I found Take It Down Braids on a fluke. I called and they were able to fit me in last minute. 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. read more

Take It Down Salon & Braids - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I've been going here for like 2 years, I love the way Aisha does my braids. All the ladies are nice and polite.

If you need you Braids taken down this the place to go they always take down my hair when I call and most of the time it's the last minute.

Best of the best. Price and the results is unreal. She make really nice and beautiful. So happy. Place: nice and clean. People/stuff: awesome, polite and professional. She understand what customers want. After I believe everyone love it. Thank you. read more

I got my hair done yesterday and can I say I AM IN LOVE with my Senegalese twist! Let me say that the ladies ARE SOOOOO NICE! I forgot the name of the lady that did my twist BUT she was FAST! She did my head by herself and it took her about 10 hours. Others had 2 people in their head and was there about the same time as me. I will say I was quoted a price that was Lil cheaper then I paid but Madena made it work w/what I had and what I wanted and I thank her for that. They are like my new family and i will defiantly be back for a take down and touch up. I ill also recommend family and friends tho them. read more

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I'm so happy I gave the staff a chance! The beauticians are super sweet & knowledgeable on hair care. I'm already ready to make another appointment. This is a great place to come for people who wanna focus on natural hair care. read more

Madina and Momma are FAMILY.. they have been braiding my hair since i was a child and im in my 30s now.. from her home, to her shop .. they are ALWAYS my hair braiding go to!! read more

No matter how long I go without having my hair braided, when I do decide this is the style I want -- this is where I go. They take their time with and have pride in their work, and you can really tell the difference. They always give me exactly what I want, and I've never been disappointed in their work. It is also refreshing that its never a hassle to get an appointment, and they always call to confirm the day before. In terms of their work ethic, the braids are always perfect. I do not say this lightly because braids can be done very well or very badly. I like how they braid consistently and uniformly and really listen to the style, color, form, length etc. that you want. A bonus is that I get to watch African soap operas, with highly knowledgeable viewers :) And the woman who braided my hair a couple of days ago is hilarious, and had a bunch of funny stories to share that ranged from local politics, celebrity gossip, to happenings in the motherland. Which is an added bonus when you're going to be sitting with this women for at least a good six hours (for singles). I always come back here, I get lots of compliments, and I give lots of referrals! What more can I say? Really love this place. read more

I have been coming here for 7 years. They are quick and they are GOOD! Mamma and Madena run a tight ship and their work is beautiful. I get singles twice a year and when I go on trips. Don't think twice, give them a call....oh and they take the braids out for you too. It's worth the money! read more

Can't stay out the mirror. The ladies at Take It Down put it down and I am super pleased with my hair. I am pretty tough, demanding and can be hard to please (especially when it comes to my hair). They met and exceeded my expectations. Medina is my braider from here on out and SHE DON'T EVEN KNOW it. The space is small and cozy. They do not accept cards so bring cash. They do this little rotation where one braider starts a braid/twist and another finishes and amazingly there is continuity and uniformity in the braid/ twist. I got waist length twists and was out of there in 6 hours ( impressive). I do not even have the hair braid ouchies, no extreme pulling at my edges ( I do not want the Naomi Campbell look). Thanks ladies! ( in my Arnold voice..."I will be back) read more

Madina & Momma have been doing my hair for about 15 years! An they has always done a good job on my hair! 7

I called on a short notice to get some of my braids taken down. They were able to accommodate my request & I was seen immediately. It would've taken me hours to do it myself. My braids were taken down quickly by them. read more

I support this beauty shop 100 Billion Percent! Medina and Momma been braiding my hair since I was 16 and now I'm 35. The atmosphere is very professional and loving. Great clean and neat braids, and Great Customer Service. Kenyatta read more

My first time going due to a recommendation from a relative. The service was nice. The staff was very welcoming. My braider was Medina. She did a great job on my hair. And did exactly what I wanted. I will be going back again. read more

I've been coming here for 17 years, mommy and medina are very good ! they do not charge outrageously and your edges are not pulled out after you get your braids done! Mommy's niece done my corn rolls 3 weeks ago. i love them and ill be coming back i used to do singles but i'm doing the corn-rolls for a while :) read more

I scheduled a same day appointment and they accommodated me and didn't charge me an arm and a leg. Thank you.

