I have only been going for a few months now, so I had to figure out which braider to go to for my hair texture ( my hair is super soft and slips easily). I had a few trail runs before I found Doris who knows how to deal with my kind of hair. However all the braiders I had prior Betty, and Comfort were good at braiding and super sweet about accommodating me. The owner Sofia runs a tight business as she should and also provides feedback on her expertise in hair. I actually love the atmosphere here with black women gathering and sharing so much more than just hair but different experiences of life. It's a pretty good environment to be apart of. I don't mind spending my earnings with fair people who have moral ethics and are fair to the community that supports them. I strongly suggest you give them a try and don't stop after your first visit because you might just have to find the right braider for you. Thus far I love it here ! And a big ups to all the women working long hours and supporting the beauty of black women. Yes it's your girl Jada . read more

Well, I was referred here by my sister and I was very excited to try them out because I thought they woukd be a great place for me to get my braids done, fast. I ignored their website look and booked with Comfort since that is who does her hair. Strike 1-Well when I arrived 1 minute before my scheduled appointment time, I had no idea who anyone was and was told to just sit down & wait for Comfort.. she was in the middle of braiding someone else's hair so I ended up sitting & waiting for almost 2 hours for her to begin. The Pros: She executed the style I showed her, pretty well and she was pretty damn fast. The Cons: It was hot & funky in the shop (No AC & it was a hot day) & my French braids were about $250 (I could've just got boho singles) Strike 2: The style was cute but my hair only lasted FOUR DAYS before my natural hair began sticking out making the braids/twists look raggedy, so I was very disappointed and felt like I wasted my money... my sister convinced me to call them to fix it after several more days Pros: The lady agreed to reTwist my hair and I went the next evening at the time she gave me 5pm. When I got there I had to wait again but it wasnt very long this time. Cons AND Strike 3: She proceeded to retwist my hair one by one and then she dipped it and sent me on my way... I thanked her and even left her a little tip because i was appreciative that she redid it... however, when I left they were wet so I couldn't tell they weren't done right until after I got home and they dried up. Once they dried I was so disappointed and EMBARRASSED at the end result... she took them out and made them WORSE!! I proceeded to text the owner to let her know & sent her a video and she didnt respond so I reached out again the next day and she asked my name and aftdr I gave it to her she never responded again and I was left spending a bunch of money on a hairstyle that lasted 4 days then got absolutely WORSE once they "fixed" it for me... im so disappointed because I thought id found a hidden gem for future braids & styles but NOPE I will not be back. Sidenote: I reached out to them once again to let them know that my retwisted hair looked worse than before & even provided a video to show it and was ignored so I definitely do not recommend this shop at ALL to anyone!!! read more

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Love my girls at Sofia They get me right every time, very quickly. I love their patience. I like to bring my own hair but they provide it as well if you need it. I like getting my hair done by Samira and her sister, or Doris. Sofia is super sweet, she does quick styles, the ladies can do any sort of braid style (including braid downs and installs). I'm writing my review because this is the only shop I get my hair braided at after my lifelong friend and stylist passed away during the pandemic. I'm so excited to go get my hair done this week. I always get it braided during the warm months because it makes my days fast. The prices reflect the quality of the work. Find somebody on marketplace if you're looking for cheap. read more

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I've been going to Miss Sofia since the summer time and she has been so helpful! I'm always happy with her service. Usually I get goddess braids but I wanted something special for a maternity photo shoot. She helped me come up with an idea and she did a great job as always! This is a new style for me but I love it so much! Sofia is the best! And she has a great team! Highly recommend!! read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - My new hair do! Thanks Sofia! - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

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I've come to Sofia's a few times. What I will say is the price is amazing for the quality of the braids. No matter the pattern, size, style, wig braids are $60 which is probably market price in the Bay Area but the ladies at Sofia are super convenient and have always been able to squeeze me in for same day appointments. I'm giving this place a 4/5 stars because, I'd like to see some upgrades and more organization of the space. Sofia (owner) takes a lot of pride in her business but overall, the team needs to be a bit more organized and cleanly when It comes to their stations. I'd also like to state that It is important to explain to your stylist exactly what you want (cornrows, straight back, medium (10 braids)) or however just so the lines of communication are open and understood. Tight braids but Amazing protective style nonetheless. I'll be back in two months when I take these suckers out for my next install! read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Straight back cornrow braids for wig installment - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

