The Weave Express

Hmm… I decided to wait a couple of days so that I could really think about my recent experience.
So I did indeed return to get my hair DID (no one gets their hair done; it gets DID… don’t ask why. I don’t make the rules here). Well, this time my experience was totally different. I was greeted warmly when I walked in. Surprisingly, the salon wasn’t busy (for the first Sat of the month), and I was able to be taken care of right away.
I guess the most awkward thing was that I was recognized from my previous review (I felt Unilocal famous for all of six seconds). My braider did an awesome job hooking me up with Celie look. The braids were neat and consistent.
Complaints:
Price… Let me preface this by saying that I work two full time jobs, and I’m a PhD student (read $ 140,000 worth of student loans). That being said, I paid $ 195 for a full head weave. Sorry, but I think that price is ridiculous. I don’t know the breakdown and how much of that $ 195 goes to the stylist, but I would hope that they are receiving a majority of that money instead of the owners. Realistically, I think the packages should be altered based on what people really need. I paid for framing and a cut and my hair wasn’t cut (I had curly hair). Why should I be required to pay for something that I did not receive? And if I have to pay, then fake cut the shit for me! Geez… Pretend to make me happy!
My closure… Maybe it’s me but a closure should close or secure the front of your hair so that none of your natural hair is exposed (right???). Well, my closure just so happened to skip a braid. Well, not skip but one braid is delicately peeking through and refuses to be enclosed within the closure. Whose fault is this? My relentless hair? Or my stylists? Guess we will never know.
Do I like my hair? Yes.
Is The Weave Express a good place with good stylists? Yes.
Would I recommend the weave express to my friends? Yes.
Would I return? No. Realistically, I shouldn’t have issues with a $ 200 weave. Granted, I walked out feeling beautimous, and I still feel beautimous. But I can also see a braid in the front of my hair (see pics).

You know it would be nice if the Weave Express would go back to the packages they use to have when they first opened. I am not going to pay $ 150 for extra services I do not need & especially when those services use to be no more than $ 125 previously. I was only expecting to pay $ 75 for what I needed & just will not wrap my head around paying 2x the cost.
Honestly, I’ve had to find another location to get my hair done because I just can’t deal with the constant changes every year by «new managers». Trying to stay with the weave express has just been too confusing overall.

So the first time I went to this place was on a weekday and I gave it a five. Amazing customer, great people. This time was on a weekend and it was like a totally different shop. I went to check in and the women was on her cellphone talking to a friend told me to have a seat until she finished. Poor attitudes, unprofessional. I asked the braider what chair she wanted me to sit in she said 2. The chair wasn’t set up for customer care I asked again, she copped an attitude. She then proceeded to comb my natural hair with a ratail comb and blow dry my hair without heat protectant. This little girl came in with her mom and the braider complained loudly about how she did not want to do the little girls hair and if she had to she was going to charge extra for beads. The weaver was cool. I think the styler burned my hair. Its cheap, fast, quick and you get what you pay for during the weekend. Looks like its time for me to find another salon.

While I am a fan of their quick and easy service, there’s much to be desired in the way of professionalism at The Weave Express. I went in early to discuss an installation that I plan to get for my wedding and I left googling other places in the area that provide the same service. I asked for the recommendation of a stylist who was better with cutting longer hair. The manager then proceeded to tell me that all of her stylists were licensed – which was not my question or my concern. she refused to recommend the name of someone that I could use and insisted that all of the stylists were equally capable. Well, what she actually said was «I’m not trying to be rude but all of my stylists Can give you what you’re asking for.»
I’ve been a customer for several years now and I know, from experience, that not all the stylus have the same level skill level with different types of cuts. Summer better with shortcuts, some are better with precision cuts, some are better with longer or textured hair.
When Our conversation began, I mentioned that I would be coming in for a style for my wedding. Rightfully, I was concerned about pulling off a very specific look. The manager did NOTHING to ease my nerves about the process and, instead, made me feel as if I had insulted her, personally and she did not care whether or not I would leave the shop happy.

Technique was great. I appreciated the fast, tight braiding and installation. My issue is about the professionalism. I don’t feel like you should be talking about how much you want to leave and how much you hate certain things or people in front of customers. The pace is also an issue. Everyone gets braided very quickly and then there is a one to two hour wait until actually getting your hair installed. Also there is only one person that trims and finishes. I feel like there should be more people that can style and finish and also more people to install as well. Maybe people who also actually want to be there. The women are definitely skilled and it is a high demand service, but wait to vent until your customers are gone. It makes us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.

