Professional business with knowledge on hair care. Had twists and braids done a few months ago. Great place for anyone who has natural hair.

Kim did a great job on a retwist for my son's locs both times that she's done his hair. Highly recommend!

I'm new in town and this place was recommended by my last stylist. They did not disappoint. My appointment was on time, the staff are courteous and professional, my hair looks great, and there's just such a positive vibe here! It is evident that the focus is on hair care rather than simply aesthetics. Anyone can make hour hair look good, but it's a special salon that also focuses on making sure that your hair is healthy too! I would certainly recommend for locs and other natural styles. read more

I got my locs started at this beauty salon and have been going back for my re-twist ever since. All of the ladies who work here are extremely talented and really know what they are doing, I dont think I would trust anyone one else to touch my locs! The atmosphere is also really nice, they always have some type of entertainment playing in the background whether it be a movie or music. I would definatly recommend this salon to anyone, looking for great hair braiders or loctitions. read more

Rare Essence Studio - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

First and foremost the vibe is dope!!!! Im from Atl and this was my first time coming to this location to get my locs re-twisted & I enjoyed the experience! The owner Essence is hilarious, down to earth, & can I say she is gorgeous!!! Anyways, Kiera did my re-twist & wash and she palm-rolled everything from the ends of the earth! I had no loose hairs and I really didnt need a line up afterwards! All & All 5+ stars for me!!! read more

Love love love my braids by Essence (the salon owner). Each time I've came in to receive a hairstyle we've started on time, the service was professional and exceptional and I always leave feeling amazing (even with the semi-tight braids pulling at my scalp lol). My favorite thing is that Essence is very much a perfectionist like myself when it comes to braiding, parting and symmetry of my braids and I can always count on her to do my hair that's flattering to my face while still similar to the photo that I brought to her for inspiration! PS. I always get compliments on my hair all the way up until the day before I take them out! Now that's talent :) read more

Rare Essence Studio - Side view of my braids once I got home after my appointment! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I had the best experience. The shop is extremely clean and COVID conscious. Everyone had a mask and temperatures were checked upon entry. All of the staff are very nice and can hold good conversation. I'd recommend this shop to everyone. read more

Hours.... Wednesday - Saturday: 10am-5pm This is a natural hair care salon. i drove up to the Rare Essence Studio from Tucson just to have my hair braided in November 2013 after a stylist in Denver highly recommended them to me. It was well worth the drive. One of the first things that I notice about a salon is the cleanliness. I was pleasantly delighted that the salon was VERY clean. Essence was my stylist. She is truly professional. I was going to be traveling overseas for a few weeks and she took the time to explain to me which styles would hold well as well as how to maintain the style for optimum appearance and health of my hair. She only concentrated on one customer at a time and gave them her full attention. All of the stylists in the salon seem to be very polite and knowledgeable AND they seemed to get along thus making the atmosphere very welcoming and pleasant. It's best to check the website or give the salon a call to get a specific idea of how much the style will cost that you're interested in. The prices were very reasonable and they also have a nice selection of natural hair care products. read more

Congratulations China on opening a second location! A natural Hair Salon in Tempe, AZ is right on time, the Glendale location is great so I know this one will have the same feel. read more

I was very, very, VERY pleased with this hair studio. I went in early on a Saturday morning as a walk-in. At first I was told to check back in throughout the day in case anyone cancels, and I got their info. On my way out Essence stops me & asks me if I needed my hair done & got me in the chair within minutes. She shares a great price for great service! If you are in the area give it a try the place is amazing on the inside & it's a good environment. read more

I'm glad that everyone had to wear a mask and they provided hand sanitizer at the door as well as a mask if you didn't have one! They sanitized each station after each customer as well! Alisa did a retwist and ropes on me and she did a very good job! It looked very neat and oh yeah the shampoo was awesome, not rushed like some stylists do.. All the ladies were very nice and each greeted you as you come in. Great customer service, which means a lot to me! read more