VERYYYYY unprofessional! I wish I can give 0 stars if I'm being honest. The lady who was supposed to do my hair left and went to a party. So another lady started doing my hair . Mind you like owner Sophia told me a price and it was set. Anyways Sophia wasn't there and the lady who began to do my hair stopped and told me she was raising the price on my hair . I disagreed . She washed her hands and walked out without saying anything. The other ladies there told me she was going home because I didn't want to pay the new price. As I said before SUPER UNPROFESSIONAL! Not to mention when I asked for pictures of the lady work I was denied those with an attitude ofc. read more

I've been getting my hair done here since I was in kindergarten Ladies are so nice!! Quick process and cute results. read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

I stumbled upon Sofia African hair braiding salon 6 years ago when I was desperately searching for someone who could do crochet braids well and not make the whole process feel like pulling teeth just to get an appointment. From the very first time I booked, I knew I'd found my spot. Appointments are never a hassle--Sofia makes scheduling so easy and flexible, which is such a relief with my busy calendar. The prices are also refreshingly reasonable compared to other places I've been, which makes it possible for me to keep up with my hair the way I want without breaking the bank. But what keeps me coming back is Sofia herself. She's not just good at what she does--she's consistent. Every time I sit in her chair, I know I'm going to leave looking polished, confident, and feeling like my best self. Her crochet braids last, they're neat, and she somehow makes the hours pass quickly with her warm, easygoing personality. There's something comforting about walking into a place where you don't feel like just another appointment on the books. For me, this salon has become a regular part of my self-care routine, and that's because Sofia makes the experience stress-free from start to finish. If you're looking for beautiful crochet braids, fair prices, and someone who genuinely knows her craft, I couldn't recommend this place enough. read more

They do a really nice job, provide hair, and doesn't take a long time. You don't even need a appointment. The beauty supply is right next door if they do run out of hair. Thanks ladies. read more

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They didn't do my braids the way I requested, the lazy girl in the chair was sleeping and I was her appointment but she serviced someone else in my place even though I was so I had another woman do my hair and my line part was not straight at all the African shop is dirty, if the hair is garbage just get up and leave do not pay those weirdos Zero stars! read more

From my experience - they were definitely rude when I walked in - no one wanted to answer me.. until I spoke a little loud and ask for the owner - they finally found someone to do my hair and I will say this not everyone in there can do hair - the girl who did my hair was not as good as the other braiders and I also just felt like maybe her speciality is singles because she was not good at corn rows ( stitch braids ) - I just needed something done that would hold me over a week until I seen my regular braider - good thing about them is they do accept walk ins - and don't hardly charge alot and hair is provided maybe ask to see their previous work before letting just anyone braid your hair. Three stars for convenience with the walk in read more

My daughter and I have been going here for braids for years. The quality of the braids are great! The service is professional and the braiders are nice. Sophia, the owner is very accommodating and professional and Anna, one of the braiders is a wonderful braider. My daughter love the quality of her braiding work! read more

Put glue in my real hair without asking, they also refused to dip my braids so I left looking a mess and dipped my braids at home. No AC so it's boiling hot in the salon. read more

The environment was friendly and the artist who did my hair was gentle and efficient I have never had this hairstyle before and it is comfortable and easy care. I've received many compliments read more

