Aicha Professional Hair — Local services in Elizabeth

I realized I never placed a detailed review of this shop because I was just flabbergasted by their service and totally in a haste, but definitely felt like they NEEDED a one star for lack of professionalism, tact, and experience. However, after 4 years trust I still remember my experience down to every word said.

First off, although I totally forgot the name of the woman who did my hair, when I arrived I told her I have to unravel my hair because I am a naturalist and when my hair is blow-dried during the summer the humidity makes it coil back up. Anyone with expertise in natural hair, especially as a braider know this to be true if natural hair is in its most natural state and rarely touches heat (this woman obviously did not). She said a smart remark, like your hair should of came already undone—I let the comment slide because whatever sister girl, BRAID MY HAIR! Then I told her I want my singhalese twist big but not too big, they were all different sizes in some parts of my hair and I did not lack hair to braid. I felt like the other braiders realized how slow my initial braider was that they jumped in and began to braid just to get my out of my chair because my initial braider was really really slow—so much so, my father even said that it should have not taken that long.

The icing on the cake is when my father came in to pay for my hair—which he is a fairly good looking man, my initial braider made a very inappropriate question, asking if my father was my man/sugar daddy?! You can obviously see this man is 2 times my age. Why on earth would you even ask that question? This establishment is just all around sad. I feel like they only have expertise in braiding hispanic hair because that is what I mainly see as their targeted customers or at least who they can easily braid.

Within a week my braids in the back were slipping, one of the braids ripped out my edges and I told her time and time again to not braid my edges, eventually she convinced me to do it because it looks “more clean” (ugh). I knew dang well I should of kept saying no. Other people may like to be edgeless, I rather not. All in all, I took a chance because my initial licensed-expert braider was booked for the month, but now, if I could go back in time I would of just walked around nappy headed for the summer behind this...

So today I decided to switch up and go to a different braiding shop, I decided to go to aicha’s bc I see they do really good hair. I walked in and a woman greeted me I think her name was Marie so pleasant asked me what I was getting and told me the price and I sat until it was my turn. As I sat there I asked what type of hair do they use and it wasn’t what I preferred to use so I went to the beauty supply store and the stylist was nice enough to help me get the right hair but no luck, I decided to just use their hair even tho expressions hair breaks and irritates my scalp and skin but I took the chance anyway. So I sat down in the chair and the stylist begins to blow dry my hair and she ask if I had an allergic reaction to my scalp I replied yes I did bc of the shampoo I use and on top of that my scalp gets very dry to where I would have dry patches in my scalp, she goes to the other stylist and they go outside and talk, I sat and waited she came back to me and ask if it was ok to take a pic of my scalp and the back of my neck, now mind you my hair scalp and skin is very very sensitive to synthetic and cheap wigs which is what I just took out a few days ago cuz I was breaking out. I sat there for another 10min when the woman who greeted me came and ask to speak to me in the back. She tell me that they can not do my hair I asked why and she says bc of my scalp and the breakout of my skin. Again my scalp is very very dry and skin is sensitive she says oh we don’t want the products we use to irritate it. I already knew that wasn’t why. I get it they want to be safe but as a human being I felt very disrespected insulted and offended. If there was anything wrong with me I would’ve did my own hair in the comfort of my own home not go to someone’s establishment with my lil daughter and put someone else life or safety in jeopardy!!!! Wait let me add that back in 2018 I got a sew in from there and it took all my hair out and damaged my hair!!!! But 4yrs later I decided to go back and get treated like that. That’s very unprofessional and I would NEVER visit that shop...

I had a great experience at Aicha’s Hair Braiding. The shop manager sent a very detailed text to me to explain booking process, as well as a detailed text the day before the appointment to explain what to expect day of appointment, including mask requirements, and payment options, and name of my stylist.

I would say only thing missing from the text message was info about parking. You should plan to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before your appointment to give adequate time to find street parking or park in the lot. I recommend parking in the lot because a lot of the meters had issues on the street.

I liked the fact that the stylist wore uniforms and had their names at their station so no question about who is doing your hair. Masks are required and I appreciate that extra bit of safety. My appointment was right on time and the stylist seemed to be prepared with the hair and style I needed.

The owner came in while I was there and she was very sweet, we had great conversation.

I think what really gave this salon the extra touch is the fact that they are clearly perfectionists and truly care about the customers. After I left my appointment I had a small concern about my hair, I want to emphasize it wasn’t a huge concern and everyone liked my hair but I thought it would be important to elevate it to the salon manager. I loved the fact that she apologized right away and didn’t try to get defensive. She called me right away and figured out anyway to rectify the small issue and gave me some tips to ensure I was satisfied with my final product.

The way to know how professional a salon is is seeing how they behave when you have a concern. Too many salons are defensive and not attentive. Aicha’s staff also replies promptly when you reach out. I’ve dealt with too many salons that you can’t even get someone on the phone before your appointment to ask a question.

I would whole heartedly recommend this salon to...