I've been coming to this shop for a few years now and I won't be returning. I'm very disappointed with my hair. I got feedin braids added with the curly hair and my hair hasn't stop falling out since I left the shop.mind you this was a 7 hour job. I reached out to the shop several times and no one offered any kind of accomplish! Never again. I will take my money elsewhere where and where I'm valued. read more

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As a faithful customer here I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of professionalism the business owner, Astan, displays towards customers. She is terrible at running her business properly. This will absolutely be the last time I go here. To begin with she doesn't honor online appointments. In my last 3 times going she has made me wait at least an hour & this last time she made me wait 2 hours! She thinks having 2 braiders in your head makes up for the time wasted & that's just not the case. Even with 2 braiders in my head it still took the same amount of time to finish that was originally quoted meaning I'm still 2 hours behind schedule despite having 2 braiders. She didn't even offer an apology or a discount for the inconvenience. To make matters worse, she got extremely rude & defensive when my wife told her that she could've handled this situation better since she was the one paying for it. My wife was doing something nice for me & having to wait 2 hours ruined our plans so yes as any normal person would she expressed her frustration to Astan. Instead of being apologetic she waited for my wife to leave & then came to me almost an hour later to complain about what my wife said to her. Literally screaming at me about it. She even took her hat off as if she wanted to fight. This simple conversation that should've ended with her apologizing turned into a full blown fight while she had other patrons in the store. My wife has bruises on her because the chair Astan threatened her with. All of her employees were on our side telling Astan to stop causing problems. All of this drama would be avoided if she were running her business the right way. Don't accept online appointments if you're not going to have a stylist ready. To add insult to injury, my hair is obviously rushed due to the drama Astan caused. It's not the length or size that I asked for. My hair is sticking out of the braids & to top it off my appointment confirmation says my stylist was supposed to be Astan! Extremely disappointing experience to say the least. read more

I had made an appointment a few weeks ago, but when I got there at 8:30 in the morning, there was no one to do my hair. They said it would be a wait, something that shouldn't really happen considering I wasn't a walk-in. I ended up waiting for almost 2 hours and still hadn't been helped by someone. They kept saying the person that would do my hair was coming, and continued to stick to that story even as I was walking out the door. I would not come back even if this was the last hair braiding place on Earth; and even then I might shave my head to avoid going here. If I could give this place zero stars, I would. And to anyone else looking to get their hair done, you're better off just going to another room and braiding it from home. read more

*updated* last three experiences have been great! 3 different branders and I was pleased with the outcome. They still cost too damn much though. Sheesh. 5days later and my mafricking scalp is still sore, still in pain and getting the bumps left when cornrows are too tight. Asked the lady who did my hair to not do it tight but most Africans are not known for their tender care of hair. A lot of these braid shops in Philadelphia will leave you bald headed. My styling did not look as I requested of course. I saw other braiders doing a phenomenal job so if I return I will try one of them and change my ratings. read more

This is my go to for my hair braiding. Wonderful service and atmosphere. I highly recommend them. I just got my hair done again today.

I called and set my appointment ahead of time, I'm from out of state so I needed to secure a good time slot. The lady that took my appointment was very nice and informative. When I got to philly, I texted her to change the time and she was very understanding and allowed me to do so. When I got to the salon they took my appointment on time, the woman that was braiding my hair was nice, not very personable. She worked pretty fast but I still ended up being there all day, that is to be expected because of the style I wanted. I asked her not to braid up my edges and she didn't. Considering my hair is pretty short she did very well catching it. It was still very tight and it gave me a headache, all to be expected I guess. I was very happy with the end result, could've done without the tight extreme braiding method. However, I think the energy of the salon could be more personable, the women spoke their own language the entire time, mind you we (the customer) are in the seat most of the day, why not connect with us? We're the ones you want to talk to. No one offered us a complimentary beverage or anything. One of the women (I later learned was the manager) ran to get food for everyone (working there). Not once did she ask us if we wanted something, then they all had the nerve to eat in front of us. Mind you I was there from 10am to 530pm. Sitting in the SAME spot. I think offering refreshments is just a way of thanking us for even choosing to do business with you. Your competitors are going a step further, offering better looking salons and they offer 5 star service. Just something I noticed that I think could be improved. Like I said, it wasn't a horrible experience but it could've been better/more enjoyable for the amount I was spending. And that goes for any customer spending their money, we have to do better. read more

