I called the Braid Lounge while I was on my way in, hoping they could accommodate me last minute. 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! read more

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Absolutely amazing. I've been coming to them for over 15 years. I have never had an issue with anyone in the shop. They are all respectful and humble. I truly appreciate them. I will always come to them for all my braiding needs. read more

Originally came in to get stitch braids, but when they saw my hair they said it was too short and my only option was to get box braids. FYI, my hair isn't too short. Agreed to do box braids, but in the end was not satisfied with the work. When I called to let them know I wasn't satisfied, they put it on me and told me I got what I asked for. She stated that I got free parts, but I never asked for free parts, only box braids. No one asked to see my hair so that they could see what the issue was. The manager called me to see how we could fix it, but when I agreed to take some down, she stated my hair was too short... constantly giving me the run around. When I asked if a partial refund could be done, the manager scoffed and said "oh, no". Due to poor customer service, I will never step foot in or recommend this shop to anyone. A lady I work with got her hair done by the same lady, Lola & it looks completely different from mine.. it's actually perfect. $260 I expected way more. I couldnt even style my hair if I wanted to. I could only wear it in a bun. I didn't even want a full refund due to the time and effort put in but because of poor customer service, I'm fighting to get it back. read more

The Braid Lounge - Big parts in back of head. - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Retwist done by Ronke, went in with locs the size of a pinky, left out with a few hanging on by a thread. Had to cut them out

Horrible horrible horrible service and braiders! Do not waste your hard earned money coming here! My sister is new to the city and after having this salon retwist my dreads for the last few years as a backup to my normal loctician, I recommended she go here to get her tree braids installed for her new job she'll soon be starting. The braid lounge completely embarrassed me. I can do nothing else but apologize to her for her horrible experience. Not only is this a 'what I got versus what I want' type of situation - but after we advised them of her dissatisfaction in the outcome of the style, they offered nothing to make it the least bit right. Not even an "I'm sorry you're not happy with your hair." Instead we got the "this is how the style is supposed to look" as if we're not literally looking at the picture of what she requested. The "manager" literally said "it's nothing we can do. You have no options." And to add insult to injury she said if we call we'll get the same response, because she is "the manager". I once thought this was a stand up salon atleast for my loc maintenance but it appears they are not at all focus on customer satisfaction or even being fair. It's disheartening to spend your hard earned money for a service that is non accommodating and not at all what you paid for. Almost $300! Yes $300. Don't. Waste. Your hard earned money! The negative reviews regarding the braiders expertise and bedside manners are spot on for this place. read more

The Braid Lounge - What I got - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I've been coming to The Braid Lounge off and on for years now. I started braiding my hair again last year and they were the only place I would go to! Lola and Helene have been my go to braiders...each style has been outstanding with clean parts and neat braids...even with my shortish thick hair. I had a what I believe to been a braider-in-training helping with one of my knotless braids appointments and I was impressed with her work and willingness to ask a senior braider for help when needed. I just booked my next appointment...wasn't sure what I wanted but Precious helped me narrow down the elements I wanted from pictures/video I sent which I really appreciated. If that's not good customer service I don't know what is! The Braid Lounge continues to be my go to for braids! read more

The Braid Lounge - Back view of Kinky Twists done by Helene - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I should have written this some time ago. But, I went here to have my braids removed. Ya'Rissa was wonderful. She washed my hair and gave it a great blow-dry. In addition, she was very nice. read more

When searching for a backup braid salon, this shop came across my radar and I've spoken with some individuals who frequent The Braid Lounge (TBL) for services. You can go to the online appointment feature via the link on their Yelp page. Calling or stopping by is also an option. You have to pay a deposit to ensure you will attend your appointment. The final payment is in cash. When I visited in person, I paid for my visit upfront using my credit card. There were no additional charges for using a credit card. Wash, blow-dry, and condition services are an add-on charge. If your time allows, do so prior to your appointment without adding hair products that could inhibit the braiding process (making it hard to grip greasy hair). I didn't like how she tried to detangle my hair with a small tooth comb. I had to stop her and used a wide tooth comb I had in my purse to section and show her instead of enduring her pulling my hair and stressing me out. Some African braid shops have people waiting around hoping to get serviced. Here, you have an appointment and the waiting is very minimal. If in doubt ask if your style includes hair. Otherwise, they do have hair for purchase or you can bring your own. I deducted a star based on the amount of gel and hair products they'll add to your freshly washed hair. While my hair was slayed, it felt heavy from the added products. Some product is ok but she was heavy-handed with them. Aida braided my hair on the occasions I've gone here. Very nice lady and she works quickly. I was happy with the end result and didn't mind tipping for the good service. Parking is shared with the other businesses in the shopping area. They are located before you get to the Food Lion in the Aragona Village shops. There are a few places to eat before or after your services nearby. The shop is clean and I didn't see patrons eating but the shop does offer water and snacks. I would refer others to come here and I'd return too. When reviewing online, they have junior braiders available for a lower price as they hone their braiding techniques. read more