If I could give a 0 star rating I would have. Let me start off by saying that it is unfortunate that I have to right a review like this but I would hate for anyone else to have the experience I had. I had went to Sofia's hair braiding and had good experiences until the last time I went. I got feed-in braids in the front with crochet hair in the back which is a style I had gotten previously. However, this time crazy glue was used to secure the crochet knot which ended up on my scalp and actual hair(cornrows under crochet hair). I knew I wasn't going to be able to take this out on my own in fear of cutting my own hair. Mind you, I moved from California and was in town for business and had events and a flight to catch. When contacting Sofia I was told it would be $35 to take down the style...when I further discusses the glue issue I was told to come to the shop and they would take it down for me. Due to time I had my sister take it down which took almost 5 hours due to the super glue in the hair and the issues with separating my hair from the glue, etc. Even after the crochet here was removed there was still glue on my scalp and hair strands. Additionally, I was on my computer and phone and didn't realize super glue was being used otherwise I would have stopped it. Did I mention I waited an hour and a half before the stylist arrived to do my hair (Comfort was her name). I contacted Sofia a few times who wanted to contact Comfort to be a part of the conversation as part of resolving this issue but never received a call back. In the last conversation we had I simply asked for my money back...let's just say I was blocked after that. Needless to say I will not be returning to this salon and will be telling my friends and family to do the same. I tried to resolve this privately as I am always in support of black businesses but the way this matter was handled was unprofessional and showed lack of concern for me as the customer. I never got disrespectful or belligerent although I had every right to. Don't understand why I was blocked...either way it's unfortunate. Also - I have pictures and videos that I will be uploading on yelp and any other platform for reference. I did have to cut out some of the super clue. Luckily I have alot of hair. Services Braids, Curly hair, Service not listed Requested style Feedin braids in the front, crochet in the back. Hair type 4A-4B Stylist Comfort but spoke mainly with the owner Sofia read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Patching of hair that needed to be cut due to glue close to scalp - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

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I love my hair . She did a great job 10/10 . I highly recommend Sofia African hair braiding. It took 3 hours and only $200. read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - I got some Boho locks by Sofia. I love it. Good experience. On time and fast. It took her 3 hours and I only paid $200!!!! - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

I love my braids hairstyle at Sofias braids. Also, I really love how Sofia cares about her customer being satisfied and happy about their hairstyles. I really appreciate and respect her as Black beautiful business woman. read more

SUPER GLUE in my real hair! Then cut my real hair! No apology. No discount. Just an attitude and disrespect. The owner promised to get me acetone (to remove the glue) and help me take it down. She left (to the beauty supply) and literally never came back. Called saying she told another girl to help me. After she ignored my calls, I ended up buying the acetone myself and getting some help from Sarah. I came for braids and after I explained that the girl (not Sarah) wasn't doing it right she started glueing my hair (after I told her I wanted no glue, period! Please see my TikTok about this @Sheakatt. That woman is siiick! Go to Hair By Us on Fruitvale instead. They have long hair, skills and decorum. read more

I wasn't even going to write a review because I don't do stuff like this, but I'm in disbelief with the "service " I received. I booked my appointment a week in advance and I thought it was a bit fishy when they only asked me my name and what I wanted to book. I told them small singles and me and the person on the phone agreed that I can come in at 8am on Saturday May 2nd. I was told the total I would be paying would be $266, hair included. On Friday night prior to the appointment, I called to confirm that I would still be coming like the person asked. When I spoke to the same person on the phone again, she didn't seem to know who I was. Ok whatever, I reminded her I would come in the next day for small singles. She said ok. She called back just a few minutes later and asked if I can come in at 1pm instead. I was a bit hesitant because of the huge time difference but I went ahead and agreed to go in at 1 because I really needed my hair done. Upon my arrival, instead of being greeted when I walked into the door, everyone just stared at me. There was a lady that was sitting in the waiting seats that apparently was one of the stylists but I didn't know until I had to ask her if she was the owner. The suddenly the braider to the left of me started asking me questions. I told her I was there for an appointment at 1oclock with "Comfort" So after sitting and waiting about 10 minutes, the person who I supposedly talked to on the phone the few times before, asked me if I can further wait for a different braider to finish. Apparently Comfort wasn't there and wouldn't be coming in until later that day. So I agreed to wait for the other braider to finish someone else's hair so I can get mine done. Finally after sitting for an hour, the braider then told me to come to her chair. She proceeded to ask me once again what style I was getting. She then goes to talk to the braider by the door and then she comes up to me to show me a price of $300 in a book. I explained to them the price I was told and despite all of the inconveniences, I was told the price wouldn't be honored. I spent all that time just to be let down. I didn't get my hair braided even though there was a braider that came out after I left and said that she would do my hair for that price but it wouldn't be that day. Which was nice of her but was not convenient for me. I honestly didn't think I would have had an experience like this. After reaching to the person that "booked" my appointment to express my disappointment, I to this day have not received a response. read more

