MAMACITA BRAIDS in Newark, NJ

The best braiders I have encountered so far,the environment is clean and tidy. The braids came out amazingly.

I made an appointment with Precious. They will allow you to make appts with specific braiders, and then you come in to find out that braider had an emergency. I live close enough that I asked what time I should come in (since Precious was absent and someone else had to do my hair). The woman got weirdly defensive, and she told me to come in half an hour. When I came into the shop, there were four people ahead of me. So naturally I gave up and asked to reschedule the appointment, they did not honor my request and I had to dispute the deposit with my credit card company

I came to mamacita thanksgiving eve for waist length small knotless braids. I love the location, it is easy to find and plenty of parking. The salon itself is BEAUTIFUL, Modern and very clean. They have working and accessible outlets to charge devices. I don't know my stylists name but I believe she was Senegalese as I believe she was speaking Woloff. I personally think the price was very reasonable considering the pricing of braids nowadays. I was happy with my braids and I think it took just about the right time. Now here is what I have a problem with. 1) I had a 1pm appointment and wasn't seen until 2pm. Scheduling issues happen and that is expected, it is even written on their website I believe that it could took longer or they could run late. What I'm not okay with is not even acknowledging that they r running late or at least apologizing. A simple "sorry for the wait" goes such a long way and makes a customer feel like their time is valued 2) when you make an appointment you are able to select a stylist. I honestly loved how my stylist did my hair so I didn't have any issue, however when I arrived they didn't ask for my name or anything so I don't know how they were able to match me to the stylist I selected? Would be nice for the stylist to also introduce themselves. 3) Several customers had issues with sizing of their braids, honestly I think this is a common issue at braiding salons. Even my stylist and I took some time to figure out the size I needed. I booked small so I said I wanted small but she kept asking me what size. I said whatever size small is, two other stylist had to come over to clarify. I suggest they have a "size board" where they have all the different sizes of braids glued to a cardboard poster so they can show customers and there is no uncertainty. Stylists can even use it to reassure customers that they r braiding the right size. Sizing shouldn't be subjective and all smalls should be the same size and so forth. 4) I am an African woman myself and I know the importance of language, and expression. I also understand that some of the stylists may not speak English or not speak English fluently and that is totally okay. However, stylists need to be a little considerate when speaking another language in front of customers. Be mindful of body language, facial expressions etc. You don't want to give the customer the impression that you are speaking about them . I know enough French to know when they were talking about my hair, or other issues. You also don't want a client to think you are annoyed with doing their hair. 5) There was a huge argument between a customer and a stylist. It was embarrassing. I'm sure the owner will see it on the cc tv, again it had to do with sizing of braids (cue my braiding size board lol). The customer indicated that the stylist was not braiding the size she requested. The customer was aggressive but the stylist was aggressive as well and did nothing to deescalate the situation. I know in this day and age the customer isn't always right but business owners need to be able to appease the customer and come to a mutual agreement or solution. The customer ended up walking out without paying and with her hair half braided. I am rating a 4, 5 stars for the actual hair braiding process and final results but a 3 for the other issues I mentioned so an average of a 4. In terms of hair braiding I would definitely come back but would try to get a morning appointment , I hope they can work on some of the other issues so it can be an amazing experience for all customers

I was the first one here at 8:45am for a 9am appt. The doors opened after 9 and three people started before me. I thought I was waiting for the person I requested when booking only to find that she was working on someone else (who came after me). I specifically booked this day because it's when Suliat was available and I liked the work she was tagged in on ig. You should not have the option to select a braider if the person is there and you don't match them with the person who requested them. Furthermore I booked and paid extra for ombré hair only to be told after being here 45 minutes they do not have it. When booking, you should allow people to select the color they want to avoid disappointing clients. I primarily came here because of the option to have ombré hair. I usually bring my own ombré hair to appointments as most places don't offer it. I would have done so for this appointment if I was advised prior what was and was not available. The shop was nice and clean, and the braiders were pleasant.

tbh anyone who puts less than 5 Stars is delusional. everyone in this shop is amazing, kind, and helpful. the owner Mamacita is a living legend. i've been going here for months and i drive out from manhattan to be blessed by the hands of these braiders. everyone knows people who live in manhattan would rather not leave manhattan, that fact alone is a clear indicator that Braid By Mamacita is superior to most if not all shops in Brooklyn and Manhattan. trust me, i've wasted thousands of dollars searching for a shop that not only knows what they're doing, but also consistently deliver top quality braids. KG & Nana have braided my hair but everyone employed is rather skilled. check out the shop on instagram and book your appointment online!