Mrs. Aida was absolutely amazing! I got my braids done her for a festival and this is the best I've ever gotten them done! 10/10 recommend! read more

The Braid Lounge - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I walked into the braid lounge after my original stylist cancelled on me last minute. I wanted to get 5-6 feed in braids. When I walked in, I was greeted immediately and was told Laura could do my hair in 30 minutes since she was finishing with another client. Laura was very nice! Throughout the service, she asked checked on me frequently making sure she wasn't braiding too tight. She was quick too! At the end, she made sure my hair was too tight and told me she did not want me to get home and feel the need to take out my hair. She made sure I was comfortable before I left. The price was exactly what it said it would be on the website. It was a little more expensive than I would have paid with my original stylist but I was OK with that since I really wanted my hair done that day! I was offered snacks as well as a drink during my appointment. I love my hair and will definitely be back to see Laura again! The shop and bathroom was very clean and decorated nicely. I have been to braid lounge one other time before to get knotless braids and had a good experience that time too! I would definitely recommend this shop. read more

Ronke did an excellent job on my medium knotless box braids. We started a little late and I was still done earlier than expected. She was meticulous with her parting and all my braids are the same size. I was undecided about an ombré color so she helped me decide on a color and it turned out great! She had a pleasant personality and my scalp wasn't sore at all during or after my appointment. I will be returning in the future. read more

The Braid Lounge - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

If I could give no stars I would! Knotless medium braids $315. Big ass parts and braids different sizes, I paid for waist length and it literally stop at elbow Update: I returned to get them "fixed"! I took them Down already! I won't be returning at all!! read more

The Braid Lounge - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Horrible service don't waste your money they are so rude not professional at all don't follow directions at all

Always great service when I come here. Paige knocked out my braids in 5 hours. We'll be back. read more

The Braid Lounge - Box braids by Paige - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Miss Lola!!! Please go see her! She was fast, pleasant and very professional ...and on time. She did an awesome job on my invisible crochet today..I absolutely love my hair style. I'll definitely be back. Thanks again. read more

I have been going to Braid Lounge faithfully for a few years now. They are organized and their site is user friendly. I just have some suggestions for improvement: 1. Please stop using fine tooth combs on natural hair (3a-4c curl patterns) and combing from the root. I can literally hear my hair rip! Wide tooth combs are to be used for small detangling jobs when braiding. It is proper to comb black hair from the bottom up, not top down. 2. Please ease up on SLATHERING every part with that thick gel/edge control. It causes itching in a few days. 3. Please stop putting knots on "knotless braids" and be mindful of the ratio of the parts created and the amount of fake hair added. This is what makes you alls knotless braids appear like knots. You all do great work overall, but please take the time to learn the science of Black hair, both natural and relaxed. Maybe require cosmetology licenses or certifications for your braiders? There are so many resources out there to gleam from! These will improve the quality of business. read more

Queen was amazing. It was fast and my hair looks amazing!!!! So happy and I will be back again.

