After five years as a loyal client, I can honestly say this is the only salon and braider I trust with my natural hair. Every appointment reminds me why I keep coming back. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with warmth, professionalism, and genuine kindness. The salon is beautiful, spotless, and located in a safe, convenient area, creating a relaxing experience from start to finish. The entire staff is friendly, respectful, and makes you feel like family. What truly sets them apart is the exceptional quality of their work. My braids are always neat, consistent, and beautifully done without sacrificing the health of my hair. I appreciate that they listen to my concerns, especially about protecting my edges and hairline, and they always braid with care. My appointments start on time, and I know I can count on them to deliver beautiful results every single visit. Finding a braider you can trust is priceless, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found mine. Their professionalism, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to healthy hair are second to none. If you're looking for a talented African braider who truly cares about her clients and takes pride in her craft, look no further. I recommend this salon with complete confidence. Thank you for five wonderful years of consistently outstanding service. Here's to many more! Highly, highly recommended! read more

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Very overdue review, for box braids done by Fatu in 2022. She did an excellent job, I never had braids before but needed a protective style for my travels in a very dry climate for a prolonged period of time. I had a great experience here, she was so gentle and kind. I was a little bit nervous about the tension and how my scalp would handle it, but she did such a good job not only was I able to tolerate it my hair grew a whole inch. I wore the braids really long don't judge me...3 months but that's a testament to the job she did, it didn't look raggedy after all that time AND I got an inch of length. We chose a side part, but I could wear any direction. Thanks again Fatu, wish I left this review sooner. read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

So so happy with how my hair turned out!! I got medium boho braids! I did have to get my own human hair but they have a supply of braiding hair. I brought my own so I could have the specific color I wanted. In and out in 9 1/2 We didn't start on time but I didn't mind once I saw how my hair turned out LOL Will definitely be coming back! read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is a wonderful hair braiding salon. I have been coming here for almost 20 years. I am beyond grateful to the entire team at Le Balafon!

Amazing Service and I love my faux Locs!!! My hairdresser was super patient and Kind! Vibe was cool too! I would definitely recommend! read more

I brought my 15‑year‑old beautiful granddaughter here for braids, and I honestly cannot say enough good things about this salon! It was our first visit and from start to finish, everything was wonderful!! They were ready for us right on time for our appointment. Everyone in the shop was so kind, professional, and courteous, and the space itself is beautiful--filled with nice gifts and pretty art from Africa, which gives the studio such a warm and welcoming feel. The ladies who did my grandchild's hair were amazing--so quick, so detailed, and so talented. Her braids are perfect, neat, and absolutely beautiful. I have never seen anyone braid that quickly while still maintaining such high quality. It felt like such a BLESSING to even GET an appointment at this established salon, especially right before school starts when so many places are booked up!! We are both beyond grateful! The prices are super fair, they carry their own hair which was amazing! We brought some, but they supplied us with additional hair. The whole experience felt so gracious and effortless. Everyone in the shop was lovely, and many of them were speaking French--it honestly sounded like music!! The ambience is sweet and calm, and the location is excellent: about a block and a half from the Ashby BART station, right next to the Queen of Sheba convenience store (handy for grabbing drinks!), and close to Berkeley Bowl. We even had breakfast at a little café just half a block away. We loved it so much that we've already reached out to set up our next appointment! It is so hard to find a braiding salon that is reliable, consistently excellent, fast, and genuinely kind--and I am beyond grateful we found this one. Thank you to these wonderful ladies for taking such good care of us. Highly, highly recommend! **** these stylists are EXPERTS, and If you're NOT coming here...you are missing out! read more

Fatu is a gem. She scheduled me quickly. She gave me exactly what I wanted. Needed my hair done for an event and she delivered. read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Boho knotless braids - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great service and pretty quick. I appreciate that she got me in the same day after my other appointment somewhere else got canceled.

