't make or break me but better believe I'm leaving a review on every platform to let people know you are a liar if I had the time I would sue u in small claims court but it's not worth my energy and I'm a strong believer in karma read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Small knot less braids i paid $300 for - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I want to write this review because it's been a long time coming and I wanted to warn people about this establishment and their lack of professionalism. I have been here twice and both times they have either cancelled last minute or couldn't provide the service I requested. The braider was over 30 minutes to an hour late each time. One of the times I was going on a trip and had very little time to find someone else to do my hair so it was extremely inconvenient. My advice to you is if you book here make sure you have a back up just in case they cancel or reschedule. read more

Well done I will be back once in the area again they did great work customer satisfaction guaranteed!!They we're amazing and they give you wine if you are good while sitting!! read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

I used to get my hair braided here before new management took over This is a braiding shop correct Well I called to ger my own hair braided without any added hair They told me they don't do that. What the fuck. This is a braiding shop correct and you tell me that you can't braid peoples natural hair without adding hair into it what type of braiding shop is this whoever took over this shop. F****** up for real excuse my French so another words if they're not adding any hair into my real hair they can't braid it read more

#ATTENTION New Owner....!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes improved service. I love my braids as always but I think i love them even more. The energy has changed a lot in the shop and I'm glad it's improving. I checked out her work and she can do it all. No lie I'm really happy all my braids are the same size and no frizz. I will never leave this place now. I know she can do all the braid styles and even fux locks. I'm in love now. read more

See all

the best braiding shop here in Oakland located at 4227 telegraph, I got my hair braided(small knotless waist length) last weekend by the owner and the braids came out so nice with good complement, I will surely be back read more

Prices have stayed the same over the past few years! Prices range from $50-$300 depending on size of braid and on style. I always receive compliments of their work. Please be warned that although this shop does do good work, they also have their flaws. In order to decrease their flaws be sure to follow the list below accordingly. Recommendations: Call ahead and schedule your appointment (they do take walk ins as well). THE DAY OF your appointment call and make sure your stylist is there (some of the stylist rely on public transportation... enough said) Take snacks (There is also small deli shop next door in case you forget) Bring earphones, cell charger, any entertainment! They do have a TV but typically watch shows/ movies from their homeland. Bring your own braiding hair (if you have the wrong hair there is a hair store across the street that will provide discounts ONLY if your stylist is there with you) Even though it typically takes 5 hours on average from start to finish for singles... MAKE ROOM in your schedule to stay closer to 9 hours (depending on hair style/length, etc) read more

Got my hair braided for my upcoming trip. Mamou the owner did my hair. She understood my vision and mixed two colors for singles. She also had another braided come over and assist to get me out of the chair as quickly as possible. My daughter was sitting, waiting, and looking a little bored. They braided her hair and made her smile from ear to ear. Seriously above and beyond work! Love love LOVE THIS PLACE!!! All braids are reasonably price considering the quality of work you'll receive. I will be back when it's time for a new style. Thank you!!! I LOVE MY BRAIDS!! P.S. i too love the French!! read more

Coretta made the nearly impossible-possible. Butterfly Locs in my barely three inches of hair! Excellent work. I'm impressed. Will be back. read more

Mama or Sara and Mariam and Rebels are the best inside n out they treat everyone like a true friend not that you aren't from their country so ur below them as a lot of the braided are from outside of states! We are sllnlackneimen and aren't treated well by our own! But they want ur money!! U wouldn't go to any anyone other than Ume at Djalma or Akwaba for this! I'm respected n don't have to demand my respect it given by these few also Mariam at Mariana Braids in Oark Nlvd she is nice she just doesn't like braiding my shirt curly hair read more

I can not say enough wonderful things about Mamou. After 3 other hair braider canceled on my earlier that morning, I found Mamou on yelp and reached out. She emphasized with my situation and said, meet me in 2 hours. I graciously waited and, indeed she opened her shop to me and immediately began slaying my hair. She is probably the neatest braider I have ever encountered and she completed my big ol' head in under 5 hours from chair in to chair out. My hair turned out wonderfully. She is now my go to person, but also should be yours. read more