The $ 50 weave will leave your hair looking like you only have one bundle in. They purposely changed the package instructing your braider to part and make your braids bigger so go with the $ 85 package. If you can make it on a weekday go because on the weekends the stylist drag in and let you know they’re tired and don’t feel like being there because they clubbed the night before. After you get done with the game of musical chairs the receptionist makes you play the time to braid, install, and style is pretty quick however they up charge for everything. The most ridiculous up charge in my opinion is reused hair especially when I have two new bundles and have to pay $ 25 extra to use two pieces of reused hair to finish my weave off.

I wish there was an option to give a negative 5 stars.
(maybe Unilocal will have that feature in the future)
I was refused service by the stylist because I did not want to wear the black apron.
The braider and sewer had no issue with my preference to opt out of wearing the black apron.
Although I made it clear to the stylist I assume all responsibility for my clothing if they are damaged due to me not wearing the apron, she told me it was «mandatory».
Which was interesting since she watched me get my hair braided and installed without it.
I left $ 390 poorer.
$ 90 for sew-​in because I didn’t want my entire crown left out — therefore I didn’t quality for the «$ 50 sew-​in»
What a joke.
$ 300 for 2 packs of 14 inch hair. The hair literally turned into a crochet braid hair texture after 1 wash.
I had to wear my hair in a braid after 1 week.
I’ve attempted to contact the business 8 times since my February visit. No exaggeration, the managers/​owners have not replied to any of my emails.
I will continue to try to reach them, but my efforts will most likely be in vain.
I have never been so unhappy with a business before in my entire life. WOW!
Please do NOT waste your time. You will most certainly be disappointed.

So I find it to be unnecessarily expensive to get your hair done here in the DMV. If you go to a full service salon, expect to pay $ 250 – 300 for a mediocre job at best. So just to get my sew-​ins, I’ve been here a few times. I find it more cost effective to come with your own hair, and your hair washed and blow dried. It’s better to come in the middle of the week, or as soon as they open on a fri or sat. The workers are unprofessional, but they get the job done. Everytime I go there, the receptionist is on the phone and will continue her non-​business phone convo while checking you in. The braiders and stylist do listen to what you want, they make small convo with you, but when they are interacting with each other, they talk LOUDLY about their baby daddy/​boyfriend issues, their own hair issues, doing their own (and their friends) hair and makeup on the floor in front of customers, and whatever else comes up. My braider kept taking breaks to answer phone calls from friends, to look a jewelry that loiterers bring into the salon, and constantly apologizes for doing it…(but she kept doing it. lol) My actual stylist was very professional. She participated very limitedly in the other girls convo, concentrating on interacting with me more. Overall she did a very good job. I’m not super picky with my sewins, as long as they install it securely, and doesn’t look like a fake mess. If you’re looking for a last min sew-​in place that is reasonably priced (and they do not take appointments, which is great!) then this is the place for you. Just don’t forget your headphones at home so you can drown out all the ratchet chatter!

I have left several voicemails for the weave express to inquire about a style. I have received no call back and their phone never rings directly to the store always an auto message.
I have also tried to use the contact us on their website to no avail as the site will not accept the code. This alone goes to show me that they do not want my service.

Do not come to this ratchet place. Customer service is awful. The management is so inept it can’t be bothered to update the website or the outgoing voicemail. Both say that customers who want full service, including a shampoo, or a full closure should arrive an hour before closure. My daughter didn’t need full service but I called multiple times to make sure she would be serviced if she came after 7. The place was empty when we arrived at 7:03 and yet the manager had been too busy to answer the phone. She said that they take their last client at 7. Again, neither the web site or voicemail says that. I explained to her that we had driven an hour in rush hour traffic from Fairfax, but she didn’t care. I had reservations about coming out since something similar happened before. We arrived at opening but the incompetent staff opened late. This place is awful.

My hair was pretty at the end, I’ll post pictures. But the base braids were entirely too tight and I have a bald spot at my edges because of it, I’ll post a picture of that too. The hair is pulled out from the root so I look like I have alapecia in that spot. I’m natural so I was really heart broken about. I’ve never had an edge problem before :(if you are natural and value retaining length and all that, you should beware.