My hair was not done correctly. I didn't realize it until the next day. My braider slapped extra gel in my hair, then proceeded with the rat tail comb to put lines in my hair as if she did the stitching (i should've known from then). Also, she did not snip the flurrys on the braids so my hair looks old. Not to mention she was on the phone talking loud behind me. Below is What I Asked For vs. What I Got read more

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Waste of money went in for the feathered picture of fishtail cornrow and the ends are super thin not fishtail ask to add hair at end looks like someone child did my hair. A complete waste of money read more

Braids came out great, however, it seems they may not prioritize (or even care about) the health of your hair. I'd advise you to make sure your hair is COMPLETELY free of tangles, especially if you have type 4 hair, because they will try to run a fine tooth comb through it, ripping your hair out in the process. read more

Got exactly what I asked for. I appreciate that it's a braid shop that offers a wash service. There price is fair compared to other shops. It does take more time than I would like, add it to the salon experience. read more

If I could give it a ZERO I would. A simple straight back cornrow was the worst job I have ever seen. I dropped off my grandson and when I came back it was as if a seven year old attempted to do his hair. I expressed by concerns and will never go back or recommend anyone. read more

I got large knotless twists with ombré from here in July. The braids did take a really long time to finish, but the prices are fairly low compared to other stylists in the area. I do not recommend getting Ombré due to having strands of hair poke out of the braid. RECOMMENDATION buy your own ombré infused braiding hair, the appearance will Look SO much better. I had to go back to get one braid done two weeks after my appointment because it was unraveling near the 2nd color hair addition. I was tempted to take the braids out, but it's a whole pandemic out here and who feels like doing their hair every day?! UPDATE: I went to get my hair retouched today, but I was more prepared and purchased my Own ombré braiding hair. BOY does it make a huge visual difference and the service was slightly faster! I am confident to say that these braids will last me until mid-September(originally braided in mid-July) I will be returning here whenever I would like braids because of the price, cleanliness, and professionalism. read more

I paid for individual box braids and really received BRAIDS. The back of my head is filled with tiny braids, not box braids. I asked about this while the stylist was doing my hair and was told that the parts were only bigger. She neglected to mention that the braids were literally attached to my scalp, forcing me to wear my hair down at all times. If I attempt a high bun I'm certain my hair will be pulling from forcing the braids to go up when they are braided down. This is work I expect when I sit in someone's living room to get my hair done, not a professional Salon. This is unacceptable. I would have asked that this be redone if it was not 1130pm at completion. read more

I got a call and text before my appointment to confirm I will make it, on time. the site told "You Must Provide 3 Packs of Vivica Fox: Afro Soul 100% Human Hair Bulk" so I ordered it on her website got it shipped to me. I was kinda confused they call them permanent locks if they are just faux locs with human hair. My head is shaved in the back and sides yet the lady needed more hair, and told me she can have someone pick it up and she'll add it on my billI was that's inconvenient. They hair dresser kept walking away for conversation or whatever when I asked about loc extensions she said that's a different service and it's on the site, I pulled it up and showed her it's not there she wasn't helpful. I've had faux locs before never needed to sit under a dryer I was lead to believe these would be like instant locs. Overall it was long, the lady was kinda rude and I'm not much of a talk and physical touch triggers me, a different hair dresser came at the end and started touching me and my hair. The experience wasn't worth the $150 I paid for my hair $400 plus $50 deposit I paid for the service. I have been there quite a few times not any more, that will be the last day I go and or recommend that location to anyone. read more

The Braid Lounge - The price with what to bring - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This was my first time going to this salon and I am very satisfied! It's clean, professional, and prompt. Most importantly she didn't braid my hair too tight! I can actually pull my hair up in a ponytail, let my braids hang, and even lay down with no pain whatsoever. My edges are intact. read more

I love the vibe. Everyone was really nice. I love my hair. I received the med traditional box braids. They are neat and very stylish. I will be back!!! read more

They have a great place , I had an appointment with no wait when I arrived. I paid a $25 deposit which is fine . The place was quiet with none of the usual loud nonsense and I was offered snacks . The only thing I didn't like was only one person worked in my head , when I called earlier they told me it was a possibility . When I arrived I saw that was untrue . I hate only one person on my head . read more

The atmosphere is very inviting. The shop is very neat and clean. It smelled wonderful ! I've got to ask what scent was plugged in. They play nice Caribbean music. Honestly this was a spur of the moment appointment but I was squeezed right in. The braider immediately worked on my hair upon my arrival. There was no waiting around. She made sure she knew exactly what style I wanted before beginning. I am so happy with my results I will be back. The Braid Lounge even has a referral point system and 1000 points you get half off of any style that's over $200 which you can easily spend in one visit. They also offer hands on braiding class, check them out! read more