I haven't been here in over 10+ years, it was good to see that management had changed, before the staff was rude and I didn't wanna return. My hair was done by Coretta and Mama, I got small box braids, braided pass my butt(accidental, I bought the wrong length. Lol) Both of them were kind, and gracious, my hair came out perfect. I will definitely be booking again. read more

These ladies r the freakn best n town!!!! I'm super picky & I'm so satisfied. Under new management and at first I was a bit skeptical because my old braider isn't here anymore but I checked Mamous Instagram and took a chance and I'm passed satisfied!!! These ladies r the truth they gave me the best micros I've ever had. The prices r very responsible & they r quick and professional. I'm a happy camper thanks again ladies read more

Regrettably I have been there twice and both times were terrible. As many help reviewers have noted in other reviews: Confirmation 1: There are young children seemingly unsupertvised (the baby got into some nail glue and glued 2 of her fingers together . I took the glue from her and the lady braiding my hair separated her fingers). Confirmation 2: They speak so loudly that they sound like they are always upset. They raraely speak english and when they do it is through such a thick accent it feels like being in a nail salon. Experience 1: I asked them to give me singles thicker than the hair case showing the hair size and price. She told me I needed synthetic hair. I kept trying to explain to her my hair is to soft and the synthetic will break my hair. I showed her a picture and told her I want them a bit bigger than the case display showed. She said okay. She started braiding and another woman came and started bbraiding. I was trying to show the other woman and she said "okay, I know". They swapped around a bit from customer to customer, but were quick and efficient. When they were done they looked nice, but were the size of the medium braids when I asked for them to be larger than the large braids. The braids looked perfect except for the braid she must have accidently cut off and tried to glue more hair to it for length. Experience 2: Confession: I intending to use human hair, but I couldn't find it and was not going to buy more hair. I had a in the process of moving, growing out a perm, working up a sweat, short haircut (bob cut) type desparate emergency. Over the phone the women said cornrows start at $50, I agreed and came in. I went to the beauty supply near and ran into the ladies from the salon. I showed her a picture and asked her what type of hair. She said "easy 2 packs of black and gold". As we were leaving I asked her what should I get to keep my hair from getting frizzy. She said "oh no your hair won't get frizzy". I asked if I should get a body to tie it up. She said no. I asked if I don't tie it up, won't it get frizzy? She said no. I know... I should have run at that point She asked me to show the other woman who ultimately braided my hair and the pair of them spoke in another language a while. When wegot to the salon I showed both ofthem the picture again at their request and they spoke once more. The woman I originally spoke with at the beauty supply said the cornrows would be $80 for mediumand $130 for small. It seemed a bit steep but I ws okay with the medium. Request Description: Braid starts thin and gets bigger as the get to the end. the cornrows go into a side mohawk. The ends have loose curls End Result: Braid starts medium and ends smaller as it get to the ends. The cornrows go into a side cross between mowhawk and ponytail. In the front you can tell they ran out of room resulting in a wierd part and squeezed in braids. the ends had tight curls. The style wasn't that bad, but it was so frizzy and not what I reequested. The wmoan who started my hair asked me to pay her because she had to leave and the other women finished my hair. I the salon mirror it was cute, I actually like the tight curls. When I got to my next destination and used my rearview to put on gloss I noticed how frizzy it was. I asked the 2 other people I met up with and showed then the picture. They said it looked like I had it done for a while and it looked nothing like the picture. I called the salon to let them know I just left the aoln about 15 minutes ago and just noticed how frizyy my hair wasand how upset I was. I left all on the voicemail and they never called back. I will never go back. never again! read more

I had an excellent experience.... minus the baby. I don't like babies... unless they're like baby puppies

I went here, and had a terrible experience. My braided from the start was being rude and tried to get me to pay more, despite the fact we had already confirmed on a price. Throughout the appointment, she was talking bad about me, in a different language (which I happened to understand). She continued to talk badly about me, despite the fact I was not doing anything. Moreover, she put in very uncomfortable seating, as she would force me to strain my neck in order for her to braid my hair. Whenever I would take a little break to stretch, she would get irritated. This to me is absolutely ridiculous service and very unprofessional. I would not recommend. read more

The best ever.......I'm so happy and pleased with their services I could cry....called at 6:15 in the chair by 7:00 out by 9:30.......my hair THE CUTEST! Thx Ladies read more

