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    Mama African Braiding Salon

    4.4 (94 reviews)
    ModerateHair Extensions
    Open 10:00 am - 6:30 pm

    Services - Mama African Braiding Salon

    Applying hair extensions

    Mama African Braiding Salon Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Mama African Braiding Salon

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    Tree braids
    Naomi F.

    I'm from the east coast where hair braiding is a serious business. Ever since I moved to Cali 5 years ago, I've been searching high and low for a hair braided that even comes close. Every braider I went to either didn't know what they were doing, were overpriced, or both!..That is until I found this place! GIRL! My search is finally over. On my first visit, she did my boho braids perfectly. They lasted a long time and they were easy to maintain. She made recommendations for the right hair to use (since it was my first time getting that style and boy was she right!). I decided to come back again, this time to see if I could finally get my invisible/tree braids done right....FLAWLESS! To top it all off, her salon is clean and well kept and Mama is a really nice lady with great customer service. That's it for me... I'm losing the numbers of every other braider I've been to in Cali. Ladies, take it from me. Look no further! (I'll post the finished tree braids once they're done :) )

    Services Price List

    Small business, mother owned. I have about a foot in natural hair and I came in for a quick hair braiding. The moment I walked in, I could tell these ladies are hard working professionals. This was my first time getting my hair done and I'm glad I was able to do that while supporting a small business. Looking forward to becoming a regular here!

    Knotless braids
    Lawanda F.

    I had a spur of the moment appointment at Mama's and she was very accommodating. The place was lovely, spacious and clean. The ladies are very skilled. There's plenty of hairstyles to choose from which was perfect for me. Because of some health issues, I needed something that would be easy for me to take care of, not interfere with my rest and not too harsh on my scalp. I washed and blow dried my hair before hand and from the moment I arrived it was pretty much let's get started. I was there about four hours, from start to finish, which was perfect for me. There's street parking and strip mall parking directly across the street. Do you have to leave a small deposit and definitely call to verify if you need to bring cash only. I hope to return soon.

    Erica W.

    I let the reviews fool me. My appt was tonight and this is not the work of a professional braider. It isn't neat, the braids are different lengths, the parting is horrible, and then there's the white residue from whatever she sprayed on it. Smh. I showed her the exact style I wanted (see the last pic) and said "I want it to look like this." She upcharged $50 for human hair ends which was fine. However, the end result only had about 8 scattered strands of curly hair and which looked very sparse compared to what I asked for. She didnt seem to get the true concept of placing the curly hair pieces throughout the length of each braid for added fullness. I showed her a video on how to add curly hair to the braids using a crochet needle and she then tried to charge MORE to add more curls. I told her to take it all out since she offered to take it down if I wasn't happy because NO MAM. I showed her what I wanted MULTIPLE times before we started and she named her price. She did eventually add more curly hair which helped slightly, but it looks raggedy and not curly like the ends. It looks rough to be so fresh. I didn't notice the white residue and sloppy parting until I got home. Otherwise, I wouldn't have paid $350 for this.

    Medium free part individuals
    Marchell B.

    She was able to squeeze me in last minute. This was my first time going here and I will be back. Awesome prices and she is crazy fast and I love the size. You swear I can't get these size braids anymore. Everyone's braids have gotten bigger with bigger prices. I got the medium and I kid you not I was completely done in 4 hours!!!! 4 HOURS!!! She worked right through. I asked for her not to part them in boxes so it could look fuller and she did as I asked.

    This pic is of my hair blow dried and light flat ironed. Before pic on bottom and the after pic on top.

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    5 months ago

    I was referred to Mama from my client who's been coming here for years. Very responsive, reasonable and efficiency! Highly recommend.

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    5 months ago

    The best my hair ever looked since I been here in California 22 yrs .they do an amazing job

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    5 years ago

    Best braiding shop I have ever gone to. I don't trust too many people in my hair and Mama's work is impeccable.

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    Business owner information

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    Mama S.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Mama African Braiding Salon

    Do you guys provide the hair extensions for us or do we have to bring in our own?

    nope...bring your own hair.

    Hi what is the starting price for passion twists?

    $200. save your money

    Is this place still open?

    Hi we are always close on Tuesdays.

    View All 15 Questions

    Review Highlights - Mama African Braiding Salon

    I never seen any one person braid hair that fast!

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Studio O

    The Studio O

    4.8(444 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$
    Luxury
    Certified professionals

    As a first time visitor, the visit felt very welcoming and the vibe of the salon is great. I had my…read moreappointment with Cathy and she did such an amazing job on my hair and listened to my requests. Very good stylist!

