Love this place and all staff are great , Rhonda , Morgan and Rhonda J absolutely the best . I've been going here for my sister locs from start to current 7 years and Rhonda J is the queen of sisterlocs , my son goes to Morgan for his locs absolutely the best . They also have their own hair food that is amazing for locs health . Awesome vibes great place for hair care for entire family . read more

I booked this appointment through a referral and had a frustrating experience from start to finish. The initial price listed on Booksy was $140. After I reached out and sent a video of my hair (which is very thick and voluminous), the stylist quoted me $150. Once I arrived for the appointment, she assessed my hair in person and raised the price again to $170. When I asked about styling at the end, altogether the price listed on books should've been $160. $140 for maintenance and $20 each for the style and detox, after inquiring in person she quoted me $220 for the style add on which I decided to opt out of. The booking process was also unnecessarily difficult. It took three (including a phone call) just to get the appointment confirmed. after the appointment was confirmed the for the next day for 11:00 she asked me to come earlier at 10:30 which I agreed too and then did not show up until 11:00, although she did express to me that she would be late which I do appreciate. While the stylist was very skilled and quick, the repeated price increases and poor communication around pricing and booking left a bad taste. I expected more transparency and professionalism, especially after being referred by someone I trust. Unfortunately, I won't be returning. read more

Sooo .. I cut my locks after 5 years, my original person no longer works in the area so I went to another place and paid 250 to restart the journey . the job was done well but I had some questions/concerns and sadly the customer service Jst wasn't there ! I Tried fixing it myself to no avail . Found nappy or not on yelp, sent a pic to the stylist of the horrible job I did , she set up an appointment and viola !! she fixed it, with ease ! And in no time .. probably 45 mins max INCLUDING THE WASH !! Super chill here, these people will get yu in and out with no problem, it's a bit busy sometimes but the stylist somehow keeps everything flowing . Definitely would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a nice place to get retwisted or looking to start their journey .. read more

Nappy or Not - After - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Zero stars. Neeka is very inconsiderate and unprofessional. She basically bumped my appointment to braid the hair of a higher paying customer. But she didn't tell me I was bumped. I waited for 2 hrs for her to start on my hair. Never happened. I left and will never go back. read more

Confirmed appt ... when I show up they tell me i don't have an appt so I show them the screenshot they say it's not confirmed then I show them the confirmation and they say well I ddnt see it. This is my only weekend off this month ... I go on vacation in a week and this booking is the day of my bday dinner! I get it mistake get made but to turn me away with out correcting their error is unacceptable. How does a business operate like this ???!? read more

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Excellent Service! Accommodated our last minute request! The experience exceeded our expectations! The best salon with excellent service!!

Ask Jeffrey, his the best he so good at what he does and made me feel so secured and works with me to get the best results . Rowanda and the rest of the Nappy or Not are supper fun . They make your feel like you are part of the the family . That's what Nappy or Not instills In the client a sense of belong ness. Thanks for making me part of the family NappyorNot Team. read more

Nappy or Not - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Well took my handicap sister to get her hair dreadlocks I knew of the salon it has been around for years so I thought it would be a good experience it was horrible the girl who washed her hair had a nasty disposition she was washing her hair with a look like she was smelling something but I let it go cause the lady Rhonda was going to do her hair and she was polite so I felt it was going to be okay she started her hair I wasn't paying attention cause I was talking with other patrons when she was done I didn't really like her hairstyle but it was too late initially over the phone she told me the price was 120$ then she told me I had to pay 150$ all in all bad experience read more

This was the WORST loc maintenance I've ever experienced!!!! ..... and i really tried my best to like it because Rhonda and her daughter Morgan was so cool. Great people but the Worst service I've ever had. For starters, half ass shampoo, the retwist was toture, and the finished result look like shit... money is the least of my worries, i just hate wasting my damn time... i hate i gotta leave this bad review, but I'm literally going to someone else the very next day to wash this shit out and do it all over again, paying them double than what i paid Morgan, just to fix it! But hey, if you want to just stop by there and kick it wit them, they're super cool, just don't get your hair done... read more