I must take a moment and give the ladies and Gloria to be precise ,a bit of praise. I was lucky to have an appointment wwith Gloria on yesterday. She did an absolutely amazing job on my hair! I was a tad bit nervous because quality ethnic hair is not something that is easy to find in this (silicon valley) area. I did my research and I am happy I diid!!! Gloria will definitely be my go to for QUALITY braiding! I've gotten so many compliments already and it hasn't been 24 hours! I'm in love with the style and ms Gloria's skill!!!! I will be back and WILL recommend highly!!!! read more

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I just got my hair done last night and I must tell you that I am extremely OVERJOYED and AMAZED by the EXCELLENT work that was done on my hair by Fatu and by the assistance of her daughter Thelma! Fatu was KIND, PATIENT, and PROFESSIONAL in a very down to earth way! I felt comfortable the moment I walked into the shop. I have never gotten my hair braided before with extensions so I was PRAYING that I picked the RIGHT shop and GOD answered my prayers! Fatu worked on my hair for 6 hours and over the course of that time her daughter Thelma (who is also very talented) assisted her. She too was very pleasant! Fatu was also VERY understanding of any reservations I might have had being as it was my first time getting my hair professionally braided.The price was VERY reasonable and EVERYONE that I saw in that shop yesterday left with their hair looking MAGNIFICENT!I came late afternoon so I presume these people had come much earlier. Seeing the "finished work" reinforced my "good vibe".I can TRULY say to ANYONE that if you want your hair done by PROFESSIONALS that don't have the INFLATED prices and the PHONY BALONEY attitude then you need to come here! It was an AWESOME experience and they now have a customer for life. Sincerely, Mary read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Me inside today working. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I wish I could find a salon like this in Orlando! I had a fantastic experience here. I came in for my appointment at 12pm and was out by 4pm. Anyone who has ever gotten braids knows that it is a long process. I always wanted to get the Senegalese twist so I showed Fatou a picture of the hairstyle that I wanted and she delivered. Also the ladies in the shop are very friendly and quick. I left the place pleased and satisfied. Also not only is this a salon, it also has a few items from Africa that you can buy. I saw a few cute baskets, African art and a few dresses. If you are looking for a salon in the San Francisco area and want your hair braided quickly and neatly, I recommend Le Balafon. the quality of their work is fabulous and your hair will look cute when you leave! I will definitely be back whenever I am in San Francisco. read more

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I travel all the way to Berkeley CA just to get my braids done by this shop and ONLY this shop. They never disappoint. The shop is clean. Convenient location near BART/AC if you don't want to drive. Nearby places to grab a bite if needed. Comfortable. Don't doubt, check them out. read more

I came here in October 2018 for singles and loved them. I came back and had a bad encounter but I tried again and I am in love with my kinky twist. This place has amazing braiders. My hair is always neat and not to tight. I'm out of the chair faster than most places and that's with one person braiding my hair. I really recommend coming here for some beautiful braids. This place does many other styles as well. I have seen everyone braid in here and their skills are truly amazing. Everyone who works here are very friendly plus you can tell that they are passionate about what they are doing. I am glad I made a choice to try it out again. Something told me don't give up and it was for a good reason. I want to say thank you to the owner and also the braider who did my hair today. Hope to see you soon. read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Beautiful salon and damn good hair stylist. I got kinky twist today and I love them. I am getting so many compliments. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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first time and it did not disappoint. I got large knotless braids with curls added. I was in and out in just 3.5 hrs. Location was convenient and easily found parking. Will definitely be back!! read more

Appointments can start a bit late. I asked for Knotless box braids to my waist. I brought my own hair although that is not a necessity. It took around five hours from 10:30 to 3:30. I think the parting is clean and beautiful and I felt comfortable checking in with the braider from time to time about additional requests. read more

Very neat braiding, reasonable good location. Style last long friendly service will come again

Such a sweet gentle, welcoming team! My family will be back . Both boys braided and ready for school . Thank you !! Thank you! read more