I went to weave express because I needed a quick sew-​in for a Zumba video shoot. Honestly, I was expecting a ratchet, weave station machine atmosphere based on the reviews. However, it WAS NO WHERE near being a ratchet place. Everyone was professional and courteous. I waited about an hour and a half before being serviced but once they started, my full sew-​in was complete in about an hour.
I bought cheap hair (yes the BSS BOGO deal) because I only expect to keep this sew-​in for three weeks top (pending the hair doesn’t become matted). Dosha (sp) did my braids. Girlfriend was da bomb! I’m a naturalista and was afraid the braider would be rough and heavy handed. Dosha was gentle, didn’t appear to run across any tangles and my braids are not tight. My edges will love her forever!
Kiana (sp) was my stylist. She was full of personality, confident in her styling ability and FAST. Yes, my cheap hair got the side-​eye but she put it in like it was real remy… LOL. I really like the way my hair looks! She said my hair couldn’t be flat ironed, which I already knew her styling tools were too hot for the synthetic blend. I got home, put my flat iron on 230 and curled this weave with ease. I really like the face frame cut and happy I did the add on.
I can’t leave out Diamond, the receptionist. I actually remembered Diamond from my days going to Licorice salon. Her sister was the owner and I been a client of one of the stylists for more than 10 years. Needless to say, Diamond was courteous, knowledgeable and a delight. I wouldn’t expect anything less from anyone associated with the Licorice crew.
If I need a quick, reasonably priced sew-​in again, I will definitely go back.

How anyone could give this place gets 4 or 5 stars is beyond me. (I give them 2 stars because they can at least braid and sew in hair.) I visited WEX once and that was enough for me.
Let’s start from the top. The WAIT: Ladies, there will be a line. I arrived 20 min before opening time and there were at least 15 ladies in front of me. It’s cool, who wouldn’t want a reasonably priced sew-​in right? The customers that were there were regulars and were very cut throat about their place in line. Really though?
Once they open up, you have to wait for them to set up the shop for business (10 – 15 min). You’ll sit in a factory line of chairs, waiting your turn to go to the register where you tell the clerk what you want.
The ADD-​ONS: Listen. $ 50 will get that tracks weaved onto raw braids (no net). Want a bang? That’ll probably cost you $ 15. Want layers? $ 25. Want wand curls? $ 30. Hmmm… that $ 50 just jumped up real quick. They do have 4 or so cookie cutter styles that they do which range in price. You pay for your services up front BEFORE you even see what the finish product looks like, and then you receive a receipt outlining what you want.
The METHOD: With your receipt in hand, you’ll be sent to the assembly line when it’s your turn. (FYI: You are expected to come in with your hair already washed and blown out. Another charge if you don’t, I’m sure.) You’ll present your receipt to each station so they know what to do with your hair. One lady braids your hair and applies your net, if you paid for one. Next, you move to another chair where your hair will be sew in. Then she or someone else will cut/​style your hair.
The ATMOSPHERE: This is not a classy or professional establishment. I came in on a Saturday morning and there was talk about the club the night before, how hungover they were, who did what with whom, etc. The music they played loudly in the salon was foul and filthy.
SUMMARY: It was a less than pleasant experience; it was tolerable because I needed my hair done and I had not found a stylist in the area yet. WEX is a no-​go for me. They could braid and sew on hair, but that’s about it. It’s a shame because their business model is good! They could do so much better if they added more class, customer service and efficiency.

Update.. I went to my regular stylist to wash my hair and for maintenance, and she informed me that the braids and the sewing were so tight that it pulled out the follicles from the front of my hair. I am so shocked and devastated because you go to a salon that is supposed to be professionally trained and know how to manage and care hair and not damage your hair especially when it wasn’t damaged when you came in and when my stylist showed me my hair and showed me how tight it was that all the white stuff in the front which I thought was just dry scalp which she corrected me and told me that it was actually my hair follicles and was in the weft. I look closely and saw that it was so. :-(
So if I have any suggestions for any new comers or even existing folks just make sure that they do not put the braids in extremely tight and that the sew-​in is not extremely tight this is what they went to school for so I would think that they should have known this and I hope to God when I finally take this weave out after a wedding that I need to attend that I don’t have bald spots or severe damage but I am quite concerned.