I am from Houston, was visiting Cali and decided I wanted something new. I had the hardest time finding someone that can do exactly what I was looking for until I ran across Nappy or Not. Absolutely love them and the atmosphere. I was scheduled with Morgan and she did a beautiful job. I got my hair permanent dyed and started my loc journey just as I wanted. I'm in love. Thank you Nappy or Not for such a fun, professional experience. And thank you again Morgan. read more

Not the best salon and the area is not great... they are not the best with delivering accurate information. They than get upset with the customer. When trying to resolve the issue with the owner she than blocked me and refused to discuss any options she may be able to provide or even than offer some type of accommodations or reimbursement. This is not great and I would recommend to not do business or wait to even send over any type of payment! This is bad business and believe that they can do better at communicating with there clients . read more

The worst braiding experience I've ever had. I'm literally writing this a mere 15 minutes after leaving the salon because I'm so frustrated and dissatisfied with the results. I should've known there would be an issue when I messaged them and received no reply, but I'm in a bind and my usual braider is out of town. I arrived 10 minutes early for my 1PM appointment and was told to sit in the main salon and wait. The braider shows up around 1:10 boasting about how he's always late (???) and proceeds to ask me what I want. I wanted medium sized braids that are about 2 inches longer than the end of my natural hair. Everything is great up until I hear him say he has someone coming in to get their hair flat ironed. I'm lost because half of my head isn't finished being braided. The other client comes in and he literally......says he'll be back in a few minutes around 3:30. I managed to finish the rest of the book I was reading and he comes back to finish up. It's around 4:30 when he finally gets back to me but then someone in the shop said the internet was out so he went to go fix that too. Fast forward to 5:45 and my hair is almost done. I get up to check and he decided to not give me a middle part? Maybe I'm in the wrong for this one but why would anyone ever want a chunky braid off-balancing the style. The worm braid was fixed and I got my middle part, hair was dipped and I go to pay. It's $200. Online It's quoted as $150 and up, however I assumed I would fall at the $150 price because the braids are literally at my shoulder. I'm told because of the size of braids it's $200 and if they were jumbo they'd be $150. What kind of fake nonsensical math is this. Length and width should be a factor, so whyyyy on this blessèd Earth is this $200. I also purchased 4 packs of hair for this, assuming only 3 would be necessary but I like to have extra just in case. He somehow ate through all 4 packs of hair. It doesn't make any sense! There are barely any braids! And it's short! When I stood up I saw a bunch of wasted hair on the floor. Irritating. My usual braid length is mid back and 4 packs is all I need. Add an extra $20 to my overall total. I'm upset. I'm venting. I'm going on a trip to celebrate graduation and my birthday on Tuesday and now I have this hairstyle that for some odd reason took 5 hours to complete and cost me $223 because the have a card charge fee. Disappointing. read more

Nappy or Not - $200 and 4 packs of hair in a 5 hour period. Absolutely terrible. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

My review and experience at Nappy-or-Not salon STYLIST: Lexie Terry SERVICE: Color DATE OF SERVICE: 4/25/15 and 5/8/15 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Not good and will NOT recommend for color. OVERALL RATING: 1.5 out of 5 DESCRIPTION With my first appointment with Lexie maybe I did not explain what I wanted clearly, and after I got home I really did not like to color and made a followup appointment to lighten the color. Maybe it was a miscommunication between the stylist and the client, although I did bring in pictures of what I wanted. With my second appointment with Lexie, I clearly explained what I wanted and even brought pictures to show and explain what I wanted. (please see attached picture) PROS I was able to make a same day appointment CONS 1. The salon was dark and I was unable to really see the results of what was done until I got home where I had better lighting. 2. I felt like I was playing "musical chairs", because I moved from one station to another. 3. The process of going blonde from dark brown where was not fully explained to me, and neither were the steps involved. The stylist mentioned that she was adding bleach and just started adding bleach to my hair. 4. I don't feel that the stylist listened to me the second time even after I should her pictures of what I was trying to achieve. 5. I also felt like the stylist was NOT fully knowledgeable about what she was doing because she kept asking for owner of the salon approval like it was teacher/student relationship. 6. I was charged two different prices for color and bleaching, and the stylist did not use any toner and/or suggestion I use a neutralizing shampoo after bleaching to tone brassiness. ISSUES - The stylist did not listen to what I wanted - The stylist and/or the salon failed to explain the process of a color change - The stylist and/or the salon did not make any suggestion of what I should used to maintain the color - The stylist made excesses such as "I did what you ask" even through she did not do what I ask. - The stylist and/or the salon had not accountability for what transpired. - When I call and sent pictures of the problem I had with the color the salon wanted to charge me an additional $20 to tone down the brassy orange overtones, but the stylist text me the next day and said she would take care of it. - The owner of the salon never reached out to me and only sent messages via the stylist or another person working at the salon. read more