These braiding professionals are efficient and their work is lovely! I've been there twice. The first time they braided my edges a little too tight but much better the second time. I highly recommend just communicate clearly what you want. Not exactly a luxurious salon in terms of aesthetics or decor but they get the job done right. read more

I made an appointment two weeks ago for braiding. I showed up at 9 o'clock for my 9 o'clock appointment. The shop was closed. No one showed up until 10. At that point, they had no record of my appointment. They then told me one stylist would start me and and a second would finish me, which I agreed to. An hour in, they transferred me to a third stylist, which I had not agreed to. Horrible experience for a first time customer. I will not be coming back, nor should you. read more

I had very bad experience to say the least. I was there for eight hours for simple twists, which normally takes 3-4. I grew tired of them treating me like I was going to leave with out paying when I went to the store next door, while leaving my keys and iPad. While sitting for six of the eight hours, a person of a particular color came in when the stylist stopped braiding my hair and waited on her as she boasted about how her bottom compared to blacks. The stylist smiled and sold her an item while one of the stylist who was free of labor remained seated. A week after completion I lost 12 braids! I don't recommend this business. There is enough competition in the area to pass-by and find a more professional atmosphere. read more

I have been coming here since 2008, I have been here several times and I have always been VERY satisfied, but I am not this time. I came in for Senegalese twist on 10/31/2013 and they need to come down already. I didn't notice until I got home that she mad the braids in the middle of my head SO BIG that I can not wear them out. I am a natural hair girl, so that was a no no because she cut corners braiding and parting my hair correctly, they look old already. SMH I am very hurt, honestly, hurt that I have spent $150 for braid that I have to keep in a ponytail. I am a business professional who has to maintain a neat and well kept appearance. I thought that I would be able to keep them until the end of the year at least, but I won't make it pass this month. One braid has already fallen out. My business has been lost. read more

Well I will never return to this place again unless I have Emma braid my hair.I had a horrible experience on Friday August 14th.First of all my apps was for 9am and the braider did not arrive until 9:3am ok fine,then a few hours later while twisting my hair she just up and disappeared.I was like wait where did she go?So Emma(which is the other braider)stopped what she was doing to go look for my braider/twister after not finding after 15 mins,she walks back in saying sorry I went to check my car it's street sweeping day.On top of that she kept talking on the phone while twisting my hair but not talking to me.Whatever...so finally after 9 and half hrs she says she is done.By that time Emma had already braided 2 heads and I was still getting my hair twisted.Now here we are a week later and my hair looks a mess.The braids are unraveling.What a waste of money!! read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Look at this!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this shop! Why do I love this shop you ask? They listen to my hair request and deliver. They don't charge an arm, leg and my first born child. They are quick! My hair is always on point, and I leave looking amazing My head is not on fire when I leave. There is always a place to park. Everyone is always nice If I don't like something, they will do there best to fix it! I've been to many shops around the bay, but none have treated me and my hair as well as this shop!! read more

Fatu and Emma are the sweetest women I have ever meet! I've been getting my hair braided by them for 10 -12 years and my braids have always turned out nice. They work fast and always make sure you're okay. This will always be my go to spot for braids. read more

It has been years since I had my hair braided. Moved here from Maryland 2 years ago but I'm still trying to get to know the good spots for certain services. I am always cautious because I don't know how well places in the Bay Area compare to the quality that I'm used to back on the East Coast. However, I am SO GLAD I trusted Yelp and went here. The shop is clean, the ladies are professional & Fanta did a great job with my hair. I have a small patch of damaged hair in the front but she was able to braid it very well. The owner, Fatu, was really nice & helpful. My biggest suggestion is that you make your appointment as early in the a.m. if possible because parking is tricky in this area. I got there early enough that I found a spot that wasn't metered (right in front of the Episcopal church around the corner)... If you need your hair braided, come to THIS shop. You won't be disappointed! read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Tree braids with 18-20 inch human hair done by Fanta - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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So I recently went back and got some braids. I only returned because it was easy to get an appointment. My experience is better than the last time, no smells in the air. I only came back because Fatu is Professional with her work. The salon is clean. I bought a lite coat but wasn't enough. If you are a person that hates the cold, then wait to get your hair braided. Next time I'll bring my electric blanket. Bring your ipod or something to entertain you, because they like to chat with each other. Plus a charger. Cost...a bit pricy but I won't get my hair done for a couple of months. I hope. read more

