Claudette's is the most professional, dedicated, and punctual hair braiding salon in the DMV. Claudette, the owner, welcoming and warm and she personally handles all appointment scheduling, and she is onsite each day. Her salon is in a great, safe location. It is classy and well-appointed and clean, with comfortable sofas and chairs and vending machines. But most importantly, she doesn't cut corners on hiring the best talent. She has gifted braiders who have been with her for over a decade, and it shows in the magnificent styles they can deliver flawlessly and consistently. I've been going for over 10+ years with my 2 daughters. We are out of the salon in less than 5 hours or less, no matter how intricate our styles are. Our favorites are Fatu and Maya. They love their craft and their customers. I can't recommend Claudette's highly enough. 5-stars read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

I have not been to a braid a shop in over 10 years and was a bit reluctant due to poor customer service and rude staff. I remember coming to this location about 15 years or so to get kinky twists. I have to admit, they were a little pricey back then but the quality of service was phenomenal. I decided to try them again and I freaking love my hair! The compliments are never ending. The one who started out on my hair, I think her name is Philly, she is beyond outstanding, she and a few others worked on me. They are very sweet and courteous and got me out in no time. I cannot wait for my next style. Great job ladies read more

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DO NOT GO HERE! I would give 0 stars if I could. I got my hair braided almost 1 week ago and have sores on my head and a perpetual headache. I asked the stylist (Mai- not sure how to spell it) numerous times to not braid so tight, but clearly no matter how many times I asked it didn't matter. My head never hurt so bad after getting my hair braided, but I thought it would go away. I haven't had a good night's sleep since I got my hair done because I'm in so much pain. I spent $170 plus a tip (i felt obligated to tip) and have to take them out. I work too hard to have my money wasted and to receive a "service" that has literally made me miserable. I hope I still have hair when I take these down. Save your money and your hair and go elsewhere. You've been warned. After the owner's comments: Wow, calling a client a liar? Miss Claudette, you can ask her how many times I said it was too tight. When she asked me to scoot down in my chair and lean the back of my head against the chair I told her I couldn't because the braids were so tight I was in pain. You should check with her before saying my experience didn't happen. She is very skilled and nice, just braids way too tight. But not to worry, I won't be back as you clearly do not want repeat business. And no, I didn't get the wrong business or braider. read more

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WomanBaby didn't prefer the1st place we went to as she got mixed information via telephone & then in person. So we called another salon who was kind enough to let us know that they were very busy & asked that we please call Ms. Claudette...THANK YOU as that phone call landed us here. As soon as we walked in we were greeted with a fabulous spirit & enormous smile from Ms. Claudette herself, who was sitting pretty behind the circular front desk. Per our quick exchange on the phone, we didn't have to wait which was a good thing as WomanBaby has a flight back to school today. She was paired with Annette, received more amazing happy spirits & Annette went straight to work. The salon has many comfy places to wait, TV's, vast products, drinks & snacks for sale. Not only is CBG's a braiding empire, they offer regular hair & barber services. One of the most huge, clean & organized hair salon I've visited. & the price list is unbeatable & worth the Uber ride over...Tacoma Metro (Red Line) isn't too far away. Annette was quick with her interchanging fingers, the hair color she suggested was a cool enhancement to WomanBaby's hair & most of all, she was extremely happy with her braids & Annette's service...3.5 hours I believe is the WomanBaby's quickest time yet. What a fantastic, professional, friendly experience today...& she looks beautiful. read more

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I will recommend people to go to there hair done at claudette hair braiding the same braideuse still working there thanks Mai fily fatou fabiola read more