Nappy or Not - Lexie's two attempts at coloring my hair. FAIL! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Man I have been to at least 4 different shops in the Oakland area... I think ive found my hair Home lol... Jeff was so welcoming and professional and funny.... the whole salon was hilarious they treat u like they have known u a long time... i felt super welcomed and my hair omgggggg it came out sooo niceeee usually ill get a style and go home and take it out because i wouldnt like it... but Jeff did his thang on my hair its so cute and he did some loc repair he was great i will be going back you should go too! read more

Nappy or Not - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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do not go to this hair salon they are full of scams. The owner is the main scammer. Her name is Ronda I went there and I never even got the services done because there was issues and unprofessionalism with the manager. She pretty much scammed me out of $850 and I never got any services done and now I'm trying to take a legal issues. I wish I could give zero stars. read more

Started my loc journey about a month ago and chose Nappy or Not because they post so many cute styles on their social media. A lovely girl named Mimo was the first to loc my hair. She was fast and did great work. Went in the other day for maintenance and a new guy named Tony finished what the previous stylist started. Tony went above and beyond by analyzing my hair texture and properly assessed what loc techniques and products worked best for me. He assured me my locs would remain secure and gave me tips on how to best maintain my hair, which gave me confidence to try at what I learned at home. Tony was upbeat, friendly and knew what he was doing. Every stylist here knows what they're doing, but Tony's level of service was worth the time spent writing this review! read more

Jeffrey - He love what he does and it shows! I first met Jeffery at Aveda hair institute in SF when he was a student. He did a really good job cutting my hair then and you could really tell he has a passion for what he does and so I followed him on Instagram. When it was time to let go of my long hair I knew I wanted to go to someone who would be sensitive to the situation and take care of me and I thought of Jeffrey. I messaged him about what I wanted and he got back to be very quickly and we set up an appointment. Once I got to the salon, he was very welcoming. We talked about the type of hairstyle I wanted and I told him I was going to donate my hair so he could prepare it properly. Jeffrey took his time preparing my hair - separating it into little braids. He made sure to ask if I was ready before he mad the cut, which I appreciated. He took his time making sure I had the perfect haircut. Go to Jeffrey. Jeffrey will take care of you no matter what your hair care needs are. read more

For braids, curls, up-do's, prom, weddings, or whatever... you need to come see Jeffrey at Nappy or Not in Oakland! He is my Uncle and made my prom hair wishes come true with side braids and curled hair, just by showing him a picture of what I wanted. His braids are always on point and can be styled in practically any way you want. All the other hair dressers were very welcoming, playing upbeat music, having a good time, and sharing good vibes. I would definitely come back! read more

Nappy or Not - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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If you don't specifically ask to have your hair properly combed/blown out before braiding--it will not happen. I left with lumpy/fuzzy braids and parts that were not clean. Regardless you will be charged $100 or more. Zero percent chance I return. Looks like I got my hair done 2 weeks ago. read more

Odi is the bomb! She braided my 8 yr. Old daughters hair on a moment's notice after we had to cancel our appointment with another braider there (Jasmine) due to a pricing issue. She was so gentle with my daughter and very pleasant to work with, she customized the style we wanted at a mutually agreeable price. Thank you Odi!!!! read more

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Shitty service. I walked in and asked for service. No one spoke to me or acknowledge me for 1 1/2 hours.