I love this place! The ladies are nice ! Emma & will Gloria braided my hair it took 4 hours! Emma & Gloria braided my hair neatly! My hair came out beautiful! If it is one person it's going to be 6-7 hours. The place was clean with a nice atmosphere ! Fatou the owner is nice and very professional. read more

Alright, so Emma braided my hair HELLA FUCKIN TIGHT YALL!!! Do not goooo! I repeat do not go here. First of all had to come back after she messed up my first style braiding hella tight. Second day I came back she still braided hella tight after I told her not to! They speak French and barely English and I honestly felt uncomfortable and like they were talking about me. Overall, bad experience cause it should not take 7 HRS TO DO MY HAIR. Save your edges, and money! read more

This place does great braiding!! Pricing is reasonable, and they accept debit cards. Emma is really fast, and does good work. Everyone is friendly. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because every time I've gone, I've never started on time. I've even gotten up and left because I waited so long to get started. Braiding takes a long time already, so it's really important to me to start on time. read more

I think the owner and stylists of this shop may have good intentions but they have unprofessional business tactics. The first time I went I received senegalese twists to my back and was told the price would be $220. I paid, got my hair done, and was satisfied. When I returned 3 months later for the exact same hair style they tried to charge me $260 when I explained to them (by showing them a picture of the hairstyle they did before) that this is the same hair style I received there was some back and forth about the hair and they said I needed to pay $224. I was a little frustrated but let it go. This last time reinforced that I would not be returning. I had an appointment scheduled at 10am. They were running late and did not begin my hair until 11:15am. I let that go, cause I understand things happen and sometimes people run late, but what made me upset was the pricing again. I already had it setup in my mind to pay $220. I planned to get the same twist except this time they were going to be bigger in size. So technically, if the size is bigger it generally should be cheaper but I was still prepared to pay $220. Before braiding, the braider told me it would cost more cause she may need to use more hair and I asked, how much more? She said, "I don't know." I was upset because no one was giving me a straight answer on price. I explained to her that i have received this same style TWICE and paid 220 once and 224 the second time. I was confused as to why this style would cost more since my braids were going to be bigger, which is going to require less time and why they couldn't be upfront about the pricing. She finally said it could be 4 to 8 dollars more. I agreed and let it go but was upset that yet again it felt like they were making up any type of pricing system they wanted. If i wanted to bargain I would go a flea market, I'm getting my hair done and I believe stylists should be direct and forthcoming about their prices. At the end of the experience before I left she told me my full price was $280. I bluntly told her I was not paying that, I was prepared to give her 220 and walk out the door cause I was so frustrated. She then spoke with the shop owner and apologized and said she "miscalculated" and said I owed 232. I was like where the heck did you get 232 from? I gave them 230 and walked out the door. The experience left me with this a dishonest feeling that they'll try to get over on people and see how much they are willing to get and I do not think that is fair nor professional business tactics. On top of the fact that they were back and forth with pricing, I asked her to leave some of my edges out which she did not do and I noticed a few of my braids were braided crooked. =/ I would have not left a review but between braiding my hair in a lazy fashion plus not being direct and absurd with their pricing it left me a bad taste in my mouth. I will not be returning and I would not suggest this place to anyone. read more

Emma braided my daughter hair I loved it brought me niece in for a 6 o'clock appointment. Emma did not start her until 9pm which I was. Dry annoyed about. Owner of the salon is a good friend and I hate to not be able to give 5 starts but Emma needs to step it up and stay off her phone and book appointments with times she can commit to. read more