The Braid Lounge - Love this style - Hair Salons Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Let me start off by saying that my chosen braider did an excellent job. It was my first time there, so clearly I didn't really know what I was doing or really what I wanted, but my braider made the excellent suggestion of knotless box braids, which got complimented quite frequently. My only problem with this place is that the prices were confusing and while I was in the process of scheduling my appointment, the prices would be thrown around and changed often. It was frustrating but I'm certain the next time I go I'll be at least less confused. The first price they threw at me was about $160 but that quickly went up to at least $240. I asked about the prices increasing based on the amount of hair I had and already warned them that I had a lot of hair, and they didn't take heed of that because once I arrived there, they kept shooting me these weird looks, which made me feel so unwelcome. I was also charged an extra $70 once I arrived. :( Don't get me wrong they did so good with my braids, but I really felt like I was aggravating my braider just by being there. She'd ask if I was okay occasionally, but I never liked the way she looked at me, as if there was a problem. And no I wasn't rude to her, I was polite as I should be. I also didn't like how they kept speaking in their own language while laughing, because it's possible they're talking about me. So if you don't mind that kind of stuff, then you shouldn't have a problem going here. For me, I'm sorta reluctant about coming back simply because of the awkward and uncertain atmosphere. It's like do you find my presence annoying or no? Maybe the next time I go I'll choose a different braider. The one in particular made me feel so unwelcome and confused. I was actually going to come back to have my braids removed, but I removed them myself because I wasn't willing to go back. Felt like I was a huge annoyance despite just sitting there getting my hair braided. Idk lol its a nice place, and they do good with your hair, but it was mainly me feeling unwelcome during my time there that affected me the most. I also thanked her at least three times for her hard work, and she seemed really unenthusiastic with her "you're welcomes." Hmm. read more

The staff was very friendly . It was clean and nice . I suggest you go to them if you're trying to find a place . Didn't take long for her to be done read more

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This was my first time getting my hair braided since moving to Virginia 5 months ago. I booked an appointment online 2 days prior to me needing my hair done! They had an open slot which was truly amazing beings tho everybody were pretty much booked! My appointment was at 3:00 I didn't get my hair started until about 3:15 which isn't bad considering how busy they were! The salon was very clean and the ladies worked really well together! I received medium knotless braids! They're actually a little smaller then medium and I loveeeeee loveee them! Aida S did my hair and she was so gentle when combing my thick behind hair! She took her time she did not rush, she did a really nice job! Worth every penny she charged me! I definitely found my go to place forsure! Thank you ladies! read more

This is my 3rd visit to The Braiding Lounge and each visit has been amazing! For all 3 visits, Ronke has done my braids (med knotless goddess braids) and they were amazing. Her professionalism is phenomenal due to she takes great pride in her work and she's honest. Two characteristics that are hard to come by this day and age. Ronke is a GREAT asset to The Braiding Lounge and I highly recommend her to others when they want their hair braided. I will remain a loyal customer to The Braiding Lounge because of Ronke! read more

UPDATE RESPONSE: All LIES!! What scene are you referring to? You told me about the price increase and showed you me a chart. I suggested that you should include that disclaimer on your website. I even pulled up the website on my phone and showed the receptionist at the front desk that there wasn't any notification of increases due to length. As a result you obliged to my request to have my deposit refunded. I caused a scene by informing you that your website wasn't clear and requested my deposit back? I didn't get loud or bring any attention to the situation. Further, I never was informed or had inclination I was BANNED. This is the first time I'm hearing about this news. If I was banned, there'd be no reason for me to even make an attempt to book with you. You're not the only braiding salon in the city. That doesn't make sense. So you're telling me you were willing to accept a banned customers deposit money, but unwilling to service them? Do better....develop emotional intelligence and work on bettering your business practices. Lastly, don't LIE on customers to justify your petty behavior. Braid lounge definitely lacks in customer service. Back in August 2020, my 9y/o daughter for medium box braids. Upon arriving at her appointment, I was advised due to the length of her hair (tailbone), there would be an additional $100 charge, which would total to $260. I booked her appointment online, and there wasn't a disclaimer stating that the price goes up based on hair length for child styles (since that incident, The Braid Lounge updated their website to notify the length associated add-on cost). Financially I couldn't afford to pay the additional $100 at that time. As a result, I had to end her appointment. Fast forward to today, November 20th, 2020, I received a call rt now from the salon stating that they have to cancel my scheduled appointment for today due to having to cancel my daughter's appointment in August. Fortunately, I was able to book a last-minute appointment somewhere else. The Braid Lounge is inconsiderate of my time due to their lack of transparency, unprofessional, and EXTREMELY petty. read more

