Braid Bar &amp; Beauty

Locally owned & operated

20 years in business

I had an appointment with Nina, and she genuinely made my whole summer! We had such a good time…read moretalking together and she was the sweetest when taking care of my hair. When I tell you that I left the appointment feeling like a new individual it is so true... I haven't seen my hair so smooth and glossy until today! Can't wait to be back :))

Irina is such a perfectionist and really takes her time with every section, but somehow the whole…read moreappointment is so calming that I feel like I'm mediating. She understands thick and fine Asian hair incredibly well and knows how to shape mine so it goes from ratty and generally unkempt to polished (and so much lighter). It can be surprisingly hard to find someone to do this kind of haircut (long fine hair) in the East Bay, but Irina really listens to the look you're going for. Her recommendations are always specific to your hair type, and I leave feeling less like I always have bedhead and more like I could be an art gallery girl in west village (iykyk).

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Lili Hair Salon

4.1(182 reviews)

1.1 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Excellent blow dry and color each time. Irene and staff are very helpful and talented.read more

She was so nice and often asked if the length of the cut was what I wanted…read more Price is definitely better than most places and she welcomes walks in.

New hours

Haircut by Jen

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Hair before

La Petite Hair Salon

4.5(223 reviews)

2.0 mi

I'd been in Berkeley for three weeks straight, about two weeks past my last haircut, and the…read moresituation was becoming untenable. I was not scheduled to return to LA for several more weeks. We were having an 87-degree day in West Berkeley, which -- for those unfamiliar -- is hot for West Berkeley, a neighborhood where the default setting is breezy and cloudy and lovely and sixty-three degrees, the kind of microclimate that lets you own one jacket and never think about it. Eighty-seven degrees in West Berkeley is an event. Eighty-seven degrees with hair that's two weeks past due is a crisis. I have Asian hair. I've written about this before. It is coarse and thick and grows outward like a porcupine asserting its personal space, and my coping mechanism in Los Angeles was to throw $85 at a hipster barbershop every three weeks to make it stop. This worked in the way that all expensive coping mechanisms work -- reliably, but at a cost that quietly compounds until one day you do the annual math and feel ill. 2026 being what it is, and a dollar these days being asked to do about a dollar forty's worth of work, I needed a new tack. I asked an AI assistant for a good cheap haircut in Berkeley and got several suggestions, which I then searched on Yelp -- yes, the very Yelp you are looking at, imagine that -- for reviews. One thing I noticed about La Petite was that people mentioned Asian women cutting hair there, and the photos confirmed it. I had a thought, the kind of thought that sounds reductive when you say it out loud but is grounded in lived experience: Asian women probably know how to deal with hair like mine. This is not a stereotype. This is pattern recognition developed over decades of watching non-Asian barbers stare at my head with the quiet bewilderment of someone asked to solve a math problem in a language they don't speak. No shade intended, just facts. So I gave La Petite a go. You watch closely when someone new is cutting your hair. You can't help it. You're tracking every snip in the mirror, reading their hands the way you'd read a stranger's driving in the first five minutes of a road trip -- are we safe here, does this person know what they're doing, should I have said something three turns ago. About halfway through, I watched her take volume out of my hair in a way that hadn't been done in years -- not just trimming the length but actually understanding the architecture of thick Asian hair, where the bulk lives, how it falls, how it will eventually grow out, where it needs to be thinned so it lies flat instead of projecting horizontally from your skull like it's staging a protest. She knew. I knew she knew. I had my new stylist. Twenty-eight dollars. Twenty-eight dollars, and I walked out with the best haircut I've had in longer than I'd like to admit. That's $57 left over from what I was paying in LA -- enough to buy groceries, or three martinis at happy hour, or a pizza at June's, or whatever you buy when you realize you've been dramatically overpaying for a basic human service because you confused a cool neighborhood and exposed brick with competence. La Petite has neither exposed brick nor a cocktail menu. What it has is someone who looked at my difficult hair and knew exactly what to do with it, which is the only thing that has ever mattered and the only thing I'm paying for from now on.