While this place was clean and neat, and I was able to be seen in a quick amount of time. I was very disappointed in the look, and how long it lasted. I went in for passion twists. I purchased my hair after being advised by Claudette and was partnered with a woman who immediately put blue magic in my hair. I had no time to tell her that that wound be a bad idea considering the type of hair I have. I was then moved to someone else, who was nice but at the end of the look, I had some passion twists, some Senegalese, and some twisted sisters. I was tired, and thought I'd be okay. That night I went for a walk and thought a snake was behind me. Unfortunately, it was a twist. I went out to a restaurant and another twist fell out over my shoulder. I went back two days later with four missing twists and the front of my head looking like I had the braids for years. They were slipping. The young lady I saw before - and tipped well- re did it, but this time redid what she thought needed to be done and then gave me Senegalese twists on them. She told me the hair I bought was wrong, my hair wasn't strong enough, and she was supposed to burn the ends (which she didn't the first time). All excuses and things she could have told me before. A few days later, more fell out and I was very uncomfortable with the style. It's supposed to be protective, but my hair seemed to be ripping from the root. I wouldn't go back. However, I saw some great crochet work and weaving. read more

I decided to book an appointment with Claudette's Braiding Gallery after seeing the reviews here on Yelp. Claudette is nice and was very helpful when I showed up with the wrong hair based on the style I wanted. Fabiola (sp?) was the stylist that worked on my nubian twists. She did a great job. I was expecting the twists to be tight at the root like your hair usually is when you first get it done, but they weren't tight at all. I was able to pull part of it back out of my face on the same day I got the twists done. The style last for 7-8 weeks. The hair used for this style is really soft and it looks natural. I plan on booking another appointment at Claudette's this summer. BUT I would recommend you bring your own hair. While they do a great job, they also charge $10 per pack of hair used. read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Nubian twists - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

This, by far, has to be one of the best braiding shops around. I'm from the north so my hair usually was braided on 125th in NY when I went home. Since I don't go home as often, I had to find a local shop. Claudette's shop has been consistent and reasonable. Parking and WiFi are free. The staff is friendly. And my hair came out great today. Walked in at 9, got out a little before 12:00 and got exactly what I requested. This style can be worn as a bun or ponytail, very versatile for my upcoming trip to Thailand read more

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Thank you to Mia for a great experience at Claudette's Braiding Gallery. I love my hair, you are a artist in your craft. Thanks again read more

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I do not know where to start...Claudette's Braiding Gallery has been serving my family for almost 20 years. I recently moved back to area and called today for an appointment. Nothing has changed!! The service is still top notch. Customer service is exceptional. Mrs Claudette is still the same sincere and funny woman I met years ago. I am so proud to be part of her hair family. read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

Um, where do I start? Flag No. 1 --No details were provided during my call to set up the appointment, other than a was & deep conditioning was automatically included. Flag No. 2--After arriving for my appointment and during my 'check-in' with the same lady who scheduled my appointment, she was so distracted by her personal phone call and nail filing, to notice me, so I simply took a seat. Flag No. 3--After sitting for about 10 mins, I was able to scan the place and honed in on a huge bird cage that housed what I believed to be two parrots/cockatoo and what appeared to be one of their dead sisters or brothers lying on the bottom of the cage, in a disgusting feathery heap. Flag No. 4--Some random stylist was called from the back and she showed me braid options and kept raising the rates during the conversation. Flag No. 5--Before I could get my hair done, I was made to pay. Flag No. 6--There were literally sheets of dust and dirt covering everything, but the stylist, in the shop, so much so, the stylist kept sneezing the entire time. Flag No. 7--After braiding half of my head (in between, no lie two meal breaks within 30 mins), I was asked if the size was ok, only to finally be able to look in the mirror, and see the braids were actually plats, spaced so far apart, it reminded me of hairstyles my Mama gave me as a child. Flag No. 8--when I let the stylist know they were obviously spaced very far apart, she upped the price again, then restarted, and did the same far spaced plats, while she talked crap about me to the other stylists (at first in French, and when she realized I understood her, she switched to some other language I did not know). Flag No. 9--After having to stare at the dead bird in the cage, the sheets of dust and dirt, sit through the 3rd meal break in less than an hour, this lady talking crap about me while I sat in her chair, and this ladies' mile apart braids, I had enough. The lady at the front desk pretended she didn't know how to give refunds and offered me a check, like seriously. I insisted she learn how to do a refund just as quickly as she'd swiped earlier. Lesson: Never allow yourself to get past Flag No. 3. read more