‍‍‍story time : I made am appointment several days ago to get my hair braided today . I showed up to my scheduled appointment Sofia African Hair Braiding just to be humiliated! My hair Is short so I understand that it would take some one to grip it , I showed up thirty minutes early to get my freshly washed hair braided . The braider had and attitude and handled my hair rufff and then passed to someone else . Once the other beautician recommended that I come back at a later time to have some else do my hair .Keep in mind I made my appointment at 8:30am in order to get to work for my night shift position. They spoke in there native tongue which isn't an issue , until some one finally said she doesn't want to braid her hair. They offered for me to call the owner and or leave my number after realized other Braiders would not be willing to come in this early ‍‍‍. Needless to say I will never go back to that shop again !!! read more

My children get their braids/cornrows done here and we are always happy with the service. The braiders are so patient with them and make sure the kids are comfortable during the process. My kids have very curly hair and they take the time to straighten it out first before they braid it. We are also particular about what hair products are used on their hair and so we bring their own hair products and the braiders are flexible and happy to switch to the ones that work better on my children's hair. read more

I have been coming to this salon for some time now and I must say I love the work these women do. They work some miracles and I am always walking out feeling like a million bucks ! I usually get passion twists crocheted in, knotless braids, or corn rows . I'm am never disappointed when I leave & I always get so many compliments on my hair. The vibe is very upbeat and we're usually listening to some good music ! No matter what style you need done, these ladies will make it happen read more

My two daughters and I have been going here for years! Sofia and the braiders are accommodating and accept walk-ins. It can get busy but worth the price and our braids are done neatly and last long! read more

shout out Sofia and her amazing team!!!! I have been to her shop now three times.. And I just love it. The first time I went I got small box braids with a custom color... I just loved them so I went back... Whelp the second time I went I was late and though it was over for my hair appointment... but with the grace of God and Sophia, they were able to accommodate me... and once again, I had a project. I wanted custom braids this time with a custom color‍.. however they made it happen for me. She gave me Cruella Deville, comfort braids, which I loved.. I love thim so much. I had to go a third time and this time is way more dramatic. I got custom comfort braids again with a custom color and tinsel. read more

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these women do a really great job, I always walked out loving my hair. The first time I went I got medium knotless box braids for $240. The next time I went for the same thing (about a year later) I was charged $350 because my hair grew longer. That was the only downside for me. I also really enjoy watching their nollywood films that they play on the tv haha read more

recently came here to get two French braids , I usually go to my regular braider but she was booked up and I couldn't wait ! But now I wish I woulda have waited ! Any who I came and was seated . The braider who did it was actually very nice , the other ladies working they all had dismissive attitudes. I took them out within 7 days because the back of my head kept itching and I kept feeling bumps . When I took all my braids and washed my hair I noticed half of all my left side of the bottom is all broke off . I don't know if they're cleaning there combs correctly or what but this has never happened and I get my hair braided regularly . I'm highly upset , yes this is hair and it can grow back but I paid 50$ just for my hair to get broken off ! Please be aware of what they are using in your hair and if there combs and implements are Cleaned ! read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - PHOTO OF HAIR - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

Hi. Theses women are beautiful souls. I love the quality of their work and their transparency. My favorite is Doris. She never disappoints(her braid work) Her and Sofia are like family to me. Us three have had our differences but their loyalty is everything. They are very patient, loving and forgiving. I love them. Tay read more