I went to get a haircut Friday afternoon for a special occasion and showed them exactly what I…read morewanted: a classic Ben Affleck Bruce Wayne-style haircut with regular-sized sideburns, just like the character. They asked me if I was graduating, and I said no, I was meeting my fiancée's mom the next day. Five minutes before the haircut was finished, the stylist took a big chunk off my right sideburn. She cut it too high, which ruined the whole haircut, especially since my face shape doesn't suit short sideburns. I told her I didn't like it. I didn't overreact or yell, I was just uncomfortable. The hairdresser said, "Too bad!" and tried to dismiss the issue. I told her again that she should have asked me about the length. She then took it personally and told her boss that I was making things up so I wouldn't pay, saying, "They do this so they don't pay." What do you mean by "they"? Not only did I feel dismissed and treated unprofessionally, but also disrespected. I was upset after the whole situation, but even then I was willing to pay and didn't want to leave without paying because I didn't want to prove her point. Plus, it's not that expensive. At the end, the stylist said she had 40 years of experience. Well, after this, it feels like you wasted 40 years and somehow skipped the basics of customer service. Not coming back, even after being offered a free haircut. I would rather pay three times what I paid today for a standard service where you're treated with basic courtesy.

Quick trim with long layers and slight face framing

La Petite Hair Salon - A photo of me later on in the day after I got a haircut at La Petite in 2016. I show this photo to all the stylists I go to as a reference.

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A photo of me later on in the day after I got a haircut at La Petite in 2016. I show this photo to all the stylists I go to as a reference.

Fox and Belle Salon

4.9(241 reviews)

1.9 mi•West Berkeley

Fox and Belle has quickly become my go-to hair salon, Reena always gives me such a gorgeous…read morehaircut, she has an eye for what will look best & really understands the craft. I've been coming here for a couple of years now & have always left feeling really happy with my hair, everyone seems really knowledgeable and on top of that they are also such friendly & sweet people.

I made an appointment with Cristi and am very glad I did so! She was very careful about how to go…read moreabout coloring my hair as I had already had highlights done. I really appreciated that she took the time to separate the strands of hair that were already bleached, so as to not damage them further. Overall, I am super happy with the results!

New mom hair included Highlights, Root Shadow, Gloss toner with Vichida and Maritza

Blonde Highlights, Root Shadow, Gloss toner with Lynn

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Bronde Highlights, Root Shadow, Gloss toner with Linda

Vika Beauty Salon

4.6(227 reviews)

1.1 mi•West Berkeley

I walked in this week with very healthy hair and left with extreme heat damage, fried ends and…read morechunky uneven yellow highlights. When I stand in the sun, my hair is actually transparent. Virginia, you refunded my payment (thank you) and I wasn't sure whether to write this. I loved the haircuts I got from you before. But you cannot experiment on people's hair like this. And after this I do not think you should be coloring people's hair at all. I asked you directly before we started if you had knowledge and experience with blonde highlights and you said multiple times yes, and that you definitely could make it happen. But it turned out you had no idea how to do blonde bleach, let alone balayage. Once you rinsed out the bleach and saw how bad it looked, you didn't stop what you were doing to share what had happened. Instead of showing me the results, you applied a super-hot curling wand to give me a big hairstyle so I wouldn't notice the highlights. The wand on the new bleach left it with intense heat damage. The hair is falling out as I write this and my whole head stinks of burnt hair. This did not need to happen - you could have simply told me the truth, that you have no idea what you're doing with blonde highlights, and I would have been able to find someone who does, and my hair would still be healthy right now. Please let me be the last person this happens to.

I came to Vika Beauty Salon to get the haircut that I didn't get at the last place I went to…read more Virginia referenced my inspo pic a few times and asked questions along the way to ensure she was getting me exactly what I asked for. I have paid far more for lesser quality cuts. She is friendly, detailed, and efficient. I mentioned to her the other reviews that suggest booking far in advance but she said that it only gets busy around the holidays. I was able to get a booking within a week in mid-January. Leave a voicemail and she will get back to you in a timely manner.