Had been looking for a good braiding salon since I moved here a couple years ago. Heard a lot of good reviews about Rare Essence and was excited to finally get an appointment. Anyway, just got my hair braided , but it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted. The braids are inconsistent in size, a lot of spaces and gaps and just kind of rushed through....I guess cause the stylist was extremely tired from the night before. I was looking for a certain style/look but didn't get that. Who knows, maybe next time. But I'll be taking these braids down within the next couple days ! Other than that the girls are very professional and friendly, esp the manager. Goes way out of her way to make you feel comfortable in that place, I really loved that!.... nice music and nice environment. read more

Rare Essence is the best place to go for all your natural hair needs. Braids, twists, locks, etc. i love it. My wife loves it. Service is fantastic. My kids are 5 and 4 yrs old and they play on the ipad while mommy gets her hair styled. My wifes confidence boosted when I had her go natural. She is beautiful and high ranking at her careers. Everyone compliments her hair, especially white people whom some dont have the ability to style their hair the same way. Now we network together and China, the owner, only exceeds in business. read more

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Site advertises $30/hour for takedown of braids and I was told in store that it's $60/hour for the flat...lol bye bye

No complaints on my end. I have a TWA and got a basic shampoo and trim done here. Staff didn't double- or triple-book or try and sell me products. My stylist did give me suggestions and show me what she used , but I didn't feel any pressure to purchase products. read more

Janiese was absolutely amazing!! Her skills are insane! One of the best braiders I've seen. Clean, neat, timely and perfect! She's very professional, listened to everything I wanted and executed better than I expected. I highly recommend this salon, and if you're looking for pretty, professional looking braids, then Janiese Essor is your girl! read more

Where have you been all my life?! The staff was professional, punctual and efficient. Adelaide is an excellent Braider that styled my collar bone length hair within two hours. The quality of service is bar none. I look forward to returning for additional services. read more

Essence is very knowledgable about natural hair. I am very picky about who does my hair. So I usually do it myself. But I saw her work and was willing to try the salon thing again. I got a perfect trim, and my hair was so moisturized, it felt and looked amazing! She listened to my needs and concerns regarding hair care and executed it amazingly. I am very satisfied!! Will be a regular customer!! read more

Today I finally got my Locs started and the ladies at Rare Essence were wonderful. Keira (sp) did an amazing job and the estimated price was quoted before I arrived. The atmosphere is relaxing and the studio is clean. I can't wait to go back for maintenance and styling as I continue my new hair journey. read more

I'm only giving this 2 stars because the first time I went there the owner, China did my hair. I just went natural and came in for a wash and trim. She was wonderful and the price was great. She took care of my hair and I didn't feel like she was trying to up charge me or scare me into coming there every other week to be able to grown my hair and she gave some great advice. The next time I went which was this past summer I was scheduled with another stylist. If I were to rate this review only on this past experience I'd give it only 1 star. Not only did I arrive and the shop was not open yet but I waited in front for at least 10 minutes until people started showing up and then I sat for another 10 until my stylist decided to show up. I came in for the same thing as last time. A trim and wash. I saw that I could get a conditioner for $15 more on the wall so I decided to add that. My total should have been $30 I believe and when I got to the register they asked for $50. I said for what I just got a trim and wash and conditioner. Well they explained something weird to me like the conditioner is only an add for that price and so they had to charge me separately for the trim, and shampoo which isn't listed or at least wasn't at that time, and then also for the conditioner. Long story short they gave allowed me to pay for what i was original quoted but said next time I should know better. Also I left with my hair very dry and they cut my hair dry (China did it while it was still wet and asked me before which was I wore my hair the most to make that decision) and all she did for the styling that came with that basic treat was one french braid. I doubt that I'll be going there again anytime soon. read more

I'm from Virginia and I'm only in town for a few weeks. I researched many different shops but this one was by far the best. The owner wasn't there but they all spoke highly of her and carried themselves as if she was there. They were professional, the atmosphere was outstanding, and everyone there went above and beyond to make us feel at home. I lovvvvved my braids and my bff, who lives here will now be going there frequently for her locs! Thanks ladies. read more