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

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

Ora is incredibly professional, compassionate, and genuinely kind. Since moving back to the Bay (3…read moreyears ago) from LA, I hadn't been able to find a loctician that can do my hair . So my locs had experienced a lot of breakage and uneven parting. A friend referred me to Ora, and I truly couldn't be happier with the results. She went above and beyond and completely brought my locs back to life!Thank you for your hard work, beautiful energy, and care during my appointment. I'm so honored to be a new client

The ladies here are always so friendly and full of great energy! No matter who you book with,…read moreyou're in good hands. There's nowhere better, trust! I drive from Los Gatos to Oakland to get my hair retwisted here, and every time, it's been worth it 100%. I was stressing over what to do with my hair for my civil wedding since my locs are still relatively short, but I had a vision. Luckily, I could book a last-minute appointment with Ravyn, and she gave me the most beautiful barrel twist and bun ever! I couldn't be happier. Thank you!

Amazing quality-- not only the final product, but also my time spent in the chair…read more I had the pleasure of having my hair done by NanaEfuwa (Cynthia) today and was not disappointed. My lower back length Senegalese twists are all that I wanted-- and more. Upon arrival, we had a consultation where she took the time to patiently walk me through the process of understanding cost of the service as having three variables: 1) girth/size of braid (from micro to jumbo--she even has a standardized ring to help you decide), 2) length of the braid from the scalp (shoulder length, mid-back, etc.) and 3) density of the braids (how many braids will be placed in your hair given the other two variables). I had a LOT of questions--primarily how she would be able to make braids that were durable on hair that was recently tapered and less than an inch long in some parts. After ensuring I was happy with the intersection of what I desired and what was possible (as well as all feeling good about the price), we started the process. First, it was quite the visual experience watching her blend hair colors. From my description of "medium brown with light brown/golden tones", she took three different colors and started turning them together in her hands, personalizing my hair bundles. She said no two of her clients ever have exactly the same color-- what an unexpected delight! After having me approve of the final hair, she started braiding. I appreciate her checking in with me to ensure I was happy with a few test rows before reaching a point where it would not have been as easy to pivot (she didn't need to change anything, but I appreciate the question). I also benefitted greatly from the stillness offered in her salon. I closed my eyes and enjoyed silence (even nodded off a few times), engaged in captivating conversation, stared at degrees on the wall and wondered "What happened to Julie?"** and watched a master beautician impart her knowledge onto the next generation through apprenticeship. Overall, I am so grateful a ChatGPT prompt for "low-tension braiders in the Bay Area" displayed her shop. NanaEfuwa specializes in taking care of the scalp and your hair (as well as your entire being), so in addition to using natural products, she utilizes specific techniques to hold the braid in slight counter traction to oppose the pull generated while braiding. Between me, NanaEfuwa or Una holding the braids at various times, the entire process was at most uncomfortable-- never painful. I wanted to write this review to thank NanaEfuwa and help others to make a great decision to reach out. I have found my Bay Area Braider and maybe even a new friend! **look at the two "Board Member" signatures on the degrees and compare 2018 to 2022. Of course, you have to book a service to sit in her chair to do so. You should. :-)

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

Sigh.... I loved my braider. he was skilled. I assisted in the braid down. My hair is pretty short…read moreso I asked if the length would be a problem. He said that it wouldn't be. I've had these braids for 10 days and about 12 have slipped out while I'm on vacation. The price that I paid made me think these would last a while. I'm on the airplane pulling out the remainder since the lady behind me just handed me another one... I normally braid my own but since it was short and I thought I couldn't grip it, I went to a braider... I've never had this issue before when braiding it myself...I was able to rebraid 4 of them but after that, I just said f*ck it. Now... I would still totally recommend this place to anyone who wants to get braided... BUT if u have short hair, be prepared for quite few to fall out. This was only MY experience, and I would still recommend them... but If u have short hair.... be prepared edit: I got to watch a sew in installed and I don't know her name who did it but she was fast, precise, neat, skilled and ol' girl she hooked up walked out SLAYING!!!!!!!

Terrible experience, the stylist was unlicensed and did not match the style that we were looking…read morefor. Would not recommend to anyone.

Came from VA just to get right with Myllonn!! Great service great vibe! Will be back haven't…read moretouched any other salon in the Bay

I've tried 5 different loctresses in the last 2yrs. Today I think I've found my forever. Dawn's…read morehands are magical. We knew each other but I didn't know she did hair; so it was a beautiful surprise to see her. She explained so much to me about locs. I wish someone had shared the same information when I started my 1" locs 2yrs ago. The wash was refreshing & left my scalp feeling alive & fresh. My hair's not tight & pulling on my scalp. She really did a great job. After reading some of the reviews, I had my reservations especially in regard to punctuality. However, Dawn was ready & waiting. I am overly satisfied w/the finished product. I'll definitely be returning & will recommend her to others.

