Braids Experts By MIMI — Local services in New York

I’ve been coming to Braid Experts by Mimi on 219th & White Plains Rd since 2017. I proudly recommended this salon to everyone—friends, coworkers, even convinced someone from Brooklyn to come all the way here because I believed in their work that much. But after today, I’ll never be returning.

From the moment I walked in, the experience was chaotic and disrespectful. I was questioned about the length of the hair in the back of my head (the kitchen), being asked why I didn’t disclose that it was short when I made the appointment. I’ve never had to mention that to any braider in my life—especially not at this salon, where I’ve had the same hair and same process for years.

They put me in a chair with a braider who immediately said, “I don’t do that, go back downstairs to Mimi,” in the most dismissive tone. I did as she asked. Mimi ended up catching the back, then sent me to another braider to complete the rest. I had confirmed waist-length braids with Mimi several times, including via text—and that was the price I was given. But I soon realized they were doing mid-back length. Unfortunately, there were no mirrors near me to notice sooner.

When I finally caught it, I said something—and was told they couldn’t change it because “half your head is already done.” I initially tried to let it go, but then I reminded myself: I’m the customer. I’m paying for what I asked for. This style is staying in my hair for the next two months—I deserve to get what I’m paying for. Eventually, they started doing the correct waist-length style, but not one person apologized for the confusion or inconvenience.

Then way later, another person comes over and tells me I now owe $60 more because I asked to “extend the length” of my braids—despite the fact that waist-length was clearly communicated and confirmed by the owner herself. I was absolutely fed up by this point. I told them I’d be paying the $220 that was quoted to me, and nothing more.

I left that shop feeling betrayed, disrespected, and completely disappointed. I’ve been a loyal customer for 7 years—despite working on 125th where I’m surrounded by affordable, high-quality braid shops. I chose Mimi’s because of my history with the salon. But today made it clear that loyalty means nothing here.

I will no longer support a business that can’t take accountability, communicates poorly, and treats returning customers like they’re disposable.

Unorganized, unprofessional, and absolutely not worth the hype. You can get the same (if not better) quality elsewhere for a better price and with...

The second time is a charm(ish). I scheduled an appointment over the phone and was told by the receptionist that the price for medium width, bra length, Boho braids would cost $200. I also said that my daughter has sensitivity to tight braids and would like to be pairs with someone who has a light touch. However when we arrived I was told by the stylists that the style would be $220. Not what so expected, but I acquiesced. I asked the Braider to only apply the gel to the hair, not the scalp, to avoid irritation from the harsh chemicals. The Braider sucked her teeth and insisted that she could not do it that way. The manger spoke to her and she begrudgingly agreed. I insisted that if not applying gel to the scalp was going to be a problem, I would prefer to have a different Braider. She said that she could handle it, and still complained in her mother tongue. As she proceeded to braid, she grabbed and pulled the hair tightly and my daughter complained. I asked her to braid loosely several times and she protested insisting that her braiding was not tight. I explained that if the client complains that it’s tight she should listen and make the adjustments instead of defending her technique and denying what my daughter feels. We have had Braider’s in the past who were gentle and with good craftsmanship. 10 braids later my daughter was completely uncomfortable and the Braider stopped and suggested we find a different Braider.

The manager called a woman who lived around the corner. About twenty minutes later a young woman named Maimouna arrived with a sweet disposition and she along with another young woman Aicha, worked together on my daughter’s head. They were patient, gentle and efficient. Two hours into the braiding session we had another challenge where we were relocated by the manager to accommodate a large party. The Braider’s were obviously annoyed as were we. Not only were we relocated, the ladies also had to find equipment for the hair and detangle the hair again. I’ve read other reviews where the price changed upon arrival and that communication is poor. To avoid this, the shop should have a standard fee that the owner and workers agree upon to avoid confusion. That way, the customer doesn’t feel deceived. This experience was a hassle, and while I am grateful to Maimouna and Aicha for their professionalism and speed, the experience was...

I’ve been coming to this establishment for years. It’s truly been hit or miss depending on the braider. Back in April, I got a boho knotless bob (see first picture) and it was the best experience I’ve had—finished in a timely manner, and the boho hair was properly installed with no shedding. The only issue was that by week three, the human hair began to matte, which forced me to take it out early. I even brought my own hair for the next visit because of that.

I returned on May 17th to get the exact same style.

I arrived at 7:00 AM sharp, and within the first 15 minutes, I was shuffled between three different chairs. Eventually, I was seated with the third braider—who already had a client. She moved her client to another chair next to me, started on my hair, then halfway through stopped to begin working on another client’s hair—right beside me, without washing her hands in between.

I don't care how fast you braid—finish what you start before moving on to another client. That’s basic professionalism and hygiene.

Now it’s been six days since that appointment, and my hair is shedding like crazy and braids are coming out. I spent $200 (bought my own hair)on a rushed job, and I’m extremely disappointed. Upon leaving, I was given a coupon for a future visit, but honestly, I’m not sure I can keep spending my hard-earned money here when the service quality is inconsistent. This isn’t the casino—I shouldn’t have to gamble with my results.

Update (07/26):

I texted the usual number to book my next appointment, assuming that due to how poorly my last visit went, I would be receiving a discount, as previously discussed with “Mimi.”

They informed me that there’s currently a promo where boho hair is free, and the price for the style I always get (small/medium boho bob) is $200. But that’s the regular promo price—not the discount that Mimi promised me for my last experience.

I then spoke on the phone with someone about this, trying to explain my situation. Instead of listening, she kept talking over me and wasn’t apologetic or understanding at all. If you’re going to be the face of a company, you need to treat your paying customers with respect.

Please don’t ask me to remove this feedback—I won’t. This is an honest account of my experience, and I hope it’s...