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    Mama African Braiding Salon

    4.4 (94 reviews)
    ModerateHair Extensions
    Closed 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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    Reviews With Photos

    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

    J D's Hair Studio - My hair 2 days after JD styled it.

    J D's Hair Studio

    4.9(59 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    JD is an incredibly talented hairstylist and an even more wonderful person. Every time I leave his…read morechair, I feel confident, beautiful, and truly cared for. He has an amazing eye for detail and a genuine passion for making his clients look and feel their absolute best. I recently attended a black tie event, and my hair was absolutely beautiful! I received compliment after compliment, and I proudly gave JD all the credit! His work is exceptional, and his professionalism, kindness, and warm personality make every appointment a joy. If you're looking for a stylist who is gifted, attentive, and truly invested in helping you look your best, I wholeheartedly recommend JD's Hair Studio. Thank you, JD, for sharing your God-given talent with all of us!

    I've been going to Jon for 10 years now and I honestly wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair…read more When I first moved to California, I struggled to find an African American salon in Orange County that could really get my hair right. Then I found Jon in Long Beach, and I've been making the drive from Santa Ana ever since. He truly cares about the health of your hair, not just how it looks. My hair has never been healthier or looked better. If you're looking for a stylist who is talented, consistent, professional, and genuinely cares about your hair, Jon is the one.

    Photos
    J D's Hair Studio - JD is the best!!! He's been doing my locs for over 10 years Nice shop and he has a personality that makes you want to keep coming!!!

    JD is the best!!! He's been doing my locs for over 10 years Nice shop and he has a personality that makes you want to keep coming!!!

    J D's Hair Studio
    J D's Hair Studio - Day 1

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    Day 1

    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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    Molly Moon Salon - Molly at her chair

    Molly Moon Salon

    4.8(154 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Long hair before and shorter hair after! I saw Caroline's videos on Tik Tok and had to get my hair…read moredone by her. I love the layers. She gave me tips on styling with mousse and textured hair spray. She showed and explained how to blow dry. I'm a low maintenance girly. Her explanations made me realize what I wasn't doing correctly. She was so friendly and personable. I was brought a glass of water but completely forgot to drink it. Beautiful location right across from the beach! I brought my little dog with me. She sat on my lap, and we went for a walk at the beach afterward. It was a perfect because the rain just stopped.10/10 would recommend.

    I've been getting my hair done by Jessica for about 6-7 years now, and honestly, she's so much more…read morethan just my hairdresser she's a friend. From day one she's been incredibly sweet, patient, and just genuinely easy to talk to. She always understands the assignment, no matter what look I'm going for, and somehow manages to make it even better than I imagined. Over the years, she's listened to me talk about my life, celebrated my wins, and been there through the tough stuff too. I always look forward to my appointments with her it's like therapy and a glow-up in one. At this point, I trust her so much that I just tell her to do whatever she wants with my hair, and she always kills it. If you're looking for someone who's talented, kind, and truly cares about her clients, she's the one. I can't recommend her enough.

    Photos
    Molly Moon Salon - Product placement is key

    Product placement is key

    Molly Moon Salon - Molly cutting a clients hair!

    Molly cutting a clients hair!

    Molly Moon Salon - Just a pop of color

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    Just a pop of color

    Hair by Brenda - ?

    Hair by Brenda

    4.4(27 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Since I found Brenda, hadn't had my haircut anywhere else. I hadn't found a place that i actually…read morelike how they leave my hair. Shes so sweet and patient. Def recommend!

    I'm so glad that I found Brenda! Trust me when I say, she can work with SO MANY hair types. I've…read morehad 3 other stylists before Brenda, yet they're great in their own ways but I wanted one that had it ALL which is being awesome in cut, color, and service. I'm glad she can get this Asian girl as blonde as she can get without destroying it. I trust Brenda because she knows what she's talking about and every color she put me on looks bomb. She knows how to work her magic and she knows what's best to keep your hair healthy so you don't kill the crap out of it. From what I've learned in the past, you need a stylist that uses the right products! Brenda appreciates her clients so you don't feel like a burden asking for appointments (strangely enough, I've experienced that with a stylist), she knows what's good for your hair type (another stylist that didn't know my hair and couldn't make me blonde), and she has the best products (again, another stylist that made my hair turned bright yellow). Anyway, no other professional hairstylist can work that type of magic like Brenda! One last thing, love thy hairstylist and don't give them a hard time by box dying your hair pitch black and then expecting platinum blonde on your first session. Trust me with all I've experienced, all hair stylist/colorist would want you to understand this. I was lucky that my hair was already bleached blonde. I've posted a few of my favorite colors - blonde/gray was my all time favorite and I had so much compliments!

    Photos
    Hair by Brenda - Before and after

    Before and after

    Hair by Brenda - Brenda's finished work

    Brenda's finished work

    Hair by Brenda - Babylights foilayage  Give the the option to create a perfect rooty   Instagram: Hairby.brenda

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    Babylights foilayage Give the the option to create a perfect rooty Instagram: Hairby.brenda

    Mama African Braiding Salon - hair_extensions - Updated September 2026

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