I’ve been coming to Awa since around 2021—long before the shop’s upgrades and influx of new braiders. Let me start by saying I’ve always appreciated Awa’s customer service. However, it’s really disappointing to write this review because the overall quality and customer experience have drastically declined.
In May, I went in for birthday braids. I’ve always paid $260 for waist-length, and without any prior notice, I was told after the braids were done that the price had increased to $280. It had been several months since my last visit, so I gave her grace but made it clear that pricing changes should be communicated upfront—especially to loyal, returning clients. Why not send out a simple message or notification about price increases?
Then comes my June appointment. I booked fully aware of the new $280 rate and came prepared. Once again, no mention of any price increase when the appointment was confirmed. That was the first red flag. When I arrived, the woman who started my hair stopped multiple times to work on other clients. I was passed between braiders, and eventually a very heavy-handed older woman took over, tugging at my scalp so harshly I was in real pain—something I’ve never experienced here before. On top of that, she messed up the back and had to redo it. This level of unprofessionalism was shocking.
The shop was overcrowded with new, inexperienced braiders. I understand trying to support your community, but the overall skill level has seriously dropped. I’d asked Awa ahead of time for two braiders to help speed things up (as I always do), but it still took over 4.5 hours. At this point, I was beyond frustrated.
Then comes the final straw: I told her I’d Zelle the $280, and she hits me with a $320 price tag—claiming it was due to the cost of “imported hair.” Let’s be honest, it was standard kanekalon hair. At that point, I felt completely scammed, gaslighted all that!!! Prices going up from one month to the next without any heads-up is unacceptable. I've referred countless people to this shop over the years and never once asked for a discount or anything in return. This is the loyalty returning clients receive?
After four years of consistency, this is where we are. Unfortunately, I will never return to this shop again. The quality has dropped, the professionalism is gone, and the lack of communication and appreciation for loyal clients is clear. Extremely disappointing. Will add pictures later because it’s definitely not the quality I’m use too!!!
Lacreeshia Bailey
May 2025
Love this place, I hate that I moved so far
Jeanene Ebert
Apr 2025
I have been going to Awa for over 20 years! Met her before her own business. She now works with her daughter and they both do amazing work! I come to Awa if I want anything done to my hair, she knows all the styles and is very professional in her work. You know what you want, Awa will tell you it can be done and will have you leaving looking and feeling like a Goddess! I feel it EVERYTIME! I even bring my daughters. And have recommended her to all my friends.
Sabrina Burner
Feb 2025
Exceptional service and super fast. I am so glad I got to find a place after moving to San Diego. She took me same day and my hair is happier for it! Thank you! I will definitely be back ❤️❤️❤️❤️
savannah jolie whitehead
Dec 2024
Great location and fast ! Very polite
Denita Ellis Ford
Sep 2024
Love Awa and her crew excellent customer service , I’m always very happy with the results after my hair is finished keep up the great work AWA
Yvonne Donnelly
Jul 2024
Excellent craftsmanship with braiding. Extremely friendly, makes you feel at home. Extremely detailed orientated. Provides just what you want and the price is right for the quality of work
Channay
May 2024
I had a fantastic experience at Awa’s African Hair Braiding. Susie and Awa are always amazing, providing great service. My hair looks fantastic every time! They are genuine and kind women. Plus, having a beauty supply store next door is so convenient!
Nuna Johnson
Apr 2024
Amazing !! Service is quick and comforting, they have great personality and the best customer service !!
Johni Porter
Apr 2024
Awa and Zizi do a phenomenal job braiding my hair every single time. The communication is always amazing and quick. The Braids and twists I get last me for at least 3 months. I get compliments everywhere I go! The ladies are truly amazing. And recommend everyone to come get their hair done here!
Meyatta Mcfarland
I’ve been coming to Awa since around 2021—long before the shop’s upgrades and influx of new braiders. Let me start by saying I’ve always appreciated Awa’s customer service. However, it’s really disappointing to write this review because the overall quality and customer experience have drastically declined.
In May, I went in for birthday braids. I’ve always paid $260 for waist-length, and without any prior notice, I was told after the braids were done that the price had increased to $280. It had been several months since my last visit, so I gave her grace but made it clear that pricing changes should be communicated upfront—especially to loyal, returning clients. Why not send out a simple message or notification about price increases?
Then comes my June appointment. I booked fully aware of the new $280 rate and came prepared. Once again, no mention of any price increase when the appointment was confirmed. That was the first red flag. When I arrived, the woman who started my hair stopped multiple times to work on other clients. I was passed between braiders, and eventually a very heavy-handed older woman took over, tugging at my scalp so harshly I was in real pain—something I’ve never experienced here before. On top of that, she messed up the back and had to redo it. This level of unprofessionalism was shocking.
The shop was overcrowded with new, inexperienced braiders. I understand trying to support your community, but the overall skill level has seriously dropped. I’d asked Awa ahead of time for two braiders to help speed things up (as I always do), but it still took over 4.5 hours. At this point, I was beyond frustrated.
Then comes the final straw: I told her I’d Zelle the $280, and she hits me with a $320 price tag—claiming it was due to the cost of “imported hair.” Let’s be honest, it was standard kanekalon hair. At that point, I felt completely scammed, gaslighted all that!!! Prices going up from one month to the next without any heads-up is unacceptable. I've referred countless people to this shop over the years and never once asked for a discount or anything in return. This is the loyalty returning clients receive?
After four years of consistency, this is where we are. Unfortunately, I will never return to this shop again. The quality has dropped, the professionalism is gone, and the lack of communication and appreciation for loyal clients is clear. Extremely disappointing. Will add pictures later because it’s definitely not the quality I’m use too!!!
Lacreeshia Bailey
Love this place, I hate that I moved so far
Jeanene Ebert
I have been going to Awa for over 20 years! Met her before her own business. She now works with her daughter and they both do amazing work! I come to Awa if I want anything done to my hair, she knows all the styles and is very professional in her work. You know what you want, Awa will tell you it can be done and will have you leaving looking and feeling like a Goddess! I feel it EVERYTIME! I even bring my daughters. And have recommended her to all my friends.
Sabrina Burner
Exceptional service and super fast. I am so glad I got to find a place after moving to San Diego. She took me same day and my hair is happier for it! Thank you! I will definitely be back ❤️❤️❤️❤️
savannah jolie whitehead
Great location and fast ! Very polite
Denita Ellis Ford
Love Awa and her crew excellent customer service , I’m always very happy with the results after my hair is finished keep up the great work AWA
Yvonne Donnelly
Excellent craftsmanship with braiding. Extremely friendly, makes you feel at home. Extremely detailed orientated. Provides just what you want and the price is right for the quality of work
Channay
I had a fantastic experience at Awa’s African Hair Braiding. Susie and Awa are always amazing, providing great service. My hair looks fantastic every time! They are genuine and kind women. Plus, having a beauty supply store next door is so convenient!
Nuna Johnson
Amazing !! Service is quick and comforting, they have great personality and the best customer service !!
Johni Porter
Awa and Zizi do a phenomenal job braiding my hair every single time. The communication is always amazing and quick. The Braids and twists I get last me for at least 3 months. I get compliments everywhere I go! The ladies are truly amazing. And recommend everyone to come get their hair done here!