WOW! A local gem!!…read more For some reason I've always had difficulty in achieving the look I want with sew-ins. Usually they're bulky, too tight and recently took too long. Thankfully I came across Studio 99! It is perfectly located near downtown Oakland, in a small clean salon. Went in last night after easy scheduling with the owner, Melissa, via IG. Melissa is very knowledgeable and talented at what she does. My hair is now almost a week out and has been relatively painless (fresh braids hurt no matter what) and the style looks great! I especially love how she set the "leave out" do I can style my hair differently. To top it off my real hair was trimmed and braided with support to take the pressure off my natural hair. A gem! Diamond of the season! Get your summer hair ready and right at this salon! Thank you, Melissa! I love my hair!!

I HAD MY HAIR N FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS AND HAD TO TAKE IT OUT!!!! 2 OF THOSE HOURS I WAS DRIVING. I LET…read moreTHE LADY (OWNER) KNOW RIGHT AWAY ABOUT THE ISSUE. SHE TOLD ME TO GO W A RATTAIL COME AND RRY TO LOOSE. IT. UMMM HOW. I TRIED AND STILL NOTHING. I SHOWED HER PICTURES IF HOW MY SKIN WAS PULLING AND TURNING WHITE AND YOU CAN C THE FOLLICLES BEING PULLED. HAD TO TAKE IT OUT RIGHT AWAY. Sucks, because i gave her 250 and hair was over 400 . So I'm was out of 700 plus with gas, parking ticket and service. I have 4 kids and that could have def been given to them.. i only requested 125 back. She said ok then the games started. My time is more valuable than 125 so I just blocked her eventually and told her God bless and moved on w life. Life is too short! Chop it up as a loss and a lesson! She seems to be a nice person, however nice isn't going to fix the fact that I went there and my hair was way too tight. I don't live in the area, I'm 2hrs away so I couldn't go back to have it redone. I told her right away upon getting home that my hair was way too tight and I tried to modify it and cut parts that are tight out. Still did not work. I think she started rushing towards the end as another client showed up and did not realize how tight she was doing my hair. My hair was so tight I started throwing up. I called Er and spoke to a colleague there as I'm n the med field and she told me it's imperative to take it down if I don't get relief after trying to cut a few. I called her again she and she said she will redo it if I come back. Mind you my bday was the next day and my daughter's bday was the day after so I couldn't. I gave her a great tip bc she took me last min and seemed genuine at first so I was like u know what I'll just get half of what I paid back. She said to call her on face time to show her I took it down and so I did just as she asked. She didn't answer. I then texted her and she said oh I left my phone at shop. So I told her now bc I was using someone else's phone I no longer have access to ft but I can send pictures. I could have even showed her a picture of me and wrote a date on it. She didn't want that. I showed her a picture the night I took it down of my hair and the frontal completely lifted out. So fast forward she tells me no she's not going to do it and she needs a ft mind u I had already tried calling her at the exact time she told me to. I told her it's cool I'm not guna go back and fourth with you God bless and I left it alone. I do not need to lie about taking my hair down!!! It kind of had a wiggish look but I was happy that she was accommodating and agreed to do it. Now I 100% regret it. I got a parking ticket as she talked and showed me pictures the full first 1 and some mins before actually even doing my hair. So overall I wouldn't return. The service was ok but overall it's a No for me. Business is business and that's OK. Hope everything works out w how she handles hers! OVERALL THE ISSUE WAS MY HAIR WAS WAYYYY TO TIGHT. NO WAY ANYONE COULS HAVE DEALT WITH IT BEING THAT TIGHT. I GET MY HAIR SEWN IN BY SOMEONE ELSE AND NEVER EVER HAD THIS ISSUE Cons. Wiggish look of the sew in Rushed towards the end as another client came in Hair wayyy to tight Pros Nice Came in as a same day appointment within 1.5hr

My review is long over due! A year and a half ago I reached out to Aisha to get my hair braided for…read morea wedding I'd be attending in Cabo. I decided on Senegalese Twist as I thought that style would fit me perfectly. The appointment lasted 7 hours but it honestly felt like I was there for only 3-4 hours as we had great conversation throughout. Aisha works quickly and efficiently. I loved the way my braids came out and I received so many compliments! When the time comes again to get my hair braided Aisha will be my go to! - Coyah

