I'm so in LOVE with my new hairstyle! I'm so happy i found this place and only 20 mins from home…read moreYASSSS!! . I spent 4 years in Atlanta (a.k.a- hair capital of the world to an ATL resident) there are creative stylist on every corner in ATL. So when I moved back to the Bay Area, it was a struggle trying to find a black hairstylist who knows what they are doing. I would read every review, scroll every pic on their Instagram page and nothing! Then I stumbled across TTP Yelp page - excellent reviews and IG pics showing off their work didn't disappoint. I sent them a message via Yelp and Starr hit me back immediately. GIRLFRIENDS!!! ....My forever new stylist Starr is the TRUTH! Girlfriend has skills! My cut and color is on point and people are constantly stopping me and telling me how beautiful I look. She is the BEST!!!! I plan to dip my feet a little more in the cut and color world.... I trust Starr is going to have a few creative styles just for me.

This review is about the unresponsiveness of the business, not the service…read more By way of background, I made a special trip to this salon about making an appointment. It was a small (very), busy shop, with every chair occupied, so I was mindful of the stylists' time. A stylist I believe named Starr, the owner, introduced me to Nikita. The staff suggested booking online, but I asked Nikita if I could speak with her directly as I had several questions. Rather than interrupt her while she was working with a client, I asked for her number and the best day to call. She suggested Sunday or Monday, and I told her I'd call Monday. On Monday, I sent a text reminding her of our conversation and asking when she might be available to talk. Three days later, Nikita has still not responded. I made the effort to visit in person because I was geniunely interested in becoming a client. I understand that stylists are busy, but a brief reply - or simply directing me back to online booking- would have been appreciated. The lack of follow-up leaves me wondering what communication (or lack thereof) would be like once I became a client. I hope the owner is aware, because prospective clients may be slipping through the cracks. Finally, I found a wonderful stylist who I reached out to via email - and she immediately responded. Guess who has my business !

Me and my husband had a wedding to attend and she was able to squeeze both of us in (separate days…read moreof course) and even told me if my style didnt last I could come back and she'd touch it up. The shop is always a breath of fresh air and her hands are extremely blessed! Definitely worth booking

Despite the negative reviews I love hair by tawoda No…read morecomplaints, my twin daughters (6 y/o) go there all the time and I love their work it's clean and neat. Sometimes they do braid too tight but close mouths don't get fed. & she does my fiancé locs does take a while but they always look clean and neat . Would recommend!

My hair & my entire being feel alive every time I have an appointment here. I've been a regular…read moreclient with Jasynn for several years & she always delivers the best cuts. I appreciate Jasynn's attentiveness to detail & really listening & executing what I want each and every-time. No notes, just fabulous fresh curly cuts. My hair is always soft, glistening and defined. I have 3B curls & I also have been using products Jasynn recommended & has available to purchase at the salon. This salon is such a safe & welcoming space. All of the staff members are kind and passionate.

Clarice has been doing my daughter's hair for years. She does an incredible job in suggesting ways…read moreto keep my daughter's hair healthy. My daughter plays water polo and she is swimming or preaching several times a week. Clarice continues to recommend more ways to keep Sarai's hair healthy and we are grateful for her attentiveness. This salon is a bit off the beaten path but it is worth the time. You can count on getting a private and professional experience

Well although there are some very critical reviews on this site about the salon itself, one should…read morenot let that deter you from getting great service with amazing results from a specific stylist. Yes, there is room for improvement in the overall ambience of the shop, but we must understand the businesses of color do not often have access to the capital, the time, and the resources to emerge as well polished stones in the business arena. I will simply say this, Cheryl Hancock is one of the best hairstylist in all of the bay area. I am a teacher, educator, activist, and public figure and have been using her services for over 15 years. I'm in public settings quite often and also appear occasionally in news and media reports. She not only knows about locs, but is proficient in every variety of black hairstyle and care. Cheryl is a supremely talented artist who would make any man or woman proud of their natural black hair. Although she can be found at HEADTrips SaLoN in Oakland on MacArthur Avenue, she also provide services out of Richmond California and for those special customers who can afford it she will even provide of custom visit. She is not inexpensive, and she shouldn't be the quality of work she provides. So come prepared to spend for expert loc maintenance.