    To step across the threshold of Studio O on 2nd Street in Long Beach is not merely to enter a…read moresalon, but to be inducted into a sanctum of aesthetic excellence where the very air seems to shimmer with the promise of transformation and the pursuit of beauty is elevated to a high art form. It was with a sense of profound destiny that I first discovered this hidden gem, drawn in by the enigmatic and stylish exterior that sports the magnificent letter "O"--a symbol that I have since come to realize stands not just for Oscar, the proprietor of this fine establishment, but for the "Outstanding," the "Overwhelming," and the "Otherworldly" delight that awaits within. From the moment I first engaged the services of the miraculous Cathy, a true virtuoso of the shears who seems to possess the telepathic ability to discern one's innermost hair desires before they are even spoken, I was irrevocably hooked on a level of service that far surpasses the sterile pretension of even the most prestigious salons in Beverly Hills. My hair, which is a formidable and unruly entity characterized by a thickness and coarseness that would daunt a lesser stylist, is here tamed and coaxed into a state of sublime magnificence through the technical wizardry and tender manipulation of the entire team, resulting in a masterpiece that I am proud to wear upon my head each time I depart. But the magic of Studio O extends far beyond the cut and color; it is an immersive sensory experience where one is enveloped in warmth from the moment of arrival, greeted not as a customer but as a long-lost companion by Oscar and his talented cadre of artists. The interior is a feast for the eyes, boasting captivating wallpaper and a revolving art gallery that stimulates the mind as thoroughly as the ergonomic comfort of the shampoo bowls soothes the body, while the aromatic scents in the restroom and the offering of exquisite coffee drinks cater to one's every comfort

    Photos
    The Studio O - Natural gray mix with a full highlight can be a low maintenance hair color . Root touch ups can last 3 months.

    Natural gray mix with a full highlight can be a low maintenance hair color . Root touch ups can last 3 months.

    The Studio O
    The Studio O

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    Salon Drew - Salon Drew is Long Beach's top rated hair salon, best hair salon

    Salon Drew

    4.8(1.4k reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Established in 2002

    After leaving my longtime stylist because of a salon culture of constant double-booking, rushed…read moreappointments, and heavy reliance on assistants, finding Salon Drew has been such a refreshing change. I'm so grateful to have found Jaidyn! She is truly a light--positive, warm, and you can tell she genuinely loves what she does. She's engaging and attentive, and I especially appreciate how knowledgeable and thoughtful she is during consultations. She listens to what I want while also giving honest, professional feedback and recommendations. One of my favorite things about Jaidyn is that she always lets me know what services she recommends for my next visit. It makes scheduling so much easier and ensures we book the right amount of time for what I want to accomplish. After experiencing this level of personalized attention, I can't imagine going back to a salon that routinely double-books clients. My preteen daughter also sees Jaidyn, and I love how she encourages her creativity and self-expression while still guiding her toward choices that are age-appropriate and responsible. That balance means so much to me as a parent. Jaidyn has made both of us feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for. We're so happy we found her and Salon Drew!

    I been coming to this salon for a few years even after my stylist left. Well that was a mistake. I…read morebooked my balayage with Izzy who was fairly new and went over numbers and what I wanted. In the original quote she gave me she never mentioned additional charges apply for extra time. Imagine my disbelief when I got the bill for over $400. Not only that, she over processed my hair. Left the bleach for too long that now I have so much frizz, damage and hair breakage. On top of that the haircut was uneven. Needless to say I won't be returning to salon drew.

    Photos
    Salon Drew
    Salon Drew - Salon Drew's Makeup Station

    Salon Drew's Makeup Station

    Salon Drew

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    M.k salon  - I gave her a reference of a look I was going for

    M.k salon

    4.8(378 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    My mom & I had such a lovely experience at M.K Salon! My mom got a touch-up & tone for her short…read morehair. Maly did a cool blonde tone & even styled it into a soft blowout. For me, I got a fresh balayage. Maly fixed my previous bleach, toned my hair twice for the perfect shade, then gave me a nice cut & styled it beautifully. I honestly didn't know how to explain what I wanted, but I showed her a few inspo pics & she immediately knew what to do. Her salon is small & tucked away in a little plaza in Long Beach, but so worth finding! We actually know about her because my mom's coworker referred us! The atmosphere is so intimate with only 3 salon chair. Oh! She treated us to complimentary ramen & donuts lol. Prices are unbelievably affordable.. only $400 for both of us, including tip! That's rare these days!! The only small note is that Maly has a bit of a heavy hand while working!! My mom on the other hand said she actually loved it because it felt like a scalp massage . Overall, we're obsessed with our new hair and will definitely be back.

    Found this gem while searching for somewhere to get my hair done and after reading several reviews,…read moreI decided to give them a try. It's hidden in a little shopping center and quite honestly I probably wouldn't have given it a try how to not read the reviews and I'm really glad I decided to try them out. Myla -I think that's how you spell her name cut my hair. As she was doing it I wasn't sure what the outcome would be but once she was done and she blow dried it to give it a bit of a style. It looks so beautiful. She cut about 3 inches to get most of my dead ends out. If I'm ever in the area & I need a haircut. I would absolutely come back again.

    Photos
    M.k salon  - Before and after

    Before and after

    M.k salon  - On the right is what I got vs the picture I showed her many times for reference.