I was passing by the shop , and I had some braids in for about 3 months , and was really stressed about who I could get to take down these braids ... I usually take down my own hair , however recently my hands have been hurtling ..anywho I was driving by and stopped walked in the shop it was about 10am on a Tuesday, I politely asked if the do braid take down , they responded kindly and quoted me a reasonable price , I asked if she could do it now ,, she replied yes , it took about 1.5 hrs , Sarah was her name , when finished she offered a hair wash , for an additional price ... I accepted it was very good she gently scrubbed and massaged my scalp blow dried and cornrows 4 braids ... I was very pleased with this service and would recommend .... read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding; my hair always comes out amazing and the ladies are always willing to help. With a good vibe in the shop. read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Crochet with Yanky Twist 9/28/2024 - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Every time I've ever went here the ladies help me right away. Walk ins accepted when they have availability. I've always had a great experience here, not sure what everyone is talking about when leaving a negative review. That's never happened to me and I've been here over a dozen times... My braids last 2-3 weeks as well! read more

Sofía & her team are great , they helped me out with what i needed. i received soooo many compliments and i loveeeee my braids not too tight, and timing was great. definitely coming back!! read more

I have now been to Sofia Braiding a few times, when I cannot get an appointment with my first braider of choice. If you are looking to get just braids or boho braids or any type of braids for the most part this is the place to go. Their prices are decent and you can pretty much get an appointment anytime. They do take walkins often which is a plus. The Cons, they are not professional at all in the customer service area, they have have differences in prices and are not very clear on communication. Also not all the braids are in the same experience level, so once you find someone you like, stick with them. Your appointment time will never be on time so please be ok with waiting. As a customer, come with detailed picture, they can provide hair, but I'd recommend bring your own hair. Be specific with what you want and shows pictures always. It will be loud at times and they argue too, so if you are fine with that, this can be a place to get braids. They do not have the concept of customer service. Most are nice and respectful read more

It's a family establishment that's quick and flexible. I've been going there for a couple years now and every time it's a walk-in.

the worse place to make an appointmen. You have to wait two hours or more to get your service. very Unfortunate I will not be going back are referring anyone else to you. No one has all day to wait especially when they made appointment 4 days in advance. read more

It was nice and very chill. Hole getting my hair done beautifully I might add the played various movies on the television. Overall it was a great experience. I was able to get my hair taken down washed and rebraided. The made the payment easy with Zelle pay. And was able to do with my budget. Not crowded or noisy. I was able to sleep at o charge my cell phone while I got hair done read more