I am editing this post because I believe it needed further explanation. First, as a business executive I have very little time to waste. My main complaints about this place is that the braiders and washers lack the skills needed to service a variety of hair textures, there is an abundance of unprofessional behavior, and the staff pays little attention to detail. If you can look past those things then you’ll be fine.
If you have naturally kinky hair run far far away or your hair will! The young stylists need to be trained on how to detangle natural hair.
The professionalism of the staff is horrid.
My hair was ok and the décor is nice but I will never return.
This place needs new management that’s not afraid to address the issues and place some accountability on the stylists and workers.
The receptionist was very professional but she was the only one who exhibited some tact and class.

So, I’ve been meaning to come back and do an update. Though my hair looked amazing, the aftermath was pretty bad. Remember those tight braids, yeah those, I definitely lost a good amount of hair which was a MAJOR no no for me. I rarely lose hair or have breakage, but I had two bald spots from where my braids were anchored near my temples. And taking it out!!! Omg, i have never seen stitching like what was on my head. It looked like a blind person sewed my head in, i mean the stitches were every which way, the knots were ridiculous so cutting it out an absolute nightmare. Wouldn’t go back unless it was an absolute emergency and I was willing to sacrifice my edges and I couldnt find a suitable wig to put on instead

I’ve given some time to consider whether I wanted to post this review. After going on a newbie visit then a second time to correct the hair type, I think the ‘jury is in’ on this place.
I do not have any intention to be negative at all but simply to speak my truth on what I observed during both visits. I am busy but can also do my own installations so I can tell when someone else knows what they are doing or ‘frontin’.
Since this place is based on a factory model, (one employee does one step then passes you on) you kind of have to consider your ‘overall’ experience as the average of at least 2 chair moves.
On to the service, I have been to higher end salons so paying more than the advertised price doesnt make me ‘clutch the pearls’. I just monitor whether the upcharge was worth it.
As I said, I went on 2 seperate visits and began with a take down of a base created at the higher end salon. I had to *record scratch* PAUSE the visit because as nice as she was the braider lady could NOT take down the braid.
The original place had it down in 13 minutes FLAT.
Ok — Push PLAY on W.E. Once all my hair was ready for a new base — thats when you find out they dont use a braid pattern for versatility. Braid Patterns are VERy important. They dont ask what you want or offer options they just input a pattern that packs hair in central back of the head. I didnt like the braid pattern but decided to exercise patience to see if the result would be on point. (Good luck trying to get all this info on the phone ahead of time. ha! they dont EVER pick up the phone.)moving on…
They make you pay for little extras like a ‘net’ but its flimsy & they dont use it the way its intended so its a pointless expense.
They still sew to your actual hair ignoring the net which is (IMHO) rookie quality. You could do better being self taught off YouTube. The ‘sewer’ was like an understudy of a particular styler that (shout out to Lavonne D) was mentioned without name so I got lucky. However I did have to repeatedly insist that no big gaps were allowed. She had to go back and fill them in because I ran my finger thru her work.
Moving On…
Now the styler on my first visit — PHENOMENAL! No offense to the shop as a whole but that chick is ‘another level’ good. DIdnt have to say what I wanted but ONCE! She nailed it! Tipped everyone because of her. If you get her &you know anything about quality installation/​styling — you WILL notice her. Like Forrest Gump– thats all I have to say about that — first visit.
2^nd visit within 1 week because I neeeded to change hair texture — THE REAL Ratchett quality folks were ‘on-​deck’. Little did I know. The ‘sewer’: amature at best. My base was already set and fresh. She pulled the thread thru so tight, it forced all the hair in to the space of a Yamulcha in the crown of my hair, reducing sewing territory at least by a third and giving me a headache so bad I had to take some of the stiches out myself. NEVER ever had that with any style I’ve ever had. Clearly not interested in healthy hair. She was so busy laughing she didnt take me serious and just told me to stop moving when I was trying to point out the too-​tight stitches.
She did the sewing too. (Lawd why!)… and she had no idea what I meant by technique names such as ‘weft tucking’ next to natural hair boundaries. Next move I explained it to her: Result: she just chewed her gum &stared– clueless.
Moving On…
I knew how lucky I was on that first visit because another ‘styler’ (doubling as the register tender) came over to cut the bang. I said gradual corners like the curves on ‘O’. She proceed to cut a straight ‘china bang with 90 degree corners! Then tried to ‘fix’ it — then BLAMED ME saying she started with curved then cut the 90 degree corners as I asked her to. (!?) Even the lady sitting in the next chair rolled her eyes and looked down. lol! I told the chick just to leave them alone cuz I can do them at home. She couldnt cut layers either — even though they CHARGED ME FOR DETAILED CUT! I had to do the layers MYSELF at home.
*woosah*
America, I dont know if anyone in there is required to have a license since you move from chair to chair but you are really taking your chances with a good result depending on which one of the musical chairs you land in. The quality is extremely hit or miss.
More on the miss side…
I will say the employees are pleasant to talk to and the actual managers I met on visit 1 answer quetions straightforwardly. But you have to know to ask the right questions &for the right styler. You pick a package and your result is based on your stylers mood unless you really want NOTHING other than a middle part install. They were shelling those out like hotdogs on a New York corner. But heck there are college students working out of dorms who can do that. lol If you must go — youre safer just getting the base and everything else — elsewhere unless its that 1 chick. Proceed w caution & ‘Basics’ seekers should be fine.

