Givens Hair Studio — Local services in Charlotte

I absolutely love my hair—the boho knotless braids are stunning and exactly the look I wanted! The braiding itself was beautifully done, and I’ve gotten so many compliments.

That being said, the process took 8 hours instead of the 5 hours listed on the booking site. A bulk of the time was spent prepping the hair bundles and regular braid hair, which definitely extended the appointment. Ideally, if there was a dedicated person to prep hair before and during the service, the braiding process could move much faster. The braider stopped multiple times for 30-45 minutes each time just to prep hair, which took away from the overall experience.

Another thing to note—setting an appointment isn’t really setting an appointment. Everyone is treated as a walk-in. I booked an 8 AM appointment, but when I arrived a few minutes early, other people were already being serviced. No hair was prepped in advance, and while I was seated quickly, it didn’t feel like a true appointment-based system. This is something to keep in mind for anyone expecting a structured booking process.

From their Instagram, I expected a more Americanized African braiding experience, but it was similar to traditional African braid shops, with stylists speaking French the entire time while working. While I understand that English may not be their first language, it can feel rude and uncomfortable when customers are excluded from conversations—especially when stylists point and discuss pricing or other things in their language. Clear communication is important, and making an effort to engage customers in English during those moments would improve the experience.

I also usually have two people braiding at once, which would have sped up the process. One thing to note—while the front of my hair was given great attention to detail, the back braids weren’t as carefully finished (e.g., less trimming of split ends).

💰 Price-wise, I paid over $400, which feels a little steep, so I really hope this style lasts a long time and proves to be worth the investment.

✅ Would I recommend? Yes.

⚠️ Room for improvement: Time management, customer communication, a true appointment-based system, and ensuring consistency in braid finishing...

"Transformative Braiding Experience at Givens Braiding: Unveiling African Braiding in Charlotte!"

Step into Givens Braiding, and prepare to be enchanted by the magical hands of Meta and Falone! My recent visit to this charming establishment at 9325 JW Clay Blvd in Charlotte, NC, left me utterly mesmerized. In just 6 hours, Meta and Falone effortlessly weaved intricate Boho braids, not just enhancing my look but also connecting me to a rich tapestry of African heritage. Braids have always been more than just a hairstyle; they symbolize social and economic status, weaving stories of resilience, strength, and beauty through generations. Givens Braiding beautifully captures this essence, offering not just a service but a journey into culture and identity.

As Meta and Falone meticulously worked their magic, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of pride and connection to my roots. The intricate patterns and meticulous attention to detail spoke volumes about the expertise and passion they bring to their craft. Beyond the aesthetics, the experience was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends boundaries.

In a world where authenticity is rare, Givens Braiding stands out as a beacon of excellence. From the warm welcome to the impeccable service, every aspect of my visit was nothing short of exceptional. And as I left with my stunning Boho braids, I couldn't help but reflect on the transformative power of embracing one's heritage.

To anyone seeking more than just a hairstyle, I wholeheartedly recommend Givens Braiding. Let Meta and Falone weave their magic and unveil the beauty of African heritage right here in Charlotte. Trust me; it's an experience you'll cherish for a lifetime!

Come discover the artistry and culture at Givens Braiding—where every braid tells a story, and every visit leaves you feeling empowered...

I’m truly disgusted by the way I was treated today. I have never felt so degraded in my life.

After sitting in the chair for hours, I noticed my part was extremely crooked. I kindly brought it to the braider’s attention—her name was Mel—and asked if we could do the easiest fix possible. Instead of professionalism or care, she sucked her teeth, yelled in a language I didn’t understand, and stormed off.

Confused and uncomfortable, I asked another woman in the salon what was going on. She explained that Mel “was ready to go” and that I’d need to come back another day. I told her I couldn’t return and was only asking for a simple correction.

Then it got scary. Mel came back screaming with scissors in her hand, proceeding to aggressively grab at my hair as if she was about to cut it out. I was in shock. I calmly explained I was still willing to pay—because I’m also a service provider, and I believe in respecting people’s time—but I didn’t understand why it escalated like this.

I thank God for a kind older woman named Mama, who stepped in, looked at my hair, and confirmed it was crooked. She spoke up to Mel and told her it needed to be fixed. If Mama hadn’t been there, I honestly don’t know what would’ve happened. That’s terrifying.

I cried the rest of the appointment. I was alone, surrounded by women who only spoke to each other in a language I didn’t understand, feeling unsafe and humiliated. Mel tried to hand me a coupon afterward, but I just wanted to leave.

I don’t wish this experience on anyone. I’m grateful for Mama—she was truly a blessing. But this was hands down one of the worst, scariest customer service experiences I’ve ever had. I’m paying over $300 for a service & brought extra money to tip because that’s the type of person I am!...