I really wanted to support a local stylist, but unfortunately this experience left me feeling…read morebamboozled and disappointed. I paid $275 (close to $300 after everything) for a very basic braided style no custom design, no added length, no special detailing, and no extras included. While the braids are neat, the style itself does not match the premium price point. This is something that would typically cost significantly less in other areas, and nothing about the experience justified the cost. No wash, no added service, no luxury finish just standard braids at a luxury price. This feels like yet another example of Bay Area hair pricing with no added value, and as a client, that's frustrating. I don't mind paying for quality, but I do expect transparency and pricing that aligns with the service provided. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend based on value alone.

Long review alert lol…read more Nenefua (Cynthia) is all sorts of wonderful :))) I first met her 10 years ago (when her shop was on Adeline in Berkeley). She did my crochet braids with body wave hair. It looked like a human hair weave and was gorgeous! Lots of compliments! She just did my hair for the second time -- 10 years, 1 cross-country move, and lots of life events later. Since 10 years ago, I only got braids (crochet braids) twice, and I only let my play sister do them lol. Ummmmm... otherwise, I knew I needed to wait until I was back in the Bay Area for Nenefua to do my braids. This time she did beautiful, very small, very long Senegalese twists (what we call micro, but what she told me aren't really micro lol). She provided beautiful synthetic hair (extra, reasonable cost) that looks and feels like human hair. Love it!! Her excellent work, personality and calm demeanor make her my braider -- well-worth the cross-country trip!

Amazing quality-- not only the final product, but also my time spent in the chair…read more I had the pleasure of having my hair done by NanaEfuwa (Cynthia) today and was not disappointed. My lower back length Senegalese twists are all that I wanted-- and more. Upon arrival, we had a consultation where she took the time to patiently walk me through the process of understanding cost of the service as having three variables: 1) girth/size of braid (from micro to jumbo--she even has a standardized ring to help you decide), 2) length of the braid from the scalp (shoulder length, mid-back, etc.) and 3) density of the braids (how many braids will be placed in your hair given the other two variables). I had a LOT of questions--primarily how she would be able to make braids that were durable on hair that was recently tapered and less than an inch long in some parts. After ensuring I was happy with the intersection of what I desired and what was possible (as well as all feeling good about the price), we started the process. First, it was quite the visual experience watching her blend hair colors. From my description of "medium brown with light brown/golden tones", she took three different colors and started turning them together in her hands, personalizing my hair bundles. She said no two of her clients ever have exactly the same color-- what an unexpected delight! After having me approve of the final hair, she started braiding. I appreciate her checking in with me to ensure I was happy with a few test rows before reaching a point where it would not have been as easy to pivot (she didn't need to change anything, but I appreciate the question). I also benefitted greatly from the stillness offered in her salon. I closed my eyes and enjoyed silence (even nodded off a few times), engaged in captivating conversation, stared at degrees on the wall and wondered "What happened to Julie?"** and watched a master beautician impart her knowledge onto the next generation through apprenticeship. Overall, I am so grateful a ChatGPT prompt for "low-tension braiders in the Bay Area" displayed her shop. NanaEfuwa specializes in taking care of the scalp and your hair (as well as your entire being), so in addition to using natural products, she utilizes specific techniques to hold the braid in slight counter traction to oppose the pull generated while braiding. Between me, NanaEfuwa or Una holding the braids at various times, the entire process was at most uncomfortable-- never painful. I wanted to write this review to thank NanaEfuwa and help others to make a great decision to reach out. I have found my Bay Area Braider and maybe even a new friend! **look at the two "Board Member" signatures on the degrees and compare 2018 to 2022. Of course, you have to book a service to sit in her chair to do so. You should. :-)