Always heard of nappy or not because I am born and raised in Oakland and this was always the place you heard to go get you loc's retwisted. I needed mind retwisted at the last minute and when I tell you that Mimo hooked me up it was amazing. I went other places and they always took 3 hours on my hair. She retwisted my loc's In an hour, and I was dreaded dreaded. She even gave me a cute style. For sure booking with her again. It's been 3 weeks and my hair still feel good. Thanks Mimo. read more

Before you walk in and let these people touch your hair, get a quote! I had 16 locks repaired and the manager didn't discuss price as we had a previous discussion about them when I had gone the week before to get the new growth done and paid $90..more than fair and they did a good job. I returned less than a week later to get the one's I thought that needed repaired and got a whopping charge for $160!!!!! The manager just told me to come back for those and simply said she would take care of the few I wanted done. She NEVER told me it was $10 per lock. I was a new customer and it should be been discussed. She asked if I wanted to make installments, what? They know hair but don't let anyone do anything without telling you FIRST what the entire charge is. For christ's sake, it only cost me $200 to get them done at another salon to begin with! I will never walk into that establishment again. read more

I visited this salon a couple times last year. The name led me to believe they could cut and style my super curly hair. I have to say, in the case of Nappy or Not, it's a big fat NOT! I'm not gonna drop names cuz I'm not trying to ruin anyone, but it was the same 'ol, same 'ol I've gotten in the past. Hair blown and pressed straight and then cut and curled like a pageant participant. This is after I came in prior for a consultation and explained I was interested in a cut and style for my CURLS! I was reassured the stylist was all about natural hair and would hook me up. Unfortunately, not so. Not to mention, I was in the salon for SIX HOURS! When I finally washed out the press and curl at home, I was right back where I started...and nearly $100 poorer. Sorry, you won't see me there darlings! P.S. Want your curly hair to look drop dead fierce? See my review for Madusalon. Finally, someone gets it! read more

I definitely enjoyed Rhonda and all the talented women of Nappy or Not. I always walked out feeling like 100%. Thanks for keeping my people looking nice and tight, and serving the bay area, one nap at a time. read more

Never Again Will I Return. The owner Rhonda did my hair. I asked for a short hair cut style some thing that was trendy, that B%&*! ended up giving me a short hair cut that looked so old school from the 80's & 90's, on top of that she wasn't even going to trim my hair, she wanted an extra $15 for that and a trim is included when you have a short cut. Worse hair experience I ever had... When my husband seen my hair he was disappointed and ended up sending me to another shop the next day for now on I go to Platinum Plus Nancy does a good job with short cuts. read more

Very unprofessional, unclean, and unorganized. I had a 10 am appointment. No one could find my appointment in the book even though I confirmed. I waited till 10:45 and the stylist never showed up. I had to ask them to call my stylist whom they could not locate. The place looked dirty, the chairs had rips in them, and the bebe kids were running everywhere. You only get one change to make a first impression. I'm not impressed. read more

I called to see if I could get a same day appointment and was scheduled for 2 hours out. I arrived 10 minutes before my appointment and found the stylist (Yasmine?) still working on someone's locks-looked like she had 1/2 the head to go-and another woman who was also scheduled at 4:00 with my stylist trying to figure out when to come back. She double booked. Makes sense since she didn't take my name or number when I scheduled. Not even when I asked "Do you want my name and number?" No apologies, just a "wait in the lobby and I'll try to figure it out." After using the disgusting building's bathroom (the smell was beyond putrid) and waiting for her to come speak to me, I left. I was excited to patronize this establishment as a friend who frequents here raved about the stylists. He warned me they were unprofessional, but I thought I'd give it a chance. My time is valuable and I refuse to sit around a hair salon without a firm appointment time, though I had one. I'm disappointed that this business is run in this manner. read more

I agree with Niesha. They are over priced and the results aren't worth it. I've been there a least three times. I figured they were worth a try each time my price went up. Not so professional and too much Drama! read more