My hair is nice! Senegal twists. 6 1/2 hours. Will be going back. They opened on time and I got right in the chair. They did not honor the coupon on the website, but that's okay, I love my hair it was worth every penny. read more

I paid $180 for booty length small knotless box braids by Khadijah. I was in there until 1:30/2:00 the latest after getting started at around 10:30. They provide the hair and are very neat and quick. They even caught my short kitchen so I was super pleased. I will definitely be back. read more

Astan Luxe Braiding Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Awful. I had an appointment and waited almost 2 hours to be seen and still no one started my hair. I had to find someone to do my hair the next day. read more

I'm going to give 5 stars for the following reasons: 1. Of ALL the braiding salons either from word of mouth recommendations, google searches or Yelp searches, this one was the only one where someone actually answered the phone and acted like they wanted my business. Being able to make an appointment on the website was great, even though I learned beforehand there are some appointments up that are actually not available. But make your appointment and you'll get a confirmation email either yay or nay. 2. My appointment was for 8:45 AM the braiding started on my hair within 15 minutes of that. 3. The air conditioning was on point. 4. For those reading in the age of coronavirus, if you are hyper-vigilant about it, you will appreciate that no one was allowed to enter without having their temperature taken by the owner/manager. There was a hilarious game of musical chairs in the beginning as the owner was trying to get everyone situated within physical distancing guidelines. She was also super strict about face masks over the nose and mouth for both customers and employees the entire time. That's why the air conditioning was so appreciated. 5. It felt really great to support this woman-owned, black business. Standing and doing repetitive movements all day long takes a toll. You are not going to get Four Seasons treatment but being there all day long is also communal for them. I can't begrudge them conversing among themselves. I rather liked the animated chatter as they seemed happy to be with each other. I wouldn't want them being quiet and "proper" for me as that would impede with their job satisfaction I'm sure. I actually liked the time to doze off, read a magazine, look at my phone and just think. All of the other hairstyles looked great as I watched folks leave, but I will only speak for micro- to medium-sized braids, not the fancier or trendier styles. I ended up paying $180, which is about $30 per hour for 6 hours of braiding (which was fast!.) I think that was a fair price. I plan to keep these braids in for at least 6 weeks, possibly 12 depending on how the hair washes so the savings in time for me is well worth the money spent. I do have to address tightness. Yes, they braid tight. As I have gotten older, my hair has gotten less soft so for me it was the parting and combing that was tough. That's why I only get braids once every few years. The last time I had braids was in 2013! I know many people won't want to do this but if your braids are so tight, I recommend the following: 1. Dancing, working out or walking to get your first sweat on right away so that your hair expands and loosens the grip. 2. Going home and running your hair under lukewarm water until you feel the tension releasing and you feel some relief. 3. Cut it off at the pass and if it's too tight, speak up! Don't suffer in silence. They will ease up for you. Other random recommendations: 1. Eat heartily before you go. 2. Pack your own food and water bottles. It's a food desert in that area. Employees cannot be running in and out to bring customers back food. You already know you're going to be there for HOURS. Bring your own food! I brought chips, apples, bananas and a container of stir-fried rice. I had eaten such a big breakfast that I only needed a banana and a few chips the entire time I was there. 3. Bring something besides your phone to entertain yourself. What I like most is that the place was literally like a braiding factory. Like a well-oiled machine and there were at least 7 braiders there. They accept walk-ins and customers were in and out. Whenever I do get my next braids, I will make an appointment for the earliest slot possible rather than walk in. I will be back. read more

I absolutely loved coming here! I got my hair done in long kinky twists. The prices were budget appropriate, the location is close to public transportation and great food, the staff are so sweet and professional, and my hair feels and looks great. The owner actually personally came around to every guest and greeted them. Khadijah did my hair and she was so quick and knowledgeable to the care of my hair and the style I wanted to achieve. Definitely coming back!! read more

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Made an appointment through yelp and Astan was working on my hair within 30 mins. Went pretty fast and love the outcome. I also was able to use the first time customer coupon for my braids! Hair is also provided. Loved all the hairstyles I saw walking out. Will return! read more

