Elsa African Hair Braiding — Local services in Philadelphia

Elsa use to be a well known shop in the 90’s early 2000’s. This shop really fell off. I showed a picture of box braids with parts that were spaced and not bunched for my 11 year old daughters hair. I showed the picture several times to the braider and at one point had to ask her to take the braids out that she started in the side of her face. One of the other Braiders explained to her two times and ask to see the picture again but she still did what she wanted and gave my daughter too many braids. My daughter was so upset she cried while getting her hair done. The braiding hair they use if too thick and is the worst. By day two we had to take the braids out because they were too heavy and caused headaches. We sat for 8.5 hours and I told the lady it should not have taken this long if she would have listened to what I ask for. A waste of $150. The shop is dirty. The towels look like they never wash them. There was no disinfectant solutions cans for the combs, and it look like they need to invest in some new combs. Ripped up seating. I would not recommend this shop for children. I called the shop the next day and they told me my daughter has a lot of hair. For that reason that’s why I specifally ask for her box parts...

Danger Zone: Stay Away from This Braiding Nightmare!

Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this braiding disaster waiting to happen. I made the mistake of setting foot in this place, and it was a horror show from start to finish.

Imagine walking into a shop where hygiene standards are non-existent, with tools that look like they've never seen a drop of disinfectant. And don't even get me started on the so-called "stylists" – they seemed more interested in chatting and gossiping than actually knowing what they were doing.

But the real kicker? People were leaving left and right with scalp injuries that looked straight out of a horror movie. I'm talking blood, tears, and screams of agony. And when I dared to raise concerns, the owner couldn't care less, probably too busy counting their ill-gotten cash.

Oh, and let's not forget the surprise allergic reaction I got from their bargain-bin products. A trip to the ER later, and I'm still scratching my head (literally) wondering how this place is even allowed to operate.

Do yourself and your hair a favor: avoid this braiding nightmare like the plague. Your scalp...

I came here years ago with an appointment scheduled. Walked in wasn’t greeted or anything just stares! So I said hello I have an app they said we can’t service you mind you it was 2 Empty chairs! Okay fast forward to 2025 I called adamas African hair braiding that is right across the street from Elsa’s! They are related! So Adama said oh my hair to short she can’t braid it mind you I just took out conrows! So after she said no she called Elsa told me to come over there I sit in the chair for about 5 mins nobody touched my head yet! They just talking. So another 2 mins passed some lady feels my head and said oh it’s to short we can’t braid it! Wasted my time both ladies! So I go back to adama she said oh go back they can braid it! Noooo why would i do that? Idk if it’s because my skin is lighter or what but those ladies over at elsas are evil they energy is just wayyy off from years ago around 2010 til now! I will be reporting...