Tonsure

Virginia is a master stylist.

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Keter Salon - 4th&U

4.5(716 reviews)

2.0 mi•West Berkeley

Alex is a great stylist! Alex was very knowledgable and my haircut turned out beautiful! I can't…read morewait to go back for the next cut with Alex again!

This is the BEST salon I've ever been to. Nick is a miracle worker. I've never had better haircuts…read morein my entire life than the six months I lived in Berkeley. I've also never been a regular hair-cut getter, but Nick changed all of that. I got three haircuts in six months and every time it got better. He would cut my hair in such a way that it dried with perfect texture and layering, without any additional heat tools. I brought several friends to see Nick as well, and he did a fantastic job with each of their hair types and textures as well. Cannot recommend him enough!!!

Huge makeover from long to short

After 1 year we cut 7inches of and gave our client a fresh new look!

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Bespoke graduation from our junior stylist Jess

Edge Hair Salon

4.2(369 reviews)

1.4 mi•Telegraph Ave

If you go to edge hair salon, ask for Anna! She is the most experienced stylist and the only one…read morethere that knows how to perm coarse, short Asian hair. I've been going to Anna for almost two years now and have gone through so many different hairstyles. I feel happy and confident after each time. She is also such a joy and delight to talk with. On top of all this, the price is so affordable for the quality of haircut and experience. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Thank you Anna!

I just saw Anna for a perm (my first perm ever) and had a fantastic experience. Anna was so kind…read moreand communicated well throughout the process. The results were perfect, I will definitely be back.

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Wood Salon

4.6(492 reviews)

1.4 mi•Elmwood

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

Emma is incredible! She completely rescued my badly damaged hair and gave me the most amazing…read morebalayage. She listened perfectly to what I wanted and executed it flawlessly. Highly recommend her if you want a stylist who genuinely cares and has amazing skill!

Went to Annika yesterday for a long overdue trim and she did amazinggg work!! Absolutely love it.read more

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Shear Perfection Hair Salon Berkeley

4.9(74 reviews)

1.5 mi•Telegraph Ave

Ja is amazing! I went as a first time walk-in and she was able to fit me in her schedule (and I…read moreleft within a half hour). I had been looking for a spot that knows how to cut Asian hair (I have stubbornly straight, thick hair) as I was looking to get a textured mod cut, and I scored! Ja delivered what I asked for and I left feeling really satisfied with my new chop. If you're looking for a locally owned, affordable, sweet and friendly salon, Shear Perfection is it : )! Thank you, Ja!

She is an amazing hairstylist with so much experience. I walked in and almost immediately got sat…read moredown. She executed my haircut perfectly. She's a great conversationalist. Super affordable - especially if you're a student. Fun fact: she has painted all of the artwork in her studio!

Photo of my brand new haircut, after shower, no styling

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Lhasa Hair Salon

4.3(203 reviews)

1.6 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Had a wonderful experience at Lhasa! I got a dry cut by Biyan(?) (did not know spelling) for $35…read more She was very careful and attentive to the details during the cut and made sure I liked the length and layering. It was a very relaxing experience and I would go again if I need a cut. Very reasonable pricing too Made an appointment online but they take walkins (there could be be a 20 min wait though). They have two chairs.

This is my go to hair spot. Love that it's minority women owned, and also that I can call any day…read moreand usually they can squeeze me in. The price is very reasonable and they do a good job. It's no thrills - so don't expect a hair wash/head massage, or a beverage while you are there.

Waiting for haircut

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Getting my hair cut!

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1 review that is not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Pretty B.