This hair is a mess. I was nervous about coming to a braiding gallery and this is exactly why. After a failed attempt the day before when they told me they could take me at 1:30 and had me sitting until I walked out at 3pm, I came back ther next day at my scheduled time 2pm. My hair is long and thick, but manageable. I explained the style to the braiders, showed pics and even stopped a few times to give guidance. This mess was still the end result. HORRIBLE!!! To make matters worse, they make you pay in advance which is why I think they really don't care. I would've done my hair myself had I known I'd be set up. I contacted the owner, she asked why I didn't have them do it over before I left. I told her I didn't have time, it was already after 5 PM and they chose at 7. Besides one off the stylist has left ot the door. We rescheduled a do over Monday. But damn what a waste of time and $!! I'm a great stylist. Don't go here, just contact me instead. I've got better prices too. Smh read more

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As I begin to provide kudos to this establishment, this will also be an opportunity to get on my soap box. For me specifically I take getting my hair styled very seriously, whatever type of style I would like to have price and time is no object. For years the skills of a stylist superseded professionalism, and this is speaking on working with independent stylists (potentially a non-registered business) dealing with various unprofessional circumstances. This could range from them working in their home that is not conducive to a proper comfortable atmosphere, not responding to text\phone call messages at an efficient time (or at all) to having to be in an uncleanly environment. To get the perfect braids, I have dealt with and have had patience with this sort of monstrosities because in efforts to have a great hair style, there was a satisfaction of supporting people who are not really built for the conventionally way of doing business. As far as being a client, I have always practiced respect and boundaries. The policy of the stylist is followed, appointments are made in advanced, not a talker and I always tip despite the fact working from home does not pose an inconvenience to them paying a commission, booth rent or any other salon overhead. Now this rant is only directed towards braiding stylists, but I'm sure other folks that use other services from independent workers as well can relate. Cancelling a client's appointment the day of or on along with making excuses as if it's the client fault or not offering an alternative is unacceptable. This happens all the time from plenty, however if/when working with an establishment that has management there's ways reconciliation is offered. It's understood that as a patron our money and time is valued. Having to deal with this frustration I finally found myself looking into a braiding gallery, to avoid unnecessary disappoints at randomness, and for time of service to be scheduled and maintained accordingly. Keep in mind; I'll reschedule a dentist appointment over a hair appointment any day that's how serious I am about my strands (my teeth are fine, lol). I found Claudette's Braiding Gallery located in Takoma Park, and this was due to again unprofessionalism. Within 3 weeks I have had 2 services and both times it has been a relief, Ms. Claudette the manager and owner is on point. Prior to my appointed time she called to see if I could come early, and she had already squeezed me in from making a day before appointment again due to unprofessionalism from an independent stylist. Although this was very convenient for me to arrive early she offered a complementary shampoo, yes they offer salon services. My braider was Ms. Philly and she to hooked me up even after I paid. Her technique is marvelous; I was blushing after she only did 3 braids of by box braids. Bottom line this has taught me a valuable lesson on how I spend my money and actually making sure quality treatment is consistent, not that I neglect that aspect often. There's too much technology and tools for those who deal with clients to still mismanage time, not good with technology invest in a planner. Keep it yelpin!!! read more

This was my first time getting my hair braided here, and it won't be my last. I made the appointment with Claudette a week ago. Unfortunately something came up on the day of my appointment, so I had to come in at noon. A star is deducted because I had to wait an hour before someone started on my hair. The young lady who did my hair was a sweetheart. I wish I had gotten her name. She was the last chair on the left, and she had shorter locs. When she started on my hair, so noticed that she didn't pull tight. Actually, she was very gentle with my hair. She even refused to braid my edges. I wouldn't let her if she tried. She simply used edge control. Yes!!!! After about 4 hours, she was done, and my Senegalese twists look amazing. Ladies, check this out- no pain, no itching, and no flakes. I will definitely return! read more