When I first came here I got singles from Justice yassss they looked so good and the price was amazing. Then I decided to get French Braids and Mah did them OMG can you say . My experience had been a good one. I highly recommend this braid shop. The women are professional, friendly and it does not take all day. The work is stellar I highly recommend the shop. read more

Ok I really hate to do this because these ladies are really really nice but I gotta keep it real. My experience here was ok I really didn't like how Medina started the twist and another girl finished. In my opinion I've had twist three time this being the third and these are the worst I've had. First off when I got there and told them how long I wanted them they tryed to talk me into getting them shorter because it would be less packs of hair. first of all if I'm spending my money why does it matter how much hair I'm using????? Anyway I just feel these "braid shops" are over rated I am very dis satisfied with my hair and if it wasn't for me spending $250 I would've took them down. Do your self a favor if you want twist call Sofia 5109042877 if you like long or short she got you covered so neat and not rushed and she takes about the same amount of time maybe even shorter 4-6 hours depending on thickness of hair. The only reason why I didn't go to her is because she was booked up and I was rushing and wanted my hair braided for easter. Smh I really wish I would have waited gave them two stars because even tho I'm not satisfied they were really polite and respectful people. Oh yeah one last thing if you decide to go here bring ear buds if you dont speak French cause ain't nothing more irritating than a whole bunch of people talking another language and you dont understand. read more

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I hate I have to write this review....the first time Medina and her daughter braided my hair I loved it......I paid 185 for medium singles to my bra strap....which is cheap but I always tip them pretty good.....I got my hair braided about a month ago by Medina and her daughter.....I brought 10 packs of hair and I get the same hair style every time....it usually takes 8 to 10 packs of hair.....they used six packs of hair....the parts are huge so huge some braids aren't even singles.....they start off as a small cornrow then a single.....I left with four packs of hair and my hair was so flat and not full of braids.....if money was the issue I would have paid more.....I know she is capable of much better work, so I had her braid my daughters and I considered my experience just a fluke....smh....well they did the same thing.....I paid 120 plus a 10 dollar tip for this shit.....in all fairness I called and explained how upset I was and why and she offered to redo my front and to redo my daughters hair when it starts to look bad for free......but they knew what they were doing when they half ass braided our hair....therefore they just lost two customers.....my time means more to me than money.....and I refuse to waste anymore of my time here.... read more

Take It Down Salon & Braids - $120 for small singles with big ass parts....so big they start off as cornrows and then become a single braid....smh - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Please stay away from this salon if you want quality braids! Emma, the braider who did my hair in tree braids, left my hair looking a mess. She was 3 hours late for my 1 pm appointment, which was on Thanksgiving Eve! Needless to say, her tardiness set me way behind on preparing Thanksgiving dinner for my family. Let me also say she offered absolutely NO APOLOGY...she was simply extremely rude and unprofessional! What was most incredibly disappointing is that she did not even know how to crowrow tree braids, only singles! (I was completely shock, as I made it very clear that tree braids is what I wanted when I made the appointment.) I showed her some pictures of few really beautiful tree braid styes that I wanted, and I empasized to her that I did not want a mass of bushy hair on my head. Well guess what...the bushy mass of hair is exactly what Emma gave me. When I walked out of the salon and got in my car just after 10 pm Thanksgiving Eve, I was crying!!! I could believe that I endured 9 hours (3 hours waiting + 6 hours of braiding) to end of with a horrible mess of hair. Then, she had the the nerve to ask me to give her a ride to BART after closing the salon. What nerve..no way! Please, please save your hard-earned money and look for another salon! Take It Down Salon and Braids is not worth your time! read more

They did such a great job! I came in after a terrible experience at Sophia's Hair Braiding, and they really turned things around for me. They were quick, professional and accommodated me the same day I called. And I felt really good and pleased with the look when I left the shop. Thank you!! read more

My Family has been going to Take it Down Salon & Braids for over 10 years now and have always had the BEST service. I have been going for so long that I consider them family since they have become such a staple in my life over these years. I can see going no place else since my hair is only used to their hands. I recommend for any first time customer wanting braids, weaves, or locks. read more

Found this braider through YELP, tried and the first couple of times my daughter was very pleased. She gets the same singles everytime!! This last time, im not sure what happened!! Brought 8 packs of hair and It usually takes 6 to 8 packs of hair, they used 4 packs of hair and the parts were huge so huge some braids wern't even singles. My daughter and I left with four packs of hair and her hair was so flat and not full of braids. She was so dissatisfied, my daughter already has hair issues and singles makes her happy about her hair!! So, as a good paying customer/parent, just give me what I'm paying for!! Lost 2 great paying customers read more

I've had everything done to my hair. Relaxers, weaves, extensions, japanese thermal straightening...you name it. And because for a period of time I was moving a lot, I went through a lot of hairdressers as well. The women at Take It Down make me want to stay in one place. They're nice, fast, do great work and do it for a great price. This review is long overdue, I've been going to them on and off (between straightenings) for about two years now and I have never once left their place unsatisfied, no matter who did my hair. Will be going in for another appointment within the next few weeks, I'll have to remind myself to post pictures when I do! read more

I love my braids! It's a tiny little shop, which I really liked, since I don't necessarily want a lot of activity around when I get my hair done. The owner works quickly and conscientiously, and is an overall sweet person. I will definitely be coming back. read more