First , I have to start off saying this is a one stop shop for all of your hair care needs . From…read morenatural hair, weaves, coloring services,locs & if you need hair , she has quality hair on hand ! The shop is very welcoming with its open floodplan , to as soon as you walk in , you're greeted as if you are family . Drue is hands down gifted in what she does . I never know exactly what I want done next & she delivers everytime I challenge her with a new style idea ! Also, when she is not available , Harrison has stepped up and taken care of me & he did not disappoint either . They are a group of talented stylist here at Virgin Plus ! 10/10

this review is for sania- the makeup artist…read more i booked my appointment a month in advance. sania text me 2 days prior to the appointment asking me if i can come in at 7am instead-unfortunately i couldn't, she said no worries. then just now, the night before my appointment, she text me saying her wrist is cramping and can't do my makeup but yet offered a different day with a discount???? very unprofessional. no thank you! even after getting my refund i said "thanks girl" and no response from sania. good luck running your business this way.

Excellent service and will fix and work with you if anything happens…read more They have very skilled hair stylist in here. Very down to earth environment. Price can be high but flexible depending. Only place I let touch my hair

I've tried 5 different loctresses in the last 2yrs. Today I think I've found my forever. Dawn's…read morehands are magical. We knew each other but I didn't know she did hair; so it was a beautiful surprise to see her. She explained so much to me about locs. I wish someone had shared the same information when I started my 1" locs 2yrs ago. The wash was refreshing & left my scalp feeling alive & fresh. My hair's not tight & pulling on my scalp. She really did a great job. After reading some of the reviews, I had my reservations especially in regard to punctuality. However, Dawn was ready & waiting. I am overly satisfied w/the finished product. I'll definitely be returning & will recommend her to others.

After five years as a loyal client, I can honestly say this is the only salon and braider I trust…read morewith my natural hair. Every appointment reminds me why I keep coming back. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with warmth, professionalism, and genuine kindness. The salon is beautiful, spotless, and located in a safe, convenient area, creating a relaxing experience from start to finish. The entire staff is friendly, respectful, and makes you feel like family. What truly sets them apart is the exceptional quality of their work. My braids are always neat, consistent, and beautifully done without sacrificing the health of my hair. I appreciate that they listen to my concerns, especially about protecting my edges and hairline, and they always braid with care. My appointments start on time, and I know I can count on them to deliver beautiful results every single visit. Finding a braider you can trust is priceless, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found mine. Their professionalism, reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to healthy hair are second to none. If you're looking for a talented African braider who truly cares about her clients and takes pride in her craft, look no further. I recommend this salon with complete confidence. Thank you for five wonderful years of consistently outstanding service. Here's to many more! Highly, highly recommended!

Very overdue review, for box braids done by Fatu in 2022. She did an excellent job, I never had…read morebraids before but needed a protective style for my travels in a very dry climate for a prolonged period of time. I had a great experience here, she was so gentle and kind. I was a little bit nervous about the tension and how my scalp would handle it, but she did such a good job not only was I able to tolerate it my hair grew a whole inch. I wore the braids really long don't judge me...3 months but that's a testament to the job she did, it didn't look raggedy after all that time AND I got an inch of length. We chose a side part, but I could wear any direction. Thanks again Fatu, wish I left this review sooner.

I get a silk press and a haircut. I have natural kinky coils and I never stress about losing my…read morecurl pattern after a silk press. My curls revert back to their original state. Trenell doesn't just wash and style your hair. She does a proper assessment of the state of your hair. Advises you of what products to use to maintain the health of your hair. ​ She can style long or short hair. Her hair extensions are amazing.

I am very particular about who I allow to cut my hair, but I must say, Trenell made me feel like…read moremyself again! I simply showed her a recent picture of how I normally wear my haircut, and she took it from there. She paid attention to the details, understood exactly what I wanted, and delivered. If you're in the Oakland area and looking for a barber, I highly recommend Trenell LeShelle.

Everything about this place feels like home, in the most professional way. The atmosphere is clean…read moreand comfortable. The stylists are amazingly knowledgeable and super friendly. Your hair is in excellent hands here.

Great job! I called in a jam because my stylus did not show up for our scheduled appointment. My…read moredisappointment was a blessing in disguise. Miracles did my hair better than my now old stylus. My next appointment will be at Miracles. Very professional.