My Sister introduced Me to Claudette about 6 years ago and I have been going there faithfully every since. I'm alway a satisfied customer. Claudette insist on it. I Love Claudette and the other stylist in the shop. Always Professional and eager to please. Claudette's Specializes in hair. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! read more

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This is a great braiding place, and the best I have been to in the DMV area. I am a big fan of 125 st in Harlem and moving here had issues finding the same mixture of affordability and quality. I was able to make an appointment with Claudette's very easily, and had a wonderful experience with Aisha. She was a quick braider, and did an impeccable job. It's a bit pricey but on par for the area, and many other shops charge more for less quality braiding. This place is an hour away from my house and it was well worth the drive and the money. My braids are beautiful and I will definitely be back! read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

I visited Claudette's Braiding Gallery this weekend and I love my hair. Ms. Claudette seemed nice and her hair was absolutely beautiful. The young lady who braided my hair, I didn't catch her name, was very nice and fast. My medium sized box braids were done in 3hrs! Their prices seem okay, my braids cost $200.00. The shop is spacious and very homey. There are drinks & snacks for sale, playful birds, and tvs. The only thing I would change is the way my natural hair was combed, parted & detangled. My natural hair is about a 3C and my braider combed my hair from root to tip. This is a no no for natural hair. Combing should be done carefully from tip to root to minimize knots, tangles, breakage, and pain. At one point she'd caused a hard knot in my hair AND proceeded to continue combing. I'm pretty sure she had to cut it because there was no combing it out. Also, I'm not sure what she used to part my hair but it seemed to rip at my hair. I don't get my hair braided very often, but I would visit Claudette's if I decided to have it done again. I would be more vocal/mindful of my "pre-braid" care. Aside from the combing, which is fixable, I would want to go right back to my braider. :) read more

Professional and skilled. Walk ins welcome. They supply hair and will match you perfectly.

My mother and I have been going to Claudette's Braiding Gallery since the late 1990s. Over the years, I've moved around a bit (Atlanta GA, Austin TX, travelled abroad and Fayetteville NC) but no matter where I go, I ALWAYS and only get my hair braided at Claudette's (by Fatou or by Mai). I only get my hair braided/twisted once or twice a year, and I get tons of compliments each time. The quality of their work is truly impressive, the braids/twists look great even after weeks, and (perhaps most importantly) my natural hair stays healthy while in a protective style. Also, the atmosphere of the salon is welcoming and the appointments always begin on-time as scheduled. I highly recommend Claudette's Braiding Salon to anyone considering amazing-quality, braids/twists/locs. P.S. My mom has been getting her sister-locs maintained there for many years (although she had braids prior to that) and she also gets a lot of compliments on her hair. read more

Just want to say that I really like my hair. I have to admit I had some reservations about going because I'm very picky about how my hair is braided but to my surprise, Mai did an outstanding job. I'm planning to go out of town for the week and wanted to get my hair done but wanted it to look good. I've been to other braid shops in the area (Laurel, Hyattsville, Columbia...etc) and was skeptical coming here but I'm happy. Let's just say...you're greeted with warmth from the moment you walk in until you leave (which took almost 5 hours for my hair - micros). Thanks again to Mai for doing my hair & the shop for making my first experience there a great one. I'll be returning. read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - My hair done by Mai...Thanks - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

I have been a loyal customer for over 20 years. I feel like family everytime I go in for service. read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - This are my new crochet braids I got today (3/18/17). I love this place. I have been a customer for over 20 years. - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