YAY For take it down!! My hair is gorgeous. Never falls out on the sides or edges, braids are never too tight, ABSOLUTELY THE BEST. Love you MAMACITA and MEDINA. Thanks again read more

This a great salon, it's not a large place, however good things come in smaller packages at times. Take it down Salon clearly defines quality! read more

I've been coming here for about five years. I never leave here disappointed. My hair is always neat. All the braiders have such a pleasant attitude. There is never a dull moment here. read more

These ladies do excellent work! I love my braids. I've had them up for over 2 months and I am just now needing my edges redone. The prices are good and there is free parking(on the cross street, not the Main Street). It's a very pleasant atmosphere as well. Be advised, this shop is very small. However, they are all very skilled and you won't be disappointed with the outcome. read more

Take It Down Salon is an excellent salon for having your hair braided. This is a small quaint salon with 2 personable ladies, Mamacita and Medina. I had the opportunity to visited the salon prior to having my hair braided. I was very please with observing Mamaciita and Medina hair braiding technique. I made an appointment with Mamacita. Mamacita put in my single braids. They are EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!. I am more than pleased. It is now 3 weeks and my braids are looking as good as the first week they were in put in. Thanks....... Mamacita, you are the BEST!!!!!!!! I will be returning for you to take them down. HATS OFF TO BOTH OF YOU......... Excellent Work.... read more

I visited this salon in need of a hair Braider after the place I called and set an appointment with closed their shop for the day without communicating that with me. The owner of the shop was really helpful and when I called last minute she found a way to get me in and out, and might I say looking stunning. I love my kinky twist and the price was amazing. It was a small shop but the quality of work was phenomenal. Very friendly women and like I said before the price was amazing. This is my first review on yelp and my first time choosing a stylist off of yelp and I must say this was a great experience. I will definitely come back in the future. read more

I've been a faithful customer of Medina since 1997/1998 and I always recommend people to go there. They are fast, friendly and affordable. They will usually have 2 people working in your head to get you out faster and Medina or Mama will start and have someone else finish braiding them down. You an always request that they do your head completely, but it will take more time. As with any business, if you get a phone quote, before they start your head make sure that you have agreed upon the price you will pay. They are honest and are not trying to get over on anyone. And as far as quality, I only allow Mama or Medina to do my hair, so I cannot speak on the newer braiders in the shop. read more

I have been a customer of Medina and this salon since 1998 (they used to be out of richmond). Anytime I'm ready for my hair to grow, I come straight to her. You don't have to worry about your hair falling out on the sides, she is very conscientious about keeping your hair happy and healthy. I'm going on Saturday after a year out of braids! So excited! read more

Took my daughter here to get Senegalese twist and they did an excellent job. Very professional, courteous and clean. Moved here from the east coast and was having a hard time finding someone to do braids and now this is it.............no stopping to eat, or taking breaks strictly business. read more

best braiding salon EVER!!..i am 21 years old && have been getting my hair braided by medina,mama,and mistro since i was around 9 or 10..i can honestly say the quality of their work hasnt changed over the years which is wonderful!!! if your looking for a salon that can deliver excillent results aswel as get it done in a timely manor then THIS is the shop for you..and the pricing is very afordable..i honestly wouldn t trust anyone else braiding my hair..i made that mistake once and lost my edges.. so if your looking to find a braiding salon with the intentions of becomimg a life long customer then this is the place for you!! -- Courtney read more

WOW! I got single human hair braids in 3 hours, the women are Incredible. I highly recommend this shop.

Absolutely the best braid shop hands down...super down to earth shop that keeps you laughing and feeling taken care of. Mama keeps my hair looking great and meets all of my wishes with no complaints. She is such a sweetheart with a kind and gentle spirit! Thanks Take It Down! read more

I wish I could give negative stars. In writing this review while sitting in the chair getting my hair redone. Almost a month ago Medina accepted my $180.00 for singles. 3 days after a braid came out. I took that as a wash because I was leaving for a 2 week vacation in a week and had no time to worry about my hair. As I am out of the country several more fall out. By the time I'm back home I had a total of 6 braids fall out of my head. I call Medina and explain my concern and ask to have the problem resolved with replacement braids. She does not make a appointment with me, just tells me to call to make sure she is in the ship the day I stop by. 3 days later I show up and by then a total of 21 braids have come out and my natural hair is loosening from the actual braid throughout my head. I ask to speak with her in private but she chose to discuss my concerns in front of 3 other ladies receiving service. She blames me for the terrible condition my hair, she says my hair is too short which is why the braids fell out and that because I washed my hair is why it's poking out from the braid! She yelled at me and ignored me when I asked her how she came to that conclusion. She said she did not like arguing because she has a bad heart. I expressed that if she explained before hand that my sorry hair would cause problems I would have refused service and she took my money anyway. This place has horrible customer service be warned! read more