We live in Portland but saw the great job done on a friends hair in Portland. My daughters and I fly every few months to get their hair braided. Fatu does a fab job! It's worth the travel to California for a job well done. And she is pretty quick, 12 year olds don't like to sit long! read more

I don't Know about anyone else but, My hair looks good and i feel great every time i get my hair done at Le Balafon. Me and daughter have been going for 2 years now, and i won't go anywhere else.I have tried most of the shops in Berkeley and I can honestly say i am not impressed.Give these ladies a try you wont be sorry. read more

I went in here to check the prices on braiding. Their prices are comparable to most other shops in Berkeley and Oakland. HOWEVER, there was an overwhelming smell of incense. Incense is good in small doses, I can't imagine having to smell it for 6-8 hours, and then having that smell in my freshly done hair. ick. read more

I called Friday afternoon for an appointment and surprisingly was able to get in the next day. Fatu is very professional and when I went to the shop for the first time her and the other women were very nice. My hair was braided in an efficient amount of time and when I was halfway done 3 braiders did my sengalese twist. My hair was done very neatly. I will definitely be back. read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Sengalese twist to my waist - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Came in last minute for Burning Man braids and could not have been happier!! The ladies working at the salon were super sweet, efficient, and great at creative ideas about the "best look"! I would recommend this salon to all burners looking for cool and easy do. read more

Le Balafon African Braiding Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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First must I say these ladies were very professional and nice. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by everyone with a hi and a smile, that made me feel very comfortable. Although my appointment was at 3:30 Ms. Emma didn't get started on my hair until 5 very neat and fast braider only took 3 1/2 hours for cornrows braided into style. They also provide the hair which I believe was $3.95 a pack she used 2 1/2 packs of braiding hair on my head , which I didn't have to pay for :). When Ms. Emma was finished, Ms. Fatu gave me advice on how I should maintain my braids, but my overall experience was great. At the end of the day we all was satisfied I love my braids &&. I also left Ms. Emma a tip with the price she charged me. I most definitely found my new braiding place &&. Yes I do plan on going back :). read more

I've been coming to this shop for almost 9 years! They are extremely kind and much faster then other braid shops I've been to. I've recommended this place to my family, friends and everybody in between. So thankful for them to be in a great location in the East Bay! Thank you thank you for such great service and quality work. read more

I've been getting my hair braided there for years. They have the absolute best braiders I've ever dealt with; hundreds of braids in my head and every single one of them looking exactly alike. Also, If I make a weekday appointment, I can sometimes get two braiders, which really cuts down on the time it takes to get my hair done. Everyone working here is really nice too. I just wish they would get some nail techs in there, so I could come out with my hair done AND a mani-pedi. They are a bit expensive, but let's face it -- you get what you pay for. You can either pay a little more for professional looking braids in a decent time period, or go pay somebody to do your hair in their kitchen, while they take breaks to pick up, feed kids, etc. read more

Not only is Le Balafon a place where you can go to get your hair braided, because you can go lots of places for that; but it's a place where you're made to feel comfortable, safe and accommodated amongst a group of the nicest, professional woman I've met to date. However, I will warn you against one thing, make sure you bring food, because sometimes they have on these yummy, fun, food shows, and if you come in UN-prepared without a snack or two packed away, you might risk the urge of having to run out and get something to eat LOL; but nevertheless one of the ladies will almost always ask if you need anything. Other than that the professionalism, and concern to not only braid your hair but the taking the time to stop and listen to what types of style you desire, how you plan to wear it, and an overall concern of the healthiness of each individuals scalp (as you know all scalps aren't the same). Having had my hair braided by all the ladies in the shop I cannot say who my favorite is because my braids have been beautiful each time along with the same provided services of concern... With that said I'll leave it up to you to share in my experience of Le Balafon braids, as well as the fun, fashionable one of a kind accessories the owner has available in the shop. Overall I always feel more beautiful when I leave and a comforting feeling of being amongst good friends. read more