My hair & my entire being feel alive every time I have an appointment here. I've been a regular…read moreclient with Jasynn for several years & she always delivers the best cuts. I appreciate Jasynn's attentiveness to detail & really listening & executing what I want each and every-time. No notes, just fabulous fresh curly cuts. My hair is always soft, glistening and defined. I have 3B curls & I also have been using products Jasynn recommended & has available to purchase at the salon. This salon is such a safe & welcoming space. All of the staff members are kind and passionate.

Clarice has been doing my daughter's hair for years. She does an incredible job in suggesting ways…read moreto keep my daughter's hair healthy. My daughter plays water polo and she is swimming or preaching several times a week. Clarice continues to recommend more ways to keep Sarai's hair healthy and we are grateful for her attentiveness. This salon is a bit off the beaten path but it is worth the time. You can count on getting a private and professional experience

Fantastic results from every stylist - plus the whole team is very friendly and professional. My…read morego-to blowout specialists!

I scheduled a blow out for the morning of my birthday and wrote that as a note in the comments. I…read morewas greeted brusquely by Janee with "are you Alexandra?" No "have you been here before? Would you like something to drink? Do you need to go to the bathroom? Happy birthday!" Etc... I had booked an extra 10 minute scalp massage so when I glanced at my watch as I sat in the shampoo bowl I noticed it was 10:03. She shampooed my hair and then lightly layed her index fingers over my forehead (?) then conditioned my hair, rinsed and wrapped a towel around my hair and when I sat up my watch said 10:09 so I figured she had forgot about the massage. We discussed that I wanted big bouncy blow out waves but I stated my hair didn't hold a curl well so it was ok if the curls were a little tighter. She then turned me away from the mirror for about 25 minutes and when she turned me around I had tight Shirley temple-esque curls. I instinctively reached up to touch them and she said offered half heartedly to "run her fingers through my curls" which I stated I could do on my own. When I went to check out, I clarified the extra charge for the scalp massage since it had been so brief and she was clearly irritated, but the other staff person said the charge could be taken off. The sign by the register suggested $12 as a tip if you "liked it " seeing as I DISLIKED it, I added a $10 tip to which she rolled her eyes at me and still included the charge for the "massage" which I awkwardly had to correct a second time. By the time I finally paid I was shaking- I felt so uncomfortable, frustrated and irritated and sad that my birthday was starting out on such a bad note. Needless to say, I won't be back.

For the past four years I've been going to get my hair done at Sweetroots Blow Bar for all of my…read morehairs needs. Not only am I able to receive good services on hair quality and health. I am now also able to get root touch ups and hair trims as needed by my hair stylist Jeannine. She takes really good care of my hair and always gives me good product suggestions and tips on how to maintain healthy natural hair. I've received many compliments on my hair and suggest this blow bar to everyone who ask's me where I go to get my hair done! I have always felt very shy and insecure about my hair quality because it is very thick and coursed, ever since coming to this blow bar I have continuously seen my hair flourish. I also feel very confident on how I wear my natural hair. Blow Bar is also very welcoming and inviting. The music that is played in the salon is calming, everyone is friendly, and refreshments are even offered!

If you seek a service-oriented, human approach to lateness or valid last-minute cancellations, this…read moreis definitely not the place for you. I booked an appointment online around 12pm for a same-day 2:30pm-3:30pm blowout appointment, hoping to make it work on a hectic day. Sweetroots has a 24-hour cancellation policy, yes, but they also have a 10-minute "grace" period policy so that if you are over 10 minutes late, you forfeit your appointment entirely but still pay for it in full. That seems insane especially in a situation where I, the client, was 15 minutes late (after calling ahead to give a heads up) and where I'd already shared that I was happy to get whatever she (the stylist) could manage within the allotted appointment time. She said that she wouldn't be able to do the full service because she had an appointment immediately after mine, which was fine and made sense. But then instead of trying to find a workable solution to the time constraint, she lectured me about the grace period policy, gave a 5-minute wash and a 5-minute bangs blowout, then stood silently at the front of the salon waiting for me to pay, all by 3:07pm. Why did she stop blowdrying at 3:07pm, you may ask, when I'd booked an appointment until 3:30pm? I'm honestly not sure, even after asking her this question. Based on her response though, it seems that her logic was: 1) I'd already forfeited my appointment by being an extra 5 minutes late so 2) she was doing me a favor by doing any styling work at all. I suppose if she were following the policy exactly, she would take $60 for zero services rendered even when there are 45 minutes left in the appointment. Nothing about her tone or attitude felt welcoming or understanding. I find it confusing when someone in a client services job shows such little care, flexibility, or good faith when interacting with a customer. Anyway, while I regret booking this appointment, I went, I paid, and I will absolutely never return.