MAN!!!! i cant even tell you on how short my hair WAS!!! After getting my hair braided here for a year, my hair is past my shoulders!!! i'm so fortunate to have these ladies work so fast in braiding my hair but doing a GREAT job!!! I once had 3 braiders and my hair was done in 5 hours, i have super THICK hair so with 1 braider my hair would take more then 10 hours so i usually have two braiders. MY hair always looks so good!!! Tenea is my normal hair braider in the shop, she does GREAT work. This is her work here in my photo. read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - beautiful braids - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

I was very satisfied! I called to see what would cost me to have 4 tracks done for my extension and I received all the information I needed. Even got a same day appointment, promised to be done in 20 to 30 minutes and it was DELIVERED! Overall, this was an awesome experience! I even made a new friend Fifi. Hope to be back next month for a maintenance. I came home and my husband loved my new hair. Thank you so much for my extensions! read more

Sarah just hooked up my cornrow pontyail w/a bun. Great job! Professional work! I will be returning!!!

I recently moved from New York and was looking for a hair salon to get Senegalese twist. I looked around and finally found this awesome place. I just walked in and asked if could make an appointment, Mariam, the owner, said yes. Also, I wondered if it was possible for them to do my hair on the same day. She looked at her book and told me to come back in 4 hours. I was pleased by the excellent and quick service. I loved the ambiance of the place, and other braiders came as soon as they finished their customers in order for me to leave early. Overall, I had an amazing time at this shop and would come back!! read more

The BEST African hair braiding salon in Oakland! Their prices are reasonable and the owner is really accommodating, professional and nice. The shop is clean and smells good. She also has other products for purchase in the front of the salon, so it's more than a braiding shop. This my go-to place for hair braiding now. Highly recommended. read more

I WENT to this shop not even two weeks ago on 5/22/15 and got single braids paid $180. My hair is already coming out braids slipping right out. You can even see my hair that she didn't but in the braid half way down. I called before I left home to confirm appointment and make sure they were ready before I came. Got there only one lady was there already doing hair. She told me that the other lady would be there shortly and yes 45mins later was her definition of shortly. I should have took that as a sign to leave. She comes in with two little kids I have nothing against kids I am a mom of one so I thought nothing of it i know how hard it is to find a babysitter and things happen sometime. So she gets her kids all settled and start my hair around 11:09am when my appointment was for 10:00am. Half way done with my hair braided her baby is crying and her two year old is yelling screaming saying she hungry throwing things. Two year old even messed up braiding hair she had laid out because she wanted to play with it. Two year old Fifi got into grease and hair glue. No one payed attention to her but the other customer that was getting her hair done making them aware that the two year old had grease and glue playing with it. She even took the glue bottle out her mouth and wipe the grease off her face. She stop multiple times to feed her children and tend to her baby. Which made it to were singles turned into 10 hour job left shop at 9:40pm . She even left to pick her child up from school said she be right back took 30mins. Left her screaming 6 Month old baby there which the other lady couldn't tend to because she was braiding hair baby cried for 15mins in walker. Till I couldn't take it any more and picked the baby up till his mom returned so he can stop crying. Hair looked nice for a week before I started seeing the rush job on beginning of the single braids. WENT in to Talk to the owner of shop who said she would charge me half price to fix said cost $80 but she Will charge $40 for something that wasn't my fault even Fatima who did my hair got a attitude and ask me did I want it. I kept my hair tied up when I was in the house and kept it up with braid spray. Beware of this shop very unprofessional setting talk about customers in front of you and it's one big day care with screaming children while you get your hair done. I learned my lesson! I will upload my pictures! If she is there with her kids you will have a bad hair braiding experience. read more

See all

My cornrows turned out great. I was told it was only $50 on the phone but when I got here they said $60. Could have been the strong accent that I misunderstood so I just went next door to get cash. They have 2 visa/Mastercard signs displayed but they only take cash. (Weird). I must say if you dont have a high tolerance for kids this is not the place for you. One of the braiders had her two small children in the shop which they both ran, screamed and cried the entire time I got my hair braided. read more

The inside is nice, I have been to some very nasty places, and this was really good. The staff is extremely nice, but they speak french almost the entire time, which is cool with me. On the TV. we watched very family friendly movie's is a change from most braid shops I've gone 2.) My hair turned out beautiful. They were a tinier than i asked for though. All in all, it was a good experience. read more