I've gotten my hair done here a few times, and they do a pretty good job. However, you spend hours under the dryer while your stylist does someone else's hair. This has happened every time, even though I always make an appointment. If you don't have time constraints, they are cool. Also, I've gotten quoted one price and ended up paying another. For instance, the sign posted says $250 for a full sew-in weave, but I somehow ended up paying $400. read more

I went in a few months ago to get some help with my dreads. They were not locking and I was embarrassed. Sonji worked on my hair and now my dreads look great. I wish it wasn't so expensive so I could come in more often. But if it weren't for Sonji, I probably wouldn't have dreads now. read more

***Update*** So my favorite girl from Nappy or Not Dominique just moved into the shop next door to Nappy or Not and has GREAT specials going on!!!! If you want the same services at a much more decent price go holla @ her!!!! ***Update*** I've been getting my hair done here for the last 6 months and I love it! Dominique does an incredible job every single time. Nappy or Not is a very popular walk in shop so there will be times when your stylist might be working on more than just your head but honestly that happens at most shops. For the quality of work they do the prices are fairly reasonable. I normally make an appointment for first thing in the morning and clear my schedule because i know I'm going to be there for at least 3-4 hours. I honestly dont mind because Dominque is a perfectionist and when I say leave happy...I leave HAPPY! read more

Jeffrey is the best hands down. I started my dreads about a year ago and have been doing them myself the entire time. I was always scared to let someone else do them for fear of being disappointed or over charged. I have a friend that has been going to him for a while and so I decided to give him a try and he did not disappoint. He educated me on the different ways to take care of my dreads, and did a style that after a week still looks fresh. I have nothing but good stuff to say about him. read more

Almost one year later, and I'm a happy every-other-week regular at Nappy or Not. My newly natural hair has grown at least six inches, and I seamlessly navigate through everything from straw sets (still my fav), to funkycurlyfros (and braided remixes), to bone-straight iron-outs (which I'm rocking this week). As a professional chocolate sista', feeling great in my natural hair, I think Rhonda is deserving of a Nobel Prize! AND... they're adding a Mini Spa!! Also, I gotta say, I'm ECSTATIC to be able to support this Black-owned, WOMAN-owned business, which has been a successful and evolving Oakland establishment for YEARS. And it's accessible, fast, always positive, and convenient. As for the complaints about the prices -- you pay for what you get. In fact, I've paid higher prices for... let's just say "less". Trust me, Nappy or Not is a gem! All things included, I have never had such a POSITIVE hair experience in any salon on the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, or South. From the positive energy and attitudes of seemingly everyone in the shop, to the fast yet attentive service, to the top-quality (and consistent) talent of Rhonda and her staff. I always walk out with a smile, feeling like I got my money's worth and then some. Five more stars for Nappy or Not! read more

