African American Hair Braiding — Local services in Reading

I have been a client of Hadja for several years, primarily due to convenience, but after a series of increasingly frustrating experiences, I feel compelled to share my concerns. Recently, I opted for small traditional box braids, and while the front was executed as I had requested, the back and middle sections were significantly larger than I had paid for. This discrepancy felt not only misleading but also highly unethical.

Today, I visited for a sew-in with a net, and Hadja made a critical error by covering only half of my cornrow foundation with the net, leaving the top 2-3 inches exposed. When I politely suggested that the net should fully cover all my braids to protect my natural hair from the weight of the weave, she dismissed my input, claiming it would show—a clearly incorrect and uninformed response.

When I addressed the discomfort caused by the tightness of the weave, she became visibly agitated and remarked that I was "making her sweat." I was merely attempting to communicate that the tension was causing significant discomfort, yet her reaction was defensive and dismissive. This was not the first instance in which she has reacted poorly to constructive feedback. It seems that Hadja is more interested in asserting her authority than in engaging with her clients' concerns or acknowledging when mistakes are made.

Despite years of politeness and respect on my part, it has become evident that Hadja lacks the professionalism necessary to run a client-focused business. I find it difficult to believe that she offers the same level of care and quality to all her clients, given the recurring issues I’ve encountered. After today’s experience, I will not be returning. She also didn’t attempt to straighten/style my leave out after completing the weave, which is fine but, this is a ‘you get what you get & don’t complain’ shop, unfortunately. I will no longer patronize her business. I’ve also lost edges since she’s been my stylist, especially when she does weaves.

If you value a stylist who listens to your concerns, demonstrates attention to detail, and consistently provides high-quality service, I would advise seeking an...

BEYOND UNPROFFESSIONAL!!!!! Spend Money Elsewhere!

I called a day before to get just TWO braids in my hair. On the phone I was never asked if my hair was natural, or to straighten it before I came because my hair is natural and thick. So I arrive at the salon the next day and was told to wait as they were full. I waited for an HOUR before the pregnant stylist that was right next to me decided to come over and feel my hair. ONLY TO TELL ME AFTER I WAITED A FULL HOUR! That she could not braid my hair because it is natural and too thick for her hands. She then tells me only her and one other lady who has been looking at me nasty since I walked in can braid my hair, and she also can't do it. When I asked why she couldn't do it, she said idk she just can't do it.( while lady is still giving me this nasty look)

I've never been to such a self hating African Shop like this before. From the time I walked in the attitudes were there and the faces were showing. I will never support this salon and I will share this with with my large Social Media following. There is absolutely no reason I had to wait for an hour to be told they could not do my hair, when one they could see it, and two, they could have taken one second to feel my hair.

If you are a black woman with long and thick hair find somewhere else to go! If you a black woman period find somewhere else to go TextureCurls is a much better and much cleaner salon with polite and professional staff. Other than that its best to just drive to philly. Being denied service for having long thick hair is disgusting and should not be taken lightly. Take your money somewhere else!

Photo of...

I guess I should have took it as a sign when I walked in and there was absolutely no one in the shop, just me and 2 of the “braiders”. I used quotes because they can not braid at all. Maybe the owner, and even that’s up for question at this point. They didn’t really acknowledge me, until I was about to walk out and than one lady said she’ll take me because she was done with her food. She asked for a photo for the style that I wanted and when I showed her, simple Fulani braids, she acknowledged that she could achieve the style. When I sat in her chair, is when things got worse. I told her specifically medium size box braids in the back because I didn’t wanna be sitting there all day…. Well I got extra small braids, and spent 5 long hours in that place. And the front is a whole other story. It looks nothing like the cornrows I asked for, it’s like she didn’t hear a word I said and just did whatever she felt like. Another thing I noticed is there is no set price (or price list for that matter) anywhere in the whole establishment. It’s like they think of whatever number comes to mind and that’s what they tell you. I am by no means tender headed, but she braided my hair so tight I had to take it out 2 days later.

The level of professionalism in this place is beyond repairable, and they should just close the whole shop at this point. There’s no heat, and the weather (on that particular day) was below normal temperatures. It’s not welcoming at all, or clean for that matter. Just a mess.

I will NOT be returning to this establishment, and I wish I would’ve paid through cashapp, so I can dispute the charge and get...