I have been going to the braid lounge for years. I always felt I received great service. There was an outstanding stylist that use to do my tree braids and she move back home. I allowed another stylist to do my hair. She is the only stylist who do tree braids by the name of Aida. My last experience the stylist got an attitude with me and stated that she couldn't use the hair that I provided. I have always use that particular hair. This was never a problem before and even the other stylist who was doing somebody else hair said you can use that hair. The stylist just wanted to be mean because she didn't want to use the brand of hair that I provided. Then during the experience she yank my hair trying to comb through my hair. She showed me that she didn't care about my hair and didn't value me as a customer. Then she was talking about me in another language to the stylist next to her who was doing somebody else hair. I have never experience that kind of treatment in the braid lounge in all my life. I started to walk out because of Aida attitude but, I wanted to get my hair done. I humble myself to be nice to the stylist Aida and she still treated me with disrespect. Their is no excuse for how she treated me. She did a beautiful job with my hair. I will never let her do my hair again. There is no excuse for how I was treated. I will never go back to the braid lounge again. I don't want to hear anything from a manager taking up for her because their is no excuse for disrespecting people who is paying a $200.00 service for great service. I will be looking for service somewhere else. read more

Would not recommend this experience. I live in a rural area and made an appointment for 10am. A few days beforehand they called to confirm the appointment, asked me to pay in cash, and asked if I could come earlier. I agreed to come earlier despite the inconvenience, as I live a long distance away. When I arrived at my appointment time, my braider was not even there. She arrived 10 mins later and spent 45 mins setting up her station and prepping my braiding hair. It was hard to communicate with her as she didn't speak much english, so I never quite knew what she was asking me to do and she didn't seem to understand some of my requests. However, prior to beginning braiding she confirmed she would do bra strap length, small triangle braids. It took nearly 9 hours to complete- much of which she was on the phone or watching movies on her phone. When I finally stood up I realized she had given me waist length braids, which I did not want. No wonder it took so long. At that point the shop was closed, I had been there way too long, and communication was nearly impossible anyway so I gave up and left. I was asked to pay about 90 minutes before my service ended, and at that point I did not know I did not get the service I paid for, so I left a nice tip. I wish I hadn't. Now I have heavy, long braids that I did not ask for and will have to spend more of my time to try to fix the length. On top of it all, she was pretty rude and based on the little bit I could understand, they were rudely talking about clients. I won't be back. read more

Ronke was so sweet and nice and she really made my experience what it was. I also appreciate that they were on time because that's a rarity now. My hair is super thick and Ronke got me together in a reasonable amount of time and my braids are gorgeous! read more

Terrible job. Braids were too big to fit under my hat (I made it clear that I was military). I ask for sm/med box braids. braids were ultimately med/lrg. I also made it clear that my hair needed to fit into a bun. The braids were tapered so small at the that the style looked like a cheap wig for a low budget African movie. Large bulky braids at the top and small rat tail ends made it look very much out of proportion. The entire time, the ladies kept saying how I should have gotten knotless braids. I think they knew that the job they were doing was terrible. Furthermore, the braids in the middle of my head were not box braids, they were mini cornrows- not individual at all. They had no regard for my edges. It was just a very poor job. I wish I had taken a better look at them before I left, but the shop was closing and I could tell that the ladies were in a rush to leave. I took the braids out as soon as I got home. Waste of $250. They really should have given me a refund. read more

I would have given them a 5 but my appointment time was switched twice. However, they were very professional and the experience was definitely a good one. I haven't gotten my hair braided in years but it felt good to get a protective style and know the money was well spent. I had Roake, and she was very nice and did an amazing job on my knotless braids. Definitely coming back. read more

My braid appointment with Pelagie was very good. She has very light braiding touch. The little tightness as expected from first day is practically gone on day two. It was a very fast appointment but my hair is very full and neat. read more