I walked into Seattle African Braids this morning nursing a pretty serious hangover from my going-away party the night before, and honestly, I wasn't sure how the day was going to go. Laurelle, Jada, and Winnie completely changed that. They welcomed me like family, got me coffee and a breakfast sandwich, made sure I ate lunch, and set me up in their new reclining chair where I actually got to rest while they worked on my braids. The quality of their work is exceptional, and they're incredibly fast. After living here for over ten years, I've yet to find braiders as good or as efficient as them. The whole experience was so thoughtful and relaxing that it turned what I thought would be a rough appointment into literally the most relaxing hair experience I've ever had. If you're looking for braiding that comes with genuine care, hospitality, and top-notch craftsmanship, this is your place." read more

I had a less-than-ideal experience at this appointment, and I would highly recommend nobody go here for braiding services. When I arrived, I was coldly greeted. No real introductions, just "hi please sit down here" directed straight to the chair. The space itself was very clean and organized, but there was no consultation to confirm the style, color, or braid size before starting. The braids turned out much smaller than expected compared to the photos online, and I left concerned about the tightness near my hairline and overall uneven lines. Yes, believe the reviews that say your braids will be crooked! The overall interaction was minimal, which I can appreciate if conversation is kept light for focus, but there were no client check-ins during the process. After several hours, there was no opportunity to pause, stretch, or even have a sip of water. The TV was on for background noise, but it wasn't checked if the program was something I'd like to watch, which added to the sense of disconnection. Watching Law & order SVU is not relaxing or ideal. I would never have chosen that to watch for 5 hours! Absolutely no thought or consideration for the customer. The service also felt overpriced for the quality and timing. Payment required a Zelle deposit and cash for the remainder, which felt outdated and inconvenient. I do have a few suggestions that I think would greatly improve the client experience: Add a simple consultation at the start to confirm style, size, and preferences. Offer a brief stretch break for longer appointments. Check in with the customer about background entertainment like TV show. Watching 5 hours of rape, child abuse and traumatic content is not relaxing. Update to a secure online payment system for convenience and safety. Bringing cash to an appointment at these prices is dangerous and inconvenient. Include clear instructions for entering the building in the confirmation email. Do I call or text? Lack of professional social media presence. Posting screenshots of customer questions with added rude personal commentary can feel unprofessional. Keeping business pages focused on services and client care would create a more welcoming impression. Consider separating personal and professional content on social media to maintain a more customer-focused presence. Finally, I did try to submit feedback through the salon's email link, but it didn't work. A functional review system would help clients share their experiences directly. Overall, while the salon is clean and organized, I left feeling the service did not match the price point or experience she claims to have and absolutely no customer service whatsoever. read more

I can't speak to the quality of her work but I think the photos do a good job as she seems to be a good braider. But the ATTITUDE leaves much to be desired. I had to cancel my appointment this morning because I could not find my debit card to bring her cash as she requires and she called and popped off and hung up on me. "I'm sorry for the confusion. I take Zelle. How far away are you? Come on by!" Would have been a customer-friendly response. One would assume the $250 nonrefundable deposit is enough for her to keep it professional. And... update your policy that you seem to be so proud of and make it clear that you take Zelle. I'm sad that I won't have my braids done but she's a mean woman and I now feel so much better that those hands will never touch my hair. BUYER BEWARE BEFORE YOU BOOK. I can't stand mean people. read more

Seattle African Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

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I've spent a large majority of my life, trying to find the perfect braider who can combine both skill and customer service. Laurelle possesses those qualities and much more. When I visit her salon, I know I'm going to have an amazing experience and leave with beautiful braids. I visited her salon a couple days ago and my braids are amazingly beautiful. I received knotless braids that took a little over two hours pro complete. I'm shocked because I've been in chairs for 7+ hours with braids that were larger in size. Outstanding! She has a loyal customer for life! read more

Amazing Braider! Kent is a long drive from Everett, but it was worth the drive. The braider was so fast! I messed up with selecting the wrong length for he style. She explained that it would be best for my own length of hair to have the braids a little longer. When she was done I looked in the mirror and I loved what I saw. I only get braids a few times a year but I will definitely be back and I would highly recommend. read more

Seattle African Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

Best braiding experience I've had since moving to Seattle 6 years ago! Laurelle is a genius at her craft and I never have to worry about how my hair will look when she is done because it is always done to perfection. She is the only braided in Seattle who I trust to braid my hair. read more

Laurelle's service is first class. I received a wash and medium box braids 24-26". She is knowledgeable and works with care on your hair. It is easy to see how much pride she takes in her work since my hair is always impeccably done! I always leave looking and feeling amazing! I love her bundle services as well. It saved me soooo much time and energy! Thanks Laurelle! read more

Have beening going to this braider for a couple years. She impresses me every time. Friendly, judgement free zone. Music is amazing. I trust her judgement with my style and she is able to give me a little push out of my comfort zone. I went from using colors 2/4 to adding reds and now silver. She takes pride in all her jobs and clients. If you have any questions she is available and will try to guide you through the proper steps. I highly recommend you also vist her Instagram page to see more pictures. I recommend to all future clients make it easy on your braider, come with "straight" hair. Stretch it, blow dry... Makes it easier on her and helps your style come out flawless. read more

Seattle African Braids - Small knotless braids with black and silver ombre hair - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

3 weeks out and I am still getting compliments that they look brand new. I've never had braids before and she explained/answered all my questions. I will be going back to her when I need braids again. She is very focused and efficient when it comes to her job. I appreciated not spending my entire day in a chair. read more