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Horrible customer service. No accountability or respect for their customers time. The manager Sofia schedules the appointments but doesn't have the braiders schedule. What does that mean? It means you come on time to an appointment. Oh shit wait a second I have to let you know about the crazy that is happening while I am typing this. There is a lady in here screaming at the wall and none of the employees have any control over her. Omg how is this a place of business and damn it why of all the braid places in San leandro am I in this shit hole. I feel like I am in a war zone this lady is screaming her head off all I can understand is Sofia Sofia Sofia. Hell maybe they wasted her whole day too. Oh her name is Fatimah. It seems like the workers know her and are letting her yell with a shop full of customers. Damn it a shop full of paying customers .Me being one of them. I definitely don't want to be in this stressful ass place, I avoid environments like this.. who wants to go and get their hair done for hours after waiting for 2 hours while listening to some one SCREAMING. This place is so damn unprofessional 15 minutes of straight yelling and I have to pay for that. Got my nerves all tight ohh she's yelling again. Let me see if I can finish this review while she takes a break from yelling. OK so I came in last week with my hair in hand . Ohh the police are here thank God!!! Oh my God all the braiders left. Man so much is happening, yall not gonna believe this they told the cops that everything is OK. I said oh we lying in here? Is this lady yelling like this ok? And the braiders told me to ask the crazy lady that was yelling. I said yall are responsible for all of us in here with this lady so I am asking is she safe to be in here . Their response was I don't know. I said well you told the police that she was so what do you mean You don't know...Man this is not the review I set out to write. Anyhow the police said that the owner wants her off the property and that she is trespassing. She told them that she works here. The police didn't want to keep going so they left. Yall tell me why this unsuspecting customer just walked in and the crazy lady is sudden speaking English and helping her look for hair. Yall this lady that: *came in here screaming * that the police came to kick out OK I got time now to finish my review I had a 2pm but my braider wasn't ready and all of a sudden didn't speak English to explain wth was taking so long and then told me that she couldn't braid my hair because the hair I got was like human hair... (you cant braid human hair?? Wth do you think is on my head!!) after 15 minutes she says that the other lady can braid my hair after she finishes her customer.. her customer had 1 braid done.. i was like oh in 4 hours you got to be kidding me. And she said no shes getting cornrows it will be fast. I waited 10 minutes and she was still working on that same cornrow . I walked out and she ran out to me to stop me.. Mind you while I was sitting there like an idiot she didn't have nothing to Say but I put my ass in my car to leave and she saw thee dollars leaving... she said she would bee done in 30 minutes(nah stop lying) I told her to call me when she done and that I would call back then. I went home and told m boyfriend and he was like she ain't gonna call you. So at about 350 I call and get the boss who 3 ways the braider and the braider says she is ready for me.(interesting because she Never called me) I go back to the shop. I am there in 5 minutes .The cornrows client is she in the damn chair. She is not ready!! She is a liar! I tell her I need a discount for my time she says she didn't make the mistake her boss did I call the boss and tell her that her employee said that she is the one responsible and that she is the one to give the discount the boss says let me talk to her so I put her on speaker but she called her instead and then the braider put her on speaker she keep saying your on speaker. The boss said we have lots of customers we are not going to give her a discount if she wants she can just leave... so yeah they all SUCK DRUMRoll please is now braiding someone's hair?!?!! I am in sheer and utterly disbelief. This lady walked in here just 5 minutes after all the crazy and has no idea who is up in her hair. All I know is wherever Fatima came from she did NOT wash her hands or any of the tools that are going into this poor customer's hair. I am too exhausted to even tell yall about the bullshit that I was going to tell you about... to be continued but what I will say is DO NOT COME HERE. LIKE EVER!!! NOT EVEN IN YOUR DREAMS this place will turn it into a nightmare. ZERO STARS read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Nothing about this place makes sense.. NOTHING why are there 2 steps in a 3x5 bathroom..why steps in a bathroom at all. - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California

I've been a customer at Sofia's for 7 years, never had a concerns all of the ladies are professional braiders, I would recommend everyone to visit Sofia's hair braiding salon, you will leave looking like a queen and king, Sofia also braids children's hair, Sofia takes walk-in any style and every style is welcome Sofia's braiders are well experience to accommodate each and every one in every way. read more

the service was quick that was the only good thing the whole experience. the lady who braided my daughters hair did a terrible job, the braids were uneven and some braids were unraveling one day after getting them braided. when I came back the next day to discuss the service they were extremely rude. I would add a phone but I don't to embarrass my daughter they were that bad. read more

Do not go here under any circumstances! This is by far THE WORST establishment I have ever visited in my life. After making an appointment earlier in the week and confirming the day before as well as the day of I arrived for my appointment early and was asked if I could come back the next day. I told them that I could not and that's why I made an appointment for that day. So they agreed that they would be able to do my hair. After showing them a picture of the style that I preferred I was told a price. An hour into my wait the person, who quoted me the price, went home and came back with a "price book. " The price book was torn to shreds and not even bound. Additionally it did not even have the braid style that I showed them in the picture. She made her client she was originally braiding wait while she retrieved the book, so that she could tell me a price $100 more than she originally quoted. She doesn't even know her own price points for her business and seemed to make up prices. I waited for three hours and they were trying to charge me $300 for jumbo knotless braids, which is preposterous. At that point I was told that no one could do my hair. You would think that they would have offered me a discount after not honoring the original appointment time and quoting the wrong price. DO NOT GO HERE! read more

Overall, I am please for my first time at Sophia's, they asked to see a picture of my hair. I showed him what I wanted, and the young lady told me what how much hair I needed and was able to execute the exact look. I was looking for she was fast and she was patient and took her time to get the pattern, correct? I'm happy with the overall result, and I would be more than glad to refer and come back again. read more

Sofia African Hair Braiding - Hair Extensions Near Me - San Leandro, California