Horrible service, Rude Owner, Better braiders elsewhere. Choose another company. First, it took 6 hours for simple braiding. Had an early appointment and had to wait almost an hour without anyone mentioning anything about the braider running late or providing info until I inquired. The owner, Claudette, is a crook and has no regard for her customers. She is rude, cheap and entirely unprofessional. When I asked how she would address the fact that I was waiting for almost an hour for the braider, the owner talked rudely and said I was "crying" over 45 minutes. She didn't care that she had an unhappy customer and wasn't concerned when I pointed out the fact that she should want to ensure her customers want to come back. She said I already have loyal customers and it was like she didn't care. I have come once before and was not completely satisfied with the service (they did not know how to do a simple style correctly) but I decided to try them again. This time, the braider did not do the squares as I wanted. The braider also proved that Claudette is a liar. The braider said she didn't know about the appointment but Claudette claimed she did and was on the schedule. She is absolutely rude and unprofessional and it's not like they are great at braiding. It took 6 hours for her to finish. Claudette also had the nerve to ask my mother to buy her a coffee from McDonald's! Then didn't want to reimburse for the full amount of the coffee. Cheap!! We had to ask for the full amount of the coffee! I will never return and tell my friends to avoid this place too. Also, in the middle of this pandemic, while putting the braids in water, the braider takes off her mask and is blowing on the back of my hair!!!!! I had to tell her to put the mask back on. Claudette was often without her mask as well. NEVER GOING BACK. read more

This was my first visit to Claudette's and I must say that I am truly satisfied with hair. I suffer with alopecia in my crown area and the young lady who braided my hair was able to cover the thinning area without detection. In my book, Claudette's Braiding Gallery gets an A++ in my book and is now my permanent hair braiding salon. Thank you Claudette for a job well done. read more

Called Wednesday to make an appointment for my daughter. Cornrows on natural hair. Explained I DO NOT put heat on my kids hair. 1st question. What's heat. I explained blow dry. She seemed to understand. Plan to wash and detangle before I arrive Fast forward 4 days, arrive at Claudette's only to be told that the stylist is unable to part my kids hair unless it's blowed dried. Said stylist who looked at my daughters hair (barely touched it) and put her face in a twist. I'm directed to owner who proceeds to interrogate me -- what do you think is going to happen with blow dry? Severe waste of time no apology or concern for the severe inconvenience. If you are natural stay way. read more

I was really disappointed. My braider was Christine(I think that's her name- dark skinned short woman) in the far back chair in the shop, on the side. I had an appt at 9 and was seen right away, which is why this place gets 2 stars. But the person doing my hair was awful. First she was slow. Then she did my individual braids with the first 1/2 to 1 inch of the braid attached to my head...like a cornrow! Wtf? Who does that? I was sooo upset. She redid one of the braids in the front, but otherwise left the rest like that, so I'm gonna have to fix it. I'm really disappointed because I watched 3 other braiders do their clients' hair beautifully and was really resentful about being stuck with someone who did such a terrible job. I gladly paid $200- but for that, I expect someone who knows how to do good work, and she didn't. read more

Although we were late for the appointment, the staff was accommodating. The hairstylist did a wonderful job with my daughter's hair. We will definitely will be back again. read more

Been coming for years! And will be as long as Claudette is running things...lol. Live in VA worth the drive to MD. read more

My entire family has been going to Claudette's for years and years. Always an outstanding job, reasonably priced, and you are never there for too long. I just got individuals done today medium sized and I was out in less than 4 hours. I wouldn't go anywhere else... best braiding in the DMV area!!! read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Individual braids by Claudette's braiding salon. - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

My first braiding experience at Claudette's was mixed. Claudette was very nice, the prices were very reasonable, and my braids look ok overall.My initial braider was good but was joined by other braiders. In the end, they rushed and did not clip my stray hairs too good, and I saw that my braids were different sizes later. On the fence on whether or not I would go back. read more

Amazingly fast service, professional, and clean! The quality of my Nubian Twists are excellent, they didn't braid too tight and the style was exactly how I wanted it, and I will definitely be returning! I am very particular about my hair and if I say you cannot go wrong with this place....you cannot go wrong with this place. read more

Love coming here to get my hair done! Not sure if it's luck...but every time I spontaneously want to get my hair braided or twisted they take me right away. They are expensive, but you're getting your money's worth! read more

