Linda's African Hair Braiding

Update: New location at 7 Erie St Dorchester MA



I requested for crochet braids with a wash which were priced between $110-140 via phone. The price seemed high for synthetic hair so I got a quote for wash +cornrows which was $30. Upon meeting my stylist, I wanted to confirm the price depending on the thickness of my hair. The stylist said $140. I reminded her of the range I was previously told and she changed the price to $150. I was surprised and she explained that the $10 was for the wash (which I thought was included per the phone conversation).



When I went to the back room to wash, the stylist told me to pick up a towel from a pile. I dropped it and mentioned it was damp. She muttered "they must be from yesterday." When I was silent, she asked, "you don't like that?" I told her no and she grabbed a new towel. When finishing my wash and (very quick) condition, she used the new towel which was full of hair and smelled like mildew. I asked her to take the towel away.



The stylist was very rough when blow drying my hair. I am not tender headed but I could hear the tearing of hair while she incorrecty used a paddle brush from root to end. I assertively told her that it felt like my hair was ripping. At that point, I mentally decided that I did not want to crochet my hair there and I could happily do it at home for free. Due to her rough hand, I kept quiet until she finished the cornrows and informed her I would pay for the wash and cornrow.



The owner, attending to another customer two chairs over, asked why I had changed my mind. I asked if she wanted me to discuss it in front of everyone. She encouraged me to continue so I told her my concerns with the dirty towel and the roughness of the stylist. She raised her voice and told me how I should have mentioned something instead of waiting. I asked her why my timing mattered if I brought my own crochet hair and would pay for the poorly done services. The owner changed the price of the wash + cornrows to $60 and stated $30 was not for natural hair but cornrows without braiding hair added. SMH. I hand her my debit card, which African Braiding does not accept. When I asked where the atm was, the owner demanded for my ID so I would not leave without paying. Obviously I returned with $60 and no tip. The other stylists snickered and sucked their teeth disrespectfully.



At this point, I was angry and approached the owner again. I asked "why does it matter when I changed my mind? I can't cornrow so I was happy to pay for that but I cannot stay where someone thinks a dirty towel is okay on my head." She told me the stylist was new. I told her that this is her (the owner) fault for hiring someone so incompetent and left.



Needless to say, I will not be returning to such a disgraceful place.