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. :-)

Cynthia is truly an expert and very passionate about her craft. I've been getting so many…read morecompliments on my hair. She was very kind and took great care of my hair. It was like I was spending time with an old friend vs someone I just met. I am new to the area and finding competent hair stylist can be scary. Cynthia made me feel right at home. I am so blessed to have found Sankofa braiding and natural hair care. Christie M.

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.

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.

My regular hairstylist is Nikita, but I love everybody at this location!!!!! I usually get a wash…read moreand press, but this recently I got cornrows put in and I loved them!!!!! I got so many compliments. I'm going back next weekend.!!

Damn right The Braid Bar is as good as it gets! And not only…read morebecause it is Local and black owned! But, also because: The Bar is a Beautiful, professional shop with multiple chairs and inviting interior, (there's tons of candy). The most impressive aspect of the Braid Bar is that there are plenty of stylists, assistants and booths. They have their own well-stocked beauty supply within the salon; that carries rare hair colors and hot new accessories - that I adore because I love having braids and playing up my styles. There doesn't seem to be any unnecessarily long waits and no shortage of hands like some traditional shops. Finally, I've actually never had my done here but I have the pleasure of being friends with Ricky, who works at the shop. He always does a beautiful job on my hair during our private sessions, and is very gentle and has so many years of knowledge.

it has been a few weeks thinking about this and i've come to the conclusion that victoria put knots…read morein multiple braids along my hairline / fine baby hairs on purpose. i just lost almost 3 complete strands along my hairline that the braids were attached to. I looked in the mirror very closely at these pieces and it was some kind of pattern (not 3 strands, almost impossible to take out without damaging and some of the hairs i could only untangle by gently pulling them up through this knot she created which is exactly why i know of was it was intentional.) i don't know if this is her method but i have never noticed it this bad before and it caused me to lose even more hair in these sensitive areas that i just expressed the sensitivity of these areas to her at my appointment in May 2025. She shows absolutely no care. Probably bitter because she couldn't manipulate me into paying her 400 dollars for her BS inconsistent work. I have 2 of the strands with knots in them and i plan on having someone else look at them closely because it truly looks like she knotted up my hair on purpose and I may see what I can do financially about this. I am sure there are other great braiders here, but Victoria has been off putting multiple times, and has shown me little to no care when it comes to my hair or hair care. I've never struggled to take my braids out like this, she did something different, something intentional that completely damaged the most sensitive area of my hair. My hair used to thrive after braids. My original review: I ask for the same thing every time I go and am met with confusing uncomfortable conversations surrounding price. For years the prices on the website were either inaccurate or not honored by this particular braider but I never argued. I was ignored when I reached out to the phone number provided, with questions regarding this. In 2025, I had an appointment in May and an appointment in December. I asked for the same braid service and braid size. My braids in May were great, the braids I got last month (Dec 2025), not so much. Barely lasted two weeks and I have type 4 hair. A braid fell out, 2 weeks in. She gave me bigger braids and parts. I don't expect perfect consistency but at the same time, the price is largely based on size.

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

Amaenda is the best, she is so gentle with my hair, braids efficiently and we have great…read moreconversation. Her space is clean, private and quiet. I'm so grateful to have found her, she is so sweet and talented, I leave feeling brand new

Been getting my sew ins done by her since. Always does a great job and is so nice. Worth every…read morepenny!

I always order hair online and I was in need of hair immediately so I got google at searched for…read moreplaces with quality hair near me. I found Miracles hair Studio via yelp. The reviews were good and the pics even better so I gave the owner a call and she assisted me promptly and understood my emergency cause I was going on vacation and had a vision in mind but the hair I had originally ordered wasn't gonna make it in time. Nichelle understood and within an hour or so my problem was totally resolved. Lynisha and herself were an absolute pleasure to work with. I was able to buy hair from her that I really love. The quality is great and the hair looks beautiful. I know quality and it's been hard to come by in the Bay Area. She's definitely where you need to go! Thank you Nichelle and Lynisha for your amazing customer service.

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.

My hair looks ok, but..... she defintely cheated by making some of the ones in the center thicker…read moreand with shorter hair, which limits how I can style it. But the bigger issue is that she took SOOO MANY breaks. She braids out of her home, and people were coming and going to pick up plates of food that she sells. We agreed upon a time, but when I arrrived she took a quick shower before starting my hair. Also, her prices were not any cheaper than going to a shop. If I'm dealing with a kitchen beautician, I expect it to be cheaper than a shop. #ReclaimingMyTime in 2018, so I won't be returning

I have been going to Ami for twists for 10 years. She is consistently neat and professional. I am…read morevery picky about my hair being neat so I don't go to anyone else. She does not start the twists with braids (this method looks more natural) but they are secured with no pain. They don't slide off when shampooed yet easy to take down when it's time.