I like to wait a few days after sitting with my hair to give an accurate review. So Claudette really came in clutch for me because the braider I had lined up cancelled and she fit me in that same day, luckily I found out early enough. Very nice on the phone and I did warn her I have a lot of hair and she was respectful and joking about it which usually doesn't happen. I like to be honest because I figured the price is going to go up once they see it anyway. Claudette called me early and said there was a spot open now and I appreciated that. The shop is clean, and Claudette immediately had an open braider for me by the name of La La. After examining my hair and a quick consultation I paid a reasonable price for the Senegalese twists I wanted to get and she was on it. I came in a little after 11 and was done by 3. And my twists were/are beautiful. This morning one twist did come out in the back but I have a lot of hair and it's not noticeable although I pray that it won't be a reoccurrence. That's the only negative I guess to say? I've received multiple compliments and am pretty happy. I most likely will be back because I enjoyed the service and the fact that she got me in so fast. Thank you La La and Claudette. read more

Claudette's Braiding Gallery - Hair Salons Near Me - Takoma Park, Maryland

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Claudette is very professional, she knows what she is doing and she has built her business on it. If the customer is not happy she will get up and fix it herself. She can do whatever style you want and can take a tiny bit of hair and make it as long as you want! read more

Overall a good experience. I like to have a home for all my hairstyles as I'm now 100% natural and I'm trying out different styles as my hair grows back (Mohawk phase is officially over). Prices were reasonable and my overall braids were good. I was talked out of the size braid that I wanted and then my head was pushed a few times instead of being asked to scoot down or turn my head in a certain direction. But I will likely come back as the quality is good just didn't really vibe with the braider this go around. read more

Really nice braiding salon for myself and my daughter. I really expected my 4 year old to be screaming at the top of her lungs but she didn't. She actually fell asleep while she was getting her hair done. My hair came out great. read more

I am very disappointed with my recent experience at this establishment. I have been coming to this hair salon for the past two years and after this experience I will never come back again. I initially called to inquire about the pricing for a hairstyle and I was informed it would cost $115. When I finished my appointment, I noticed the slip the hairdresser provided me with listed $130 as the price for the style. When I get to the counter the owner put the slip aside and asked me "what was the price we agreed on when you called" I said $115 and she responded by telling me that it wasn't $115, it was $150 and said she would take off $10 from the amount for me. I understand that business is slow due to COVID but that does not give anyone permission to scam customers. In the two years I had been to the salon I have never had an issue with "miscommunication" in regards to the price. I will never come back to this salon. read more

First time getting my hair braided so I was a little uncertain where to get it done. Tried out Claudette's shop and the stylist was amazing. The shop was nice and clean and a very firendly enviroment. I will be back. They work fast and have no problem with making you feel comfortable. read more

If you're looking for Quality Service provided by True Professionals, then this is the braiding salon for you. I have tried several other salons in the area and I left feeling completely dissatisfied. At Claudette's you're treated with kindness from the moment you enter until the moment you leave and you will be more than satisfied with the work. You will leave feeling happy, stress free, and beautiful. There is NO competition. Claudette's is the best!!! read more

Claudette incorrectly installed sisterlocks parting with her fat fingers instead of a rat tail comb of some sort to precisely make the small box sections. When it came time to tighten my new growth, and truly it is an intricate process, she literally didn't FEEL LIKE taking the time to maintain my hair thereafter. Claudette could absolutely care less! She WAS ONLY concerned about the $800 bucks it cost me to have her install the micro locks! Needless to say, I no longer have those unprofessional micros that she had NO IDEA how to install! I had been a client there for some years with braids prior to me deciding on sisterlocks. A huge mistake!!!! I regret WASTNG MY TIME AND MONEY AT CLAUDETTE'S BRAIDING!! read more

I've been getting my hair braided here for several years. I've only had positive experiences with Claudette and her team of expert braiders. I always get the same style - long box braids - and I have consistently been a happy customer. read more