This is my second visit to this salon and overall this place ok. While I am not big on nickel and dime service shops (that’s why they only received three stars) the do decent weaves. If you are in between stylists and you are ok with multiple people in your head, this place will be a good transition shop.
For first-​time visitors you may want to know three things before you come in:
1.) If you haven’t already, go to their website. Although they promote the 50.00 weave, there are a list of services that you may need for to complete your look.
2.) Bring your own hair (at least three bags). If you buy hair here you are looking at a 30%-50% additional markup compared to a beauty supply stores prices. Also the hair color/​type are limited. Also once you purchase your hair, even if the bag isn’t opened, all sales are final.
3.) The stylists are fast but be prepared to play musical chairs. The shop works on a first come, first serve process and clients are sat in the waiting area in order of arrival. For braided weaves, you will first be sat and serviced by a braider. Then you will move into styling chair.
As for professional conduct, it varies. The previous poster stated, you may have to endure a little nonsense during your time there.

This is a good spot for quick weaves. What i didn’t expect to find was real braiders. not the i am going to corn roll you up to get sewn up, but the i can do styles and designs. The price is average from what i can tell, but affordable. I get braids and weaves, depending on mood. They have crowded days, but, lucky for me, i never see them.
hours are good as well. I have spoken to a few of the stylist and many are knowledgeable. One thing that stopped them from getting 4 stars, is that some of the employees are a bit «ghetto» in what they wear and how they act. i would suggest that they need to have a class on class. they are yelling thru out the salon, you have folks discussing their personal business, standing around talking when there are customers waiting. even you can’t do what is needed, leaning on counters and talking or texting isn’t cool.
there weaves are not all glue and the $ 50 weave is not glued, it is sewn in. I have only seen one person get glue, and everyone else has it sewn in. some folks may be used to the upscale, perks, and everything, but for a local spot it will do. though i suggest not getting their hair.

Not impressed. The only reason it gets 2-​stars is because I got there at 12 and was out by 2:30pm. The process is quick.
I do not like going to a salon and feeling like I am being put on an assembly line. I should have known better when I checked in the young lady at the front began with their «process» and advised me I needed to «pick a package». Being new to the DC area I didn’t know any other weave salons, but I should have looked around some more. I took the recommendations from Unilocal (won’t make that mistake again). Ughhhh I blame myself because it went down hill from there.
The person who washed my hair did an excellent job (hence the 2^nd star). However she didn’t listen when I said leave out the edges, she left out way too much hair. I really should have made her re-​do it… Ughhhh
I asked the braider who was the best because some of the other women who walked out had wiggy-​lookin weaves. She gave me two options. I chose Nakia because «T» was busy. I should have wait for «T». My hair looks wiggy. It appears the girls are newly graduated from beauty school. Nakia didn’t even take time to style the top or try to figure out if I was happy with what she did. I tipped her $ 20 but it was out of shear disgust and frustration… I was just ready to go.
So now… one day and $ 165 later I am in search of a new salon in the DC area who can install a weave and not make it look wiggy. I don’t mind people knowing I wear a weave but I don’t want it to look that obvious.
Oh and a side note… the owner is ultra UNPROFESSIONAL. She walked in while I was getting my hair braided and said nothing to the clients there… no hello, how are things going… nothing she walked around with this air about her talked to some of the stylist and walked out. ummmm yeah not a good look.