Found Laurelle on Instagram (@seattleafricanbraids) and loved the styles she had. I went with knotless box braids and I am obsessed. Neat sectioning and positioning of each braid, and super fast. She finished braiding my hair in 2 hours and 20 minutes. wow. I got so many compliments and I cannot wait to get my hair slayed again. Thank you, Laurelle! read more

Seattle African Braids - Knotless Box Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

This reviews been long overdue. Just wanted to give a big shoutout to Laurelle, for her professionalism and care when she did my box braids. She was never hard on braiding and loved her and her sister. If you're looking for someone who isn't hard at pulling your hair and knows how to braid, hit up Laurelle. Love her musics as well seen that in another review. I went to Vegas for my bday last year and decided to get box braids so I didn't have to worry about my hair in my face, the time and patience she took is dedication and passion in what she does. Thank you Laurelle I came back from Vegas engaged aye! Lol Look no further, her price is well worth it for the work she puts in! read more

Wouldn't suggest this woman for braids. I went to her before and she was very cold and didn't say anything to me but I got my hair done and kept quiet. I decided to book again and I DMd her and I asked could she make the front of my braids smaller and she said my hair was to thick and then followed up and said we don't service extra small braids. I said ok well since you don't do the service can I get me refund for my appointment (mind you I would've never can if she said she could make the front of my hair smaller) but since she said my hair is too thick and she wouldn't do that service I just decided to go to someone who knew how to operate my "thick" hair. She refused to give me a refund and overall was extremely rude and cold and like others have said in their reviews- she acts like she's the client and you are not. She is not warm or nice and overall just mean here are some screenshots of our conversation read more

Seattle African Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

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She is absolutely fabulous! I have very fine hair and always worry about my braids being too tight or heavy. She did a wonderful job and they survived beautifully for my business trips all over the country and to Japan. I will definitely continue to use her services. If you are looking for professional service, look no further! read more

Seattle African Braids - I love my braids! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

Laurelle is the best at what she does!!! She gets me in and out!! Her work is great quaility!! She's the only person in Seattle I let braid my hair read more

Seattle African Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

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I started seeing Laurelle about a year ago and I continue to be amazed! She is so enjoyable to be around and I absolutely love my hair every time! She knows exactly what she is doing and gives amazing suggestions on different styles of hair to fit the right person. You won't be disappointed read more

Think twice about booking an appointment with this provider. She is rude and unprofessional. She acts as if she's doing you a favor (that you're paying for) instead of providing a service. The nerve. She was unwilling to wear a mask during a global pandemic so I was very uncomfortable with getting my hair done. She issued a refund on my deposit and then four days later fraudulently launched a claim on the refund she gave me. She lacks clear ethics. With so many other braid providers in the area, save yourself the headache. read more

I haven't had my hair braided since I was a child and had been wanting to try it out. My hairdresser mentioned seeing Seattle African Braids on Instagram and I decided to give them a try. They explicitly state that you need to read the terms and conditions before booking, which I did. I needed to reschedule my appointment due to COVID exposure and they were helpful. About two weeks before my new appointment I called, texted and emailed over the course of a week to get a simple question answered. My natural hair is about 18" long. The hair that I was told to buy was 8" long. I emailed to ask if this was indeed the correct hair or if there was an error. I didn't get a response back and got nervous because the "terms and conditions" have many stipulations and penalties for not getting the hair ahead of your appointment and getting the "wrong" hair. Once I did get a reply I asked about this, received a rude response and asked if I was able to change the style I had selected. The response was that in an exception like this I would be charged the original amount to which I agreed to. I then received a cancellation from Laurelle. It seems like if you wanted peoples business, or to be a kind and helpful person providing a service you would call a customer, and clear up any confusion. She never called or tried to help. I wonder how she would feel if I treated her like this in my place of business. I wouldn't recommend spending your hard earned money to support people who treat others poorly. She seems to do great braiding but the world is hard enough, why make it harder by being mean and rude. Here is a part of her email to me. read more

Seattle African Braids - Hair Stylists Near Me - Kent, Washington

I had been a long time customer and friend of Laurelle. She had a rough day and cancelled my appointment the day of!! Left me in a real lurch. I disappointed and truly hurt. I have a professional job and on Camera every day. This was not cool nor professional. Wish her the best. She's changed. read more

Loved my experience with this braider - I am looking forward to getting my next set of knotless braids with her! Highly recommended. Efficient work, clean professional shop, friendly atmosphere, beautiful results. read more

Great service ! She was super fast and my daughter didn't cry at all! (She braided my 9 year olds hair )

I love laurelle's work ! I continuously go back to her for various different braid styles she knows how to do them all . Her work is always super neat and clean read more

Brand new to Washington and even after reading through the owner's ridiculous RULES, I still took a chance and booked an appointment. I did note in my submission that I had some hair breakage at the top, but advised my hair was gripable, as I had my hair braided at that time. I sent the appointment request and was going to take pictures of my hair to send via email once I received a reply. To my surprise the owner canceled my appointment because I didn't get her permission first regarding my hair. I apologized and advised it was an honest mistake & I'm new and thought I was to send the pictures in the confirmation email and asked if she could reconsider. The nasty woman never responded or extended the opportunity for me to send the pictures. Despite how good she thinks she is, it does not give rise to treat people in such a nasty manner. God is good & blocked me from this nasty & negative energy. Thankful I found someone that was actually better and a kind hearted person whom I already adore. read more

This is the only stylist that I will let touch my hair! My second visit here and the braids just keep getting better and better! I get compliments all the time. She does all types of styles from twists to box braids and even some weaves! A box braids done faster time then any other braiding salon I've ever been to. I'm already looking forward to my next style already! read more