Visited on 9/9/17 for my 11 year-old's starter Locs. It was truly disheartening and a shame because my daughter and I were both really excited because her father had also gone here many years ago for his Locs. However, the negative experience started immediately when we were told that our stylist was not there, running late. We were only 5 minutes late showing up at 10:35 for a 10:30 appt. I was told over the phone that I would definitely have a stylist, but that they did not know who it would be. When I came in they we surprised to see me and I was told that they thought the owner's sister had a client coming in as if I was second to that person or may have to cancel because I wasn't as important as the owner's sister's client, even though I had made a phone appointment and one online for 10-11 a.m. so technically I had 2 appts. But, then the stylist told me that if I had a 10-11am appt, well then that is why the stylist would be here at 11am!!! What? So a 10-11am appt means they can show up anywhere in that time, not that I would in a chair during that time? Huh? Really? After being told that the stylist would be there at 11 we were still sitting there until 11:45, forgotten about. I asked what was up, was told it would be another 15 min. Meanwhile they are calling her back/forth telling her my daughter's hair was already washed, that we were still waiting, etc... The stylist finally came at 12:05 p.m. having us wait 1 1/2 hours, not even being offered any water or anything. Next is when the experience truly begin to decline. The stylist named "Mimo" (spllg?), said nothing to me or my child. Not even, "Sorry for your wait, hello," nor did she ever explain what she was going to do, or anything about maintenance and care. Nothing! I had to introduce myself and all I got was a, "Hi." At this point I am now crying in the corner because I wanted to go off and tell them how rude this was. However, I didn't want my daughter's hair to get messed up or for the stylist to not do her hair. I was just so mad for my daughter's feelings because she was so excited and to have a stylist not even talk to you, say hi, or explain to you how to take care of your hair is just unprofessional, rude, and disrespectful. THEN, she talked on her phone behind my child's ear for 3 1/2 hours after she said it would be only 1 hour. She then put my child under the dryer and didn't say anything. She didn't tell me that we were almost done or anything. Another stylist asked if my daughter wanted a style. The original stylist was not concerned at all. The other stylist, Ronnie, explained that it would be best because it would help her hair to stay together and not unravel. By this time I was completely done with Mimo and her unprofessional behavior/attitude. Ronnie was so friendly and professional. I appreciated her making conversation and explaining what the original stylist had not. Ronnie was the best part of this experience. So in preparing to leave after 5 1/2 hours, at 4 p.m. things get worse. At the front counter the stylist asked the owner what she should charge my daughter. Now every other quote says that my daughter is a child at 11 years, and falls in that category which would be $100 as advertised on their website. I understood that she also got a style so I would expect them to add $10 to $15 on to that because of the style. However, what the owner Rhonda didn't know, was that I was able to see her as she mouthed silently how the stylist should charge us a rate of $130. Then it was funny because the stylist was the one who said, "You don't have to leave a tip," and pushed the "no tip" button on the screen. Not leaving a tip makes me feel rude and extremely guilty not supporting someone's entrepreneurial career. However, I felt that the stylist obviously knew that she was not deserving of a tip after being 1 1/2 hours late, not apologizing, not speaking, not explaining, and being so unprofessional. But the worst part of this whole experience is that my daughter walks out of the shop saying she never wants to come back to that shop or any other shop because her experience was so bad. She is highly intelligent and in tune to how she should and wants to be treated. This experience completely ruined her for the beauty shop experience and she would rather me try to figure out how to maintain her locs at home than go back to any shop. They have a great space with stylists who have great skills, but this kind of employee disrespect and unprofessionalism towards customers is not going to be good for business, nor increase the number of people who will want to return back to their salon. I have to go all the way down to the bottom and give them one star for this experience. Too many negative experiences happened in this one visit, plus they ruined my daughter's excitement and thrill for her first experience at a beauty shop, and set a bad impression for her vision of future visits. :( read more

Jeffrey- by far... is THE BEST!!!!!!! If you wanna get box braids, he's the one!!!! I Came with the impression that it'll take all day... and sure enough ... he finished with the quickness. Love love love the customer service and friendly comfort he provides. If you're looking for awesome service with a touch of awesome sass... Jeff is the GO TO stylist. read more

yeah, his name should be TONY, because his work is Grreeeeaaatt... Brought my son back. First experience and impression was the best. Talk about down to earth and knowledgeable about hair and it's products, not to mention he takes his time and is flexible and attentive to your wants. could not have asked for better...town business go check him.oit. Say hashtag #TONY read more

Yo! Jeffery got some mad skills on the locks and braids!!! Holla at yo boi!!! I would have given him a if they had it.

Check out the most down to earth salon in Oakland....my boy Jeff puts it down on the regular stitching up the braids having ya boy on fleek everytime!!! If you want quality AND service don't pass this spot up....you'll leave with much more than a fly style....you'll leave with confidence in hand....shot out to the whole Nappy or Not crew....more than just stylists....they're family!!! read more

Staffing is unprofessional. Specifically a young "woman" (dark complection, skinny w/ a grey wig) working in the shop (fyi her photo is posted under the yelp photos). She did not do my daughters hair but was very rude and opinionated. As I got my 7yr old daughters hair blow dryed my daughter cried and she thought it was her place to tell me and the rest of the shop," I should dred my daughters hair w/ hair like that. And they should charge me for breaking combs in her hair." Don't bring your black children with black hair to this black shop. I won't be supporting this black business. Don't waste your time. Or my hard earned money. Terrible experience. read more