303

41

2

8 years ago

I simply inquired about getting my hair braided and i was treated as if i was INTRUDING by even walking in side, after a few minutes I told them what i wanted which seemed very hard for them to grasp, she rolls out the elaborate price of 80 dollars.... So i said Oh ok, when I came back to get my hair braided i couldn't possibly believe that they DO NO WASH YOUR HAIR BEFORE BRAIDING IT! As a professional salon you should always wash your clients hair its just the sanitary thing to do they said it would cost an extra THIRTY DOLLARS! For something that should be included with their elaborate price? No way jose! on the up side the pink color is very nice which is probably what attracted me to the "braid bar" in the first place. it still has an unfinished look to it but this place is to expensive no body cares what the place looks like but if your charging me 110 dollars is should look exquisite and so should the braids read more

Braid Bar & Beauty - hair - Updated October 2026

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Take It Down Salon & Braids

4.5

(40 reviews)

Miss Medina did an amazing job braiding my daughter's hair! The braids were tight, neat, looked…read morebeautiful, and lasted really well. After dealing with lice multiple times this school year, we really needed a way to keep my daughter's hair pulled back and manageable without the daily fights over brushing, tangles, and knots. A friend suggested having it professionally braided, and it has been such a game changer for us. Her hair stays neat and out of the way, mornings are so much easier, and we haven't had another lice issue since. I highly recommend Miss Medina if you're looking for someone who does beautiful, long-lasting braids. We will absolutely be back!

I found Take It Down Braids on a fluke. I called and they were able to fit me in last minute…read more This is a small African shop run by what I believe is mother and daughter. They are sweet women. It took about 4 hours to get my hair down (1 person) and they only charged me about $80 so I ended up paying $100 in total with tip. The only thing I can honestly say I didn't like about the shop is the chair. They weren't very comfortable at all to me (neck and back). They needs chairs that can sit lower while they sit higher or chairs that support the neck. That and that it was very hot in there. I kept having to ask them to open the door so we could get some air. Lastly, I think they should offered water and even a few snacks (for purchase or for free) options for their customers. You want to give people an experience and have them want to return and tell all of their friends. Overall it was a good experience and I will return, next time a little more prepared.

Virgin Plus Beauty Lounge

3.9

(16 reviews)

First , I have to start off saying this is a one stop shop for all of your hair care needs . From…read morenatural hair, weaves, coloring services,locs & if you need hair , she has quality hair on hand ! The shop is very welcoming with its open floodplan , to as soon as you walk in , you're greeted as if you are family . Drue is hands down gifted in what she does . I never know exactly what I want done next & she delivers everytime I challenge her with a new style idea ! Also, when she is not available , Harrison has stepped up and taken care of me & he did not disappoint either . They are a group of talented stylist here at Virgin Plus ! 10/10

this review is for sania- the makeup artist…read more i booked my appointment a month in advance. sania text me 2 days prior to the appointment asking me if i can come in at 7am instead-unfortunately i couldn't, she said no worries. then just now, the night before my appointment, she text me saying her wrist is cramping and can't do my makeup but yet offered a different day with a discount???? very unprofessional. no thank you! even after getting my refund i said "thanks girl" and no response from sania. good luck running your business this way.

Kaari Braids Studio

4.5

(13 reviews)

I am a very picky when it is about my hair. but I have been to Kaari hair braiding and y'all trust…read moreme Manty has the skill. she's very frendly and she also keep ur shop clean and quiet . her shop is a place where u want to get beautiful. Y'all should try she's one of a kind. manty if you happen to see it one day thank you mama

I've really been struggling with my hair and trying to find new things to do with it and Manty has…read morebeen a dream. I honestly wanted to gatekeep and not share this review with anyone but that's not fair to her. She is really excellent - - provides great service, listens to your request. and her shop always has a calming vibe.

TEME Salon

4.8

(12 reviews)

I had an amazing experience with Amy. I am new to the area and I had my first visit to TEME Salon…read more Prior to the visit there was a consultation about my hair and desired styling so I knew exactly what to expect. The appointment was great. She checked in with me frequently during the service. I was well cared for. I love the results! I'm so grateful to have found a salon that I can trust.