    On the right is what I got vs the picture I showed her many times for reference.

    M.k salon

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    Sage Salon and Spa - Can't get better than a soft balayage! Sage salon stylist created this !

    Sage Salon and Spa

    4.7(698 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$
    Free parking
    Women-owned & operated

    I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Sage Salon with Crystal! From the moment I met her, she…read morewas so warm, welcoming, patient, and genuinely invested in making sure I got exactly what I wanted. Crystal took the time to really listen to me and walk me through every step of the process\. We talked in depth about my inspiration photos, what I liked about them, how the cut would work for my hair, and what would give me the look I was going for. She also taught me so much about hair color along the way. You can tell she really understands the science behind what she does -- honestly, she's like a chemist when it comes to color. She explained why certain colors and techniques would work and what would happen with different tones, and I learned so much from her. She also went above and beyond when it came to making me comfortable. I use a wheelchair, and she was incredibly accommodating and thoughtful about accessibility. She even went to another stylist's station to use a sink that would be more comfortable and soothing for me. That might seem like a small thing, but it meant a lot to me. She never made me feel like my wheelchair or accessibility needs were an inconvenience. And then Crystal completely impressed me with her customer service. She told me that if I didn't absolutely love my hair after a week, I could come back and she would make any minor adjustments for free. Well, I ended up coming back just THREE days later because I decided I wanted it a little brighter and a little shorter. She welcomed me back, listened to exactly what I wanted, made the adjustments, and didn't charge me anything extra. And she absolutely NAILED it. My hair is now 100% exactly what I wanted! It's rare to find someone who combines this level of talent and technical knowledge with such warmth, patience, kindness, and genuine care for her clients. Crystal made me feel heard, comfortable, and confident throughout the entire experience. If you're looking for a stylist who will actually listen to you, take the time to understand your vision, explain what she's doing, and make sure you LOVE your hair, I highly recommend Crystal at Sage Salon.I couldn't be happier with my experience, and I will absolutely be going back!

    I asked for a V shape cut with layers and That is not what I got even tho I showed her an example…read morepicture, I was left with a v shape cut and no layers. Even after going back and asking her to add more layers she trimmed a few hairs and left it the same. I had to go down the street to get it fixed by a different salon. Sage salon and their worker Marina suos waisted my time for 4 hours and my money

    Photos
    Sage Salon and Spa - Green ,blue,silver ! Boom  done by Vanessa

    Green ,blue,silver ! Boom done by Vanessa

    Sage Salon and Spa - Beautiful new color ! Get it done at Sage S.

    Beautiful new color ! Get it done at Sage S.

    Sage Salon and Spa - Carmel Balayage

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    Carmel Balayage

    Seven Hair Studio - Hair by Amanda IG: @apeachyqueen. Gloss, trim, and blow out!

    Seven Hair Studio

    4.7(283 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Great find on retro row. I was in need of some emergency cut services before a big family event…read more They found me someone fast who was great and got me in same day. Decor was a clean, hip salon. They took me in late on a Friday. Offer plenty of products on the wall for purchase. All so friendly. So chill and consultative. I'll be going back again for sure.

    Edit: not the owner trying to make excuses instead of holding her stylist accountable. BFFR Period…read morepoint blank I have made time out of my days to commit to our appointments and the first time I did have to change the appointment I stated IF SHE CANT ITS FINE WE CAN STICK TO ORIGINAL, no biggie I can make the original, and then she cancels like bruh we could have stuck to the original & then I couldn't say yes to appointments offered the following day or week because: 1. I had a flight the next day like at 6am 2. when I return I go back to school Mon- Thurs literally 10am -3:30pm and then 6:30pm-9 3. I work 14 hour shifts Fri- Sunday . Not once did she offer if I'd like another stylist , not once did she offer a real accommodation . Let's be real and hold accountability , because this second cancel the day of appointments, messaging me hours before on IG asking to move my appointment earlier to then canceling is WILD . Original : I know the stylists have their own way of booking or dealing with affairs apart of the salon but I think it's wild they have a rebooking fee of over $30 if client has to reschedule last minute their appointments BUT when I get my appointment canceled TWICE by the stylist ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT , due to "family emergencies" that apparently always happen. I think it's wild that a stylist can waste a clients time and day considering the first time it was canceled I had planned to get my hair cut before my birthday trip and today it got canceled I had just told my boss no to coming in for a shift because of my scheduled appointment ... what do we clients get in return besides wasted time and lost money ? At least she returned my $20 deposit that has been kept since August but damn , homegirl really needs to take care of home before taking appointments , we have a life out here too.

    Photos
    Seven Hair Studio - Hair by Amanda IG: @apeachyqueen

    Hair by Amanda IG: @apeachyqueen

    Seven Hair Studio - Brothers wedding updo

    Brothers wedding updo

    Seven Hair Studio

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    Mama African Braiding Salon - hair_extensions - Updated September 2026

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