Astan Luxe Braiding Studio - Individual braids - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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My appointment was for 10am on a Tuesday. a stylist becomes available around 11. There is very limited hair choices. It's the brassy blonde or the black and yellow mix or black. My hair is a Auburn base with Highlights and low lights from blonde to honey, but I settle and proceed. Hair is completed by 530 no complaints. A moderate amount of clean up is needed on the hair trimming the ends, fly away hairs and re-twisting strands to tuck my hair away. By Friday 3 days later I have 5 braids missing in the back, I contact the salon, as per the signs touch ups are free with in a week she happily repairs the 5. As I'm sitting in my Lyft a notice loose hair. But beyond the touch up what happen to quality of work and service. ok it may have been 6 versus 5 your still not going to fix it. Do braiders no longer care about the quality of the work or reputation. Please see the pictures of the back of my head, is this the representation of your salon. if someone says who did your hair would you want me to say astan African braiding salon. 200 dollars and I tipped for shoulder length twist I expected quality and authenticity from a African shop. I'm against haggling for lower prices, I want to respect someone's craft and thier time and black women deserve every dollar and I will try to support them but am I getting what I deserve? I'm disappointed not in this shop but this ongoing trend of poor braid service were the focus is mass production of heads and not quality. Which also leads me away from supporting authentic African shops to the younger African American shops with I.G followers that are attempting to protect a brand so they focus in quality. I hope this wasn't taken as bashing or malicious. read more

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Thetook me right away witch was nice because I was on a time limit. It doesn't matter what her name was because all of the braiders in there didn't do a good job on anyone that left out of the shop. I ask her to do a brick lay because I was getting knotless braids. You would think that was a simple request but apparently she couldn't comprehend what I wanted. Another customer who's hair looked a mess was showing them pictures of what I was talking about. She acted as if she understood and still did what she wanted to anyway. If I'm paying 230 plus a tip you would think they would go above and beyond to give the customers what they asked for but nope they only care about the money. The back boxes are really big, and the front is small. Not uniform like they are supposed to be. I will never go to this shop EVER again. They are horrible. On top of that I spotted a bed bug in that back room. Anytime your planning to fix your hair before she's even done should tell you how bad it is. I'm a licensed cosmetologist and I do hair . I just didn't feel like doing my own. Customers beware!!!!!! Update: I called and asked someone to fix my hair. She pretended to put me on hold. Left me on hold for 15 minutes. I hung up and called back. She answered and lied about finding someone to do my hair. Then start talking shit like I'm wrong for wanting my hair fixed. They do not deserve your business. The shop is nasty !!!! And it stink. The bathroom is filthy dirty and smells like piss. I'm calling the state to report them. I will not allow them to rip more people off. Unprofessional and untalented. If read more

Today I got my hair done in twists, what I asked for and what I got were two totally different things. They kept saying I didn't bring enough hair I then kept saying okay I will pay more for more hair( they sell hair there). But they proceeded to keep going. I told them 3 times to make the twists thicker. The process took 8 hours I was there from 9:15-4:30. I had a doctors appointment at 4:30 which I told them about an hour before hand because I didn't expect to be there that long. I thought five hours tops. On top of that they were obviously talking about me from time to Time when I was pretty patient with everything up until hour 6. The only reason I'm not giving them less stars is because even thou it is not what I asked for they did a good job as far as braiding. But I probably wouldn't return. read more

Astan Luxe Braiding Studio - What I wanted - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Very nice girl! She was gentle with my daughter but still did a nice tight braid. It took about 3 hours for a cornrow style with added hair. read more

Astan Luxe Braiding Studio - Almost finished!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

love this shop a friend who goes recommended it to me and i have been going ever since my hair is very soft and curly and long so most shops try to charge me 180+ if i want box braids here i know its always 150 for waist length and its always on point. the ladies here are quick Madina is my favorite if i am getting box braids or twists real great service never had an issue. Cornrows usually start at 40-50 for basic and its like 60 if you want anything fancy or a cute design; Fulani braids are usually around 100, box braids start at 100 for regular length and 150 for waist length. They do braid tight so the styles last but my edges arent being snatched off overall good place. read more

Not enough staff on Fridays to do clients hair. Arrived at 8:45 around the time they open and have been waiting for 3 hours to get a simple hairstyle done. Last time I was here a few months ago, they had plenty of staff there to work fast to ensure people are not waiting too long and to get the other clients in and out. Summer is a busy season for hair braiding and I have been coming here off and on for a couple of years and I never expected the wait time on a Fri in June to take as long as it did, as well as having to sit for a few hours to get my hair done. read more

