Joyce African Hair Braiding — Local services in Thornton Township

I got my hair done back in April. Just wanted to leave a review thanking them for doing my hair. I have a skin and scalp condition that causes scarring on my scalp and skin, and I always have trouble finding anyone to do my hair any justice. It causes me a great deal of frustration and I usually forgo not doing my hair at all and slapping a headband on. I have 4c natural hair too that’s too kinky and soft for anything. Heat styling and perms will just make it fall out. It took me a while to get strength to go to try braids again. I have thin spots that don’t make me feel confident. In the past, other braiders get stuck on the spots and don’t give me any style at all or yank my hair too tight causing it to flare and scale more. I even had a braider I went to for years that had completely yanked my hair out removing tree braids she installed and didn’t know how to remove. I was traumatized since 2009. But with all the new styles I wanted to try again. I had researched Joyce and saw she had stellar reviews and a nice clean shop. I made an appointment and told myself not to give up. When I got there I had to wait, but they made me feel comfortable. When my turn came, they didn’t make me feel weird about my hair issues. They played great African movies and gave us snacks too. I could tell they really care about their work. I even changed my mind on the style. I was going to get cornrows, but I got knotless braids instead . She was kind. My head was fine after. It was no pain. I didn’t lose any braids throughout the time I had them in. My hair didn’t itch or flake. They didn’t overcharged me and even recommended a hair oil that has helped my edges and hair grow out. I got so many compliments on my hair. They looked professional and trendy. The braids lasted a very long time. So I just want to thank you and your sister for working with me. I am saving money to come back soon and get styled...

This place is horrible. Please if you love your hair, run far away. First of all, Joyce forgot about my appointment. I called twice before I got there to confirm my appointment. She didn’t even answer the phone. That was my sign right there but I still went. I got some individual crochets with passion twist hair. I don’t believe they knew how to do them. The initial price she gave me was $150. Once I got there she told me $180. She started my hair and sent me to another braider. She had just finished up with another victim/client. She was so rough with my hair. She braided my hair so tight. She was very heavy handed. I told her to leave my edges out but she didn’t listen. She braided every piece of my hair. She pushed my head numerous times very firmly, took a food break and was talking very loudly the whole time. Very rude. The hairstyle wasn’t even cute. My hair looked like a damn mop when she was done. I was in there all night from 5:30-10:30pm. I let them know I was in pain. But, they still took my money, gave me some pain meds and oiled my scalp. They really don’t care. I took these crochets down as soon as I got into the car. I couldn’t take the pain. My natural hair was braided into these tiny braids, like micro braids. I’m still trying to get them out. I can’t believe they tried to take my hair out. My scalp is so sore and sensitive right now. This place needs to be shut down immediately....

I must say that they try to accommodate but in all its about the quality in the experience for me. The length of the braid first shown was not the total length of what was given. It is much longer, which I did not want and I told the braider what I wanted before she started. The particular braid size is smaller than what was requested. How the comb was use...the smaller teeth part of the comb was used to part and detangle portions of hair to be braided. This action pulled some of my hair out. The braiding hair that was used is quite rough. But I will say the style looked cute and she was quick, but what it took to receive it was not worth it. Now I am waiting to see how my own hair turns out once the braids are taken out. There were other things that happend that I shrugged off. I would like to get my hair braided in the future but certain things have to improve.

UPDATE: some of the hair did come out in the front. I took them out Saturday. It's not detrimental. The rest of my hair was in tact. No need to speak with anyone braids are just not my thing. Previous review...