Bless Finger Professional African Hair Braiding — Local services in New York

While I was very happy with how my knotless braids turned out—the braider’s work was excellent—the overall experience at this salon was extremely unprofessional and stressful. Unfortunately, the way payment was handled and the lack of upfront communication were the biggest factors in why I will not be returning.

I booked my appointment three weeks in advance and called with several questions about pricing, the type of hair used, and whether a wash was included. The website listed my style at $180 (told on the phone, a wash is $20) plus $20 for a wash, totaling $200. However, during my call, the owner seemed rushed, uninterested in answering questions, and simply focused on booking the time for the appointment. Days before my appointment, I was given the wrong address, which caused delays when I arrived. I was reimbursed for the uber ride, fortunately. After my hair was finished, I asked about payment methods—only to be told they only accept cash or Zelle. This was never mentioned on the website or during booking, despite me asking in advance. This lack of transparency created significant stress, especially since I was prepared to pay by card.

When I called the owner to confirm the total, I learned there was an additional $45 charge for curly hair in my braids—a cost that was not disclosed beforehand. My total was now $245 instead of the $200 I had prepared for. Because I did not have cash, I was required to send payment through Zelle. However, they refused to let me leave until they received confirmation that the Zelle payment had fully cleared. I was kept waiting for an hour and a half. The situation was made worse by the owner comparing me to a previous client who hadn’t paid in full, which was unnecessary and inappropriate.

During this time, the environment in the salon was tense and unprofessional. The owner got into a loud argument with a stylist in front of clients, another stylist left mid-appointment to view an apartment, another to get their lashes done and the overall atmosphere felt chaotic.

In summary: the braiding work itself was beautiful, but the lack of communication about payment policies, the surprise charges, and the unprofessional environment ruined the experience. If you do not plan to pay with cash or Zelle—and have exact change or the payment ready in advance (They kept saying I could take out cash at an ATM, which I can’t with a credit card)—be aware that this policy could cause major delays and...

My hair was done neatly and I really appreciated that the stylist who did my hair started promptly after I entered the salon. Although my braids were done well, my experience with this specific stylist was a bit frustrating. Before I sat in her chair, I asked her kindly not to braid my hair tightly since my hair is thin and my scalp is sensitive towards the front. She said okay. Then she asked me how I'd like to have the ends of my hair. I told her I'd like to have them curly but not in spirals. I just wanted the ends braided together and dipped in hot water for a crinkly effect. She said this was okay. Throughout having my braids installed, I asked three times if she could loosen her grip because she was braiding too tightly. Her response was that she could not loosen her grip because the braids wouldn't look good if she did. She continued braiding tightly as I winced in pain and ignored me. After the braids were completed, I reminded the stylist that I just wanted the ends braided and dipped in water. When she started on the ends, she started wrapping them around in balls at the ends, which I was sure wasn't going to provide the effect I wanted. I kindly asked her to stop and to please braid the ends the way I wanted. She responded that I needed to try something new and then did it the way I asked. At the end of the service, I paid and tipped the stylist since my hair still turned out well. It's now a couple days later and I'm noticing there's also an excessive amount of product/braid gel on the roots of my hair. Because of the excess, my roots were very sticky and formed white clumps of product that I was literally able to squeeze out of the braids. I ended up having to wash my hair a couple times to get the excess product out, which was really disappointing. I'm open to trying them again but just with another stylist as I see they are capable of producing good work. It's really uncomfortable having to go back and forth on simple requests and I hope that if I return, I won't have the same experience with the...

I accidentally discovered this hair braiding salon, and I’m so happy I listened to the reviews and went.

After a previous hairstylist showed up extremely late for an appointment, I called this location. I asked if there was anyway they could see me. The lady, who I later discovered to be Elizabeth the owner, said I could come in and they would see me. I expected a surcharge for the last minute booking, but no such thing happened.

Upon arriving they confirmed the price for my box braid, I was shocked at how affordable it was. Jamilah started on my way. I’d like to point out that I had two French braids and I have natural hair, this caused my hair to curly up a bit. Without any fuss, Jamilah quickly gave me a quick blow dry (she also realized that I don’t put heat to my hair, and did so in very light heat and carefully). Again, no surcharge.

This business understands the concept of “if I’m coming to you is because I need the service, if I could do it myself I wouldn’t need you”. Unlike many places they don’t ask that you come with your hair fully prep. They will prep you and get you going.

I got waist length box braids done in 4 hours, that’s correct, FOUR hours. And they were expertly done. The atmosphere was welcoming, the customer service & service was exceptional and the people loving.

Needless to say I booked my next appointment before leaving the place. When I called my friends to tell them of what had happened, they quickly asked for the address.

A friend of mine was able to get her hair done that same day, again 4 hours. This is my new favorite place, and I highly...