I seldomly write reviews but this was absolutely necessary the atmosphere is inviting provides a…read morewelcoming environment staff members are very polite courteous and makes clients feel comfortable I'm extremely impressed most with is the high-quality of the work they do here their versatile in doing wide range of styles high-speed braiding calm patience creativity adaptability to trends if your looking for a shop and your in need I highly recommend Hair Trips Salon is the place to be

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. :-)

I work long hours and needed to get my hair done asap. I called Miriam and she made time for me to…read moreget it done and in time for me to get on the plane for my cruise. Such a life saver. Thank you for being so flexible.

I wish I could rate the quality of the work, the vibe, or the service, but I was never served! I…read morebooked a braid takedown appointment and no one showed up for my appointment. I don't know if they need to fix their booking site (also unclear if it's Booksy or Vagaro but I found and booked them through Booksy). I had an appointment scheduled for 10 AM and it's now 10:25 AM and the salon door is still closed. I should've known when I called multiple times and never got a call back, but I know how the aunties can be, so I figured I would just show up to my confirmed appointment time and be fine. Nope, no show to my appointment. Very disappointing.

TL;DR: Shellvita is the best! She's super knowledgeable, patient, efficient, and makes you feel…read moremore confident with your hair. And I'm not just talking about walking away with a cute yet fleeting style. She is more than well versed in proper hair care (down to your nutrition) that you can properly provide TLC to your hair. In case you wanted the details: I've generally had a contentious relationship with my hair to the point I just do the bare minimum wash and detangling. I have a lot of it and it has always felt like a chore but also afraid of damaging it with any sort of chemicals. My first visit with Shellvita was about a week ago and got the deluxe shampoo and a haircut. I generally feel ignorant to proper haircare for my hair but Shellvita made me feel so comfortable. She was welcoming which allowed me to explain my concerns. I cannot wait to go back and get all sorts of services with her including color. She took the time to educate me without any type of judgment or negativity. ^_^

Let me start by saying I always read the reviews, and when I saw the good feedback, I thought to…read moremyself, "This is the place for me. We'll honey it ain't! I called this lady when they first opened up that morning, and she had already had an attitude.she stated that she doesn't do anything without appointments and that after 1 p.m., the appointments will reopen. I said okay and didn't pay it, no mind, but when that time came, I scheduled for 2 slots. I called Lyft and headed over to my appointment, and I tried calling the lady while I was on my way . She told me that right after I set the appointment, she had canceled it. I never received an email or text. My opinion about this business is that she's not professional what so ever. That's not how you do business. Be straightforward with potential clients. I felt like I was wrong. The lady in a past life, lol. What a waste of my time and money!

Professional braiders who do quality work. There are several braiders depending on what style you…read morewant. Besides the work being done well something Ithought was exceptional was their sample book. They have a book with pictures and sample braids to show size of braids to be used between client and braider. Location: fair (not far from freeway, but parking was challenging) Shop: clean Service: they work well together. Thank you, Sharine

After my original braider canceled on me literally 30 minutes before my appointment (while I was…read moreblow-drying my hair according to her prep instructions ), I was ready to panic. Instead, I jumped on Yelp, found Famarisa African Braiding, took a chance, and I am SO glad I did. I called at 8:30am and Famarisa was able to get me in almost immediately. I walked through the door around 9:25 a.m., and by 9:30 someone was already braiding my hair. They had the braiding hair ready to go--I just had to grab the Boho hair for my waist-length knotless goddess braids. Y'all... I was walking out the door by 4:00 p.m. with a FULL head of beautiful waist-length Boho knotless goddess braids. I have been getting my hair braided for years, and I have NEVER finished early enough to still enjoy the rest of my day. When I looked up around 3:30 and realized she was already on the last row, I almost cried lol. These women do not play about their time, and they definitely don't waste yours. The atmosphere was just as amazing as the service. It genuinely felt like I was hanging out at my auntie's house while everyone chatted in French and other languages. The entire shop was warm, welcoming, and full of good energy. The owner's daughter was incredibly kind and even offered me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while I was there. (She also does beautiful nails, by the way!) The biggest win for me, though, was the braiding itself. I am EXTREMELY tender-headed. Usually, the first night after getting my hair braided is miserable because my scalp hurts so badly. This time? I slept like a rock. Not a single headache or sore spot. My braider listened when I told her I was tender-headed, checked in with me throughout the appointment, and adjusted her tension without any attitude or pushback. That level of care meant everything to me because, trust me, I have absolutely cut braids out before when they were too tight. I can honestly say I found my new braider. Looking back, I'm grateful my original appointment fell through because otherwise I never would have found this gem. If you're looking for PROFESSIONAL, talented, efficient, kind braiders who truly care about their clients, Famarisa African Braiding is it. Period. I recommend them without hesitation.