I called the Braid Lounge while I was on my way in, hoping they could accommodate me last minute…read more The braider I usually use had let me know she couldn't come all the way to Virginia Beach (she was more than happy to come to my house in Portsmouth when I lived there, but I hadn't adequately communicated that I had moved)
The woman I spoke with on the phone was more than willing to help. She let me know that she could get both of my girls in last minute and then explained she would let the braider know that we were on our way. When we arrived, she greeted us happily at the door.
I have to pause here and speak to the professionalism, etiquette, and overall experience. It was so calm quiet and aesthetically pleasing for a last-minute "we can squeeze you in" kind of situation. I fully expected a wait and a busy lobby. That was not the case, also to my surprise this was less of like a come in and go situation. This was an very curated salon. I could immediately tell that people come here, religiously, and have their self-care done. This was 100% an upscale salon that was willing to work me in without an appointment, it was clear they cared about helping the customer and not about the money not to say that it wasn't worth my money because it was worth way more than what I paid that's not saying the services weren't fairly priced, but that's just saying the professionalism courtesy and overall experience is clearly what keeps them in business . Without asking they even offered me a military discount. That's two.
When you walk in, you immediately notice the professionalism, the aesthetic, the decor, and the staff courtesy. They also have products with the Braid Lounge emblem beautifully displayed, along with other products they personally recommend that support the community because they're Black-owned. LOVE THAT, especially in this economy. That's three.
Back to the story.
I was asked how old my girls were, and I explained that they were five and four. The host let me know that their standard minimum age is typically seven.
Because it was a last-minute request, I let her know that I was willing to pay extra for the accommodation if the braider was willing to work with me. She took a moment to speak with the braider privately and handled the conversation professionally.
There was also a cosmetologist there taking down someone's hair, and she was so kind and polite. I asked her if she knew anyone who did children's hair in case they weren't able to squeeze us in. She said she couldn't think of anyone off the top of her head, but she didn't have to speak to me or my children at all, especially while working with her own client, and she still took the time to respond kindly.
Then the host returned and let me know that the braider was willing to work with me.
Because of the age minimum, I decided to have only my four-year-old's hair braided because she holds her head well. My five-year-old, however, does fuss and fight, so I wasn't going to ask that of anyone in a last-minute situation where I was already requesting an accommodation.
Ms. Yaye started on my baby's hair, and from the very beginning, she was calm, quiet, and patient. She actively talked to my daughter and hyped her up, telling her, "You know you're a big girl. You can do this. We don't have to cry. We're getting our hair done."
She also took the time to ask, "Hey, do you want me to stop? Is it hurting?" If my daughter said it was hurting, she would switch to the other side.
Because the age minimum is seven, I initially thought the experience might be a little more strict and quiet. Absolutely not. Ms. Yaye met my baby at her four-year-old level. She was SO PATIENT. SO ACCOMMODATING.
For context, my baby is on the spectrum and can become very overwhelmed in new places with a lot of sensory stimulation. Ms. Yaye kept her from having a full breakdown, and I didn't even have to explain it.
She was even willing to ask me, close to finishing my youngest daughter's hair, if I wanted to try with my oldest. I responded again, "No," because I already knew my oldest was going to act a plum fool, and I wasn't going to put anyone through that under those circumstances.
Needless to say, I was 100% impressed.
From the moment I called, to the moment we walked through the door, to the way we were greeted, the professionalism, the willingness to accommodate me, the communication with the braider, and the actual experience with my daughter, I was genuinely impressed across the board.
I will absolutely be recommending the Braid Lounge to others, and I will definitely be back!