I got my hair twisted today. The shop was empty so four braiders did my hair. I got out of the shop in less than three hours! Normally it would have taken at least 6 hours. I have been to this shop a few times over the years and have always been pleased. They are friendly and do amazing work. Thanks ladies! read more

I am brand new to the West Coast and used Yelp to help me find a braiding salon. I must say that I had a great experience at Akwaba! The ladies were very nice. The price was decent. My hair looks good and they were not so tight that I needed to take a bottle of Tylenol afterwards! I will be going back!! Thanks ladies!! read more

I love this place. Very welcoming. Mamou and her staff is talented and efficient. If I am ever in a rush, this is the place I would go. They make sure you are well taken care. I recommend them if you want to look flawless and enjoy some African vibe while getting your transformation read more

This place is the best Moumou was on time,she communicate with me through today session. I have been to many braiding salons in the Bay and this was my best experience. I will return for sure. read more

Love it! Ayesha did an amazing job...very neat braiding job! They do not overbook and they take their time...Will go again, very satisfied!

May 2003. They were very slow. VERY Unprofessional. My daughters appointment was at 9:00. They were not open until 9:45. When I got their, she had to wait....until someone got their....She only got (Big) french braids. It them them 2 1/2 hours......I will never go their again!!!! read more

This was my first time going there an I must admit I was very nervous due to some of the reviews an just being a new place for me but I love my hair it is neat an tight just how I like it. Fatima did a great job an I will go back again. The only reason I gave four stars is because it's hard to find a part that's longer then just two hrs an there were a few kids there being kids so we took a couple of breaks.. But overall my experience was great I might add if u can't handle kids running around an a lil loud talking this might not be the place for u... read more

Akwaba braids by Mamou - Loving my new due - Hair Extensions Near Me - Oakland, California

I got my hair braided here and it was a horrible experience. I wanted an appointment for early in the morning for micro braids because I was coming from far away, the lady on the phone would not accommodate that. Settle for something close to the afternoon on a Weekday. They're very RUDE and not friendly at all. I sat in the chair the whole 6 hours with no small talk or chit chat, just rude people. When I arrive there; there was no friendly hi's or how are you, just seat right there. Once she stopped braiding the other customer hair she started on my head and never washed her hands. The older lady with the rash on her arms was the lady who started braiding my hair and when she didn't enough hair from the bundle of hair for my braid she would pick hair up from the floor and try to put it in my her. The parking here SUCKS they only have 2 hour meter parking and 2 back street parking here. Every time I had to go and move my car she would have an attitude but she would move her car as well. Once the second braider arrived with kids in hand. (infant and I think 5 year old) It became very loud and a lot of foreign language spoken. This light skinned girl started braiding my hair and would put glue on the ends of my hair. Every time I would look at my hair to see the work being done the would make all the hair lay to my back so I couldn't see it. Be sizes there is no mirror in the bathroom to do it in private. When I would say something about it they would get an ATTITUDE and says no there is no glue on your ends. When it became lunch time they all just disappeared to the back of the shop to eat. No hey were going on lunch break or you can get something to eat while we are on lunch or nothing. They just left me and the other customer there in the chair with nothing said. They never washed there hands or anything. They have no manor's at all. Finally once the third braider( the heavy set one) started my hair she would put no glue on the ends and says I am putting glue on the ends and that she is just making it faster for the other braider's and she wanted to get me out the seat fast. She didn't like me speaking up and saying something very bad ATTITUDE. She then told the other lady's to start braiding the other ones that she didn't finish and glue them. Very RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL they all were. read more

This place is a hot mess & I can only say, never again. It's not the braiding, it's because there are roaches all over the place and no wonder because there is food, trash & hair all over the floor. Please do not ask me about the bathroom and the so call kitchen. Also, no professional ethic. Scheduled appt began almost an hour late & for another lady too. While my hair was being braided, she & some of the other ladies too would stop to talk on phone, text or play with the DVD player. And who takes lunch on a dirty table btw, after they just started your hair late. So disrespectful. Also, I was quoted one starting price over the phone & twice as much when here. Of course, I did not pay the higher price. My advice to the owner, the problem is not the work, rather the work ethic. read more