My service at Teme Salon is always priceless!Idowu is an amazing stylist! Her Salon is Immaculate!read more

Famarisa African Hair Braiding

4.7

(15 reviews)

After my original braider canceled on me literally 30 minutes before my appointment (while I was…read moreblow-drying my hair according to her prep instructions ), I was ready to panic. Instead, I jumped on Yelp, found Famarisa African Braiding, took a chance, and I am SO glad I did. I called at 8:30am and Famarisa was able to get me in almost immediately. I walked through the door around 9:25 a.m., and by 9:30 someone was already braiding my hair. They had the braiding hair ready to go--I just had to grab the Boho hair for my waist-length knotless goddess braids. Y'all... I was walking out the door by 4:00 p.m. with a FULL head of beautiful waist-length Boho knotless goddess braids. I have been getting my hair braided for years, and I have NEVER finished early enough to still enjoy the rest of my day. When I looked up around 3:30 and realized she was already on the last row, I almost cried lol. These women do not play about their time, and they definitely don't waste yours. The atmosphere was just as amazing as the service. It genuinely felt like I was hanging out at my auntie's house while everyone chatted in French and other languages. The entire shop was warm, welcoming, and full of good energy. The owner's daughter was incredibly kind and even offered me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while I was there. (She also does beautiful nails, by the way!) The biggest win for me, though, was the braiding itself. I am EXTREMELY tender-headed. Usually, the first night after getting my hair braided is miserable because my scalp hurts so badly. This time? I slept like a rock. Not a single headache or sore spot. My braider listened when I told her I was tender-headed, checked in with me throughout the appointment, and adjusted her tension without any attitude or pushback. That level of care meant everything to me because, trust me, I have absolutely cut braids out before when they were too tight. I can honestly say I found my new braider. Looking back, I'm grateful my original appointment fell through because otherwise I never would have found this gem. If you're looking for PROFESSIONAL, talented, efficient, kind braiders who truly care about their clients, Famarisa African Braiding is it. Period. I recommend them without hesitation.

Experience with Famarisa was excellent. My appointment started on time, and my braids were done…read morequickly. My braiders were kind, and full of pleasant compliments about my hair. Pricing was fair and transparent (they show you sizes and prices in a big book before starting your hair). Cashapp, Zelle, and cash all excepted. Booking via booksy was also super easy, they took the deposit cleanly, and honored the discount they've posted from their site. I will be back!

Sweet Growth Salon

4.3

(6 reviews)

Definitely recommend! Very easy to book, stylists are very professional, and I really liked the…read moreresult. Would absolutely book again.

I had my hair braided recently at SGS and they did a fantastic job. Byrisha was the stylist that…read moredid my hair and she was great. This is only my second time getting my hair braided and both she and Tina, the owner, were very good about answering all of my questions. The location is perfect, right there at South Shore, so it's easy to get to with plenty of parking. The salon space was comfortable and they were always checking in to see if I wanted anything to drink or snack on. I love having such a convenient spot to get my hair braided. I received so many compliments about my hair. Great job Sweet Growth!!

Mariame Beaute African Hair Braiding

4.7

(20 reviews)

Mariame is so wonderful and I am glad that I found her. My hair was super short and I was afraid…read morethat I would have to leave the back undone but Mariame gripped it. Her work is neat, and she doesn't braid your brain and leave you in pain LOL. I reached out to her via text and she got back to me in good time. When I met her it felt like I had known her forever. She made me feel very comfortable in her home and checked on me and made sure I was ok the entire time. I definitely recommend Mariame for your braiding needs!

Mariame is so sweet and my braids are POPPIN…read more For those wondering, her prices start at $150. If youre getting singles, she has a little sample chart of braid sizes with the prices that go along with them. I got pretty small braids ($225) and got them super long (+$50). My actual hair is pretty short (3 inches) with a looser curl pattern. This, added to my braid size and length, made for a loooong appointment, but she was very patient and even after the last braid was installed, made sure they were all looking RIGHT. Her braiding is done from home, and I got to meet her beautiful family. Her grandson is super cute and entertained me while I sat there looking crazy with my hair and extension hair all over the place lol. Will def come back to her Bc like I said, my braids are POPPINNNNNN

Class of Braids

4.4

(17 reviews)