I have been going here for years and although I don't go often because I work all the time the owner recognised me right away they r some really sweet ladies and know exactly what they e doing,it's all about about getting the job done ,and doing it right I'll b going at the end of this month,I hope they,'ll make me look even better than they did the last time! Keep up the good work ladies read more

My appointment was at 8:45am, and she greeted me at the door. The shop was nice and clean, everyone had their mask on. Two people did my hair and I was out by 1 pm as she estimated. My hair is a bit tight that's understandable because the nape area is short. I love my hair and yes I will be back. The price is reasonable. read more

I visited Astan Hair Braiding over the weekend. I called at 8:30 & the Owner said to come right over. She even said to call her back if I needed directions. The service was great & the workers were very kind! Also, I was able to use a 10% off coupon for first time customers. Will definitely return in future. read more

I went to this shop today and asked for 6 knotless feed-in braid, I was told she could do it and it would be $80. As I'm getting the very first braid done I double check and asked the lady that was braiding my hair (is there a knot at the beginning of my braid)? I was told by her and her co-worker that it wasn't a knot a the top of my braid. Three braids in and I look in my front camera of my phone and what do I see Knots at the top of my knotless braids. I stop her and tell her this isn't what I asked for and then I'm being told from her co-worker that she doesn't know how to do knotless braids and because of the texture of my 4c hair I can't get knotless (never been told that before but okay) if you knew you couldn't do knotless like I asked for why sit me done in your chair ? The shop was clean and they had a lot of workers but they are all about a dollar don't sit me in your chair for money knowing you can't give me the hairstyle I asked for ! If your looking for knotless this isn't the shop for you! read more

I visited this salon today because of the reviews. Upon arrival I stated what I wanted done which was cornrows. I waited for another 15 minutes I then asked was someone gonna do my hair then the woman I guess the owner told me someone was on the way. When the woman who was gonna do my hair arrived I showed her a picture of the style she gave me a price then started my hair. She then showed me one braid and I asked her to braid it all the way down to the end please. In the beginning I told her I wanted them long waist length. So once they were all completed I noticed they weren't braided all the way down I again asked her to braid them all the way down because she was about to dip them in the hot water. She did braid them down further but not to end as I requested. But after that second time I asked her she seemed to have an attitude. Once she was done she simply said "I'm done" never offering me a mirror to see the finished style I was about to pay for! Bottom line I am not satisfied and I will never go back to this establishment again!!!! read more

Astan Luxe Braiding Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I got my hair done on January 15, 2018 and I am really happy with the results even one month later. The style I wanted took a long time but Astan was patient and did a very good job. I took one star off because the shop was undergoing some construction so things were a bit messy and there was a lot of noise all day from the workers, which at times was annoying. I hope that the shop looks a little better and is calmer once the work is done. Also, there was only one restroom in the whole building for us (the women in the shop) and the construction guys. I didn't like that; however, I had a great experience overall and would definitely go back to get my hair done again. read more

I had my hair done here recently and cannot wait to go back! I had such a nice experience speaking with the ladies in the shop and they did a great job! I got larger box braids in a layered style, which I loved because they look more natural, in the way that my hair would actually grow, and not all one straight line. I appreciated that they listened to my request for the braids to be varying lengths, instead of doing whatever they wanted/what was easiest for them. The ladies I met with (Astan and Farida) were kind, funny, and very easy to talk to. They were very patient with me (I have a lot of hair!) and gentle on my scalp-- I consider myself tender-headed and I had no problems with pain/tightness afterwards. I highly recommend this shop!!! read more

So I guess if you want your hair to last don't go to this place. I got faux locs and them bitches came out in 1 1/2 weeks they don't braid good so I suggest you keep your $160 and go down north because once I told them my hair was coming out I got a sew in now tell me why this lady slab all this god damn gel on my leave out after I told her no! they do what they want, I paid $250 for faux locs and they shouldn't have been coming out in a damn week and the pain!! It wasn't even cute for how much pain I was in, a week of pain but hey who am I get your coins African sistas don't believe the rest of these bs reviews they're fucking lying stay away from this no good braiding place read more