Unity African Hair Braiding

All I gotta say is… MATOU! After a bad experience with my usual hair braider (different shop but I won’t bad mouth her) I was recommended to Unity and Matou by a friend… she’s now my official hair braider.
I called ahead and we negotiated a VERYYYY reasonable price of $ 55 and asked me my hair color so she could have the hair ready.
Note: as other reviewers mentioned there are at least 3 other braiding salons in this building/​hallway, it is not uncommon for the competition to lie about their name in order to pilfer customers which is why Matou had me call her so she could personally escort her to the shop. Just make sure the shop says UNITY and you’ll be good.
Wanted long cornrows with extensions on my thick mixed race natural hair… came in with my hair washed and detangled and she began her magic. 1.5 hours later she left me with NEAT, PRECISE, DETAILED cornrows that weren’t too thick or loose. She works quickly but not sloppily nor does she rush you out of the chair. She’s also quite friendly.
Admittedly this place is not glam or ritzy, but it is large, well ventilated, they have a TV and there were no bugs! I’ve been in other shops in this building and I believe this one is the largest there are a ton of braiders working here!
5 stars for Unity and Matou

I hardly ever comment on Unilocal,but this time I just had to. If I could give this place 0 stars– I will. My hair was rushed (the ends weren’t done properly) and it’s obvious the stylists are more interested in the numbers of clients they can get through a day, than making quality hair. I asked for big braids, got medium… Made my hair just a few days ago and my braids are already getting very rough and are EXTREMELY itchy to say the least (probably because of the low quality extensions provided by the stylist). For these reasons, I am considering taking the hair out this weekend. Needless to say, I will NEVER be returning here… if anyone knows someone in the NJ/​NY area that does nice BIG braids, please let me know. Thanks.

I visited the shop in early February and I absolutely love my braids. The braider, Hono, came in bright and early to braid my hair. She was extremely friendly and a fast braider. I got there at 9 a.m. and made it home by two! Believe me when I say, I’ll be back. :) BTW, the bathroom is disgusting. Use the restroom before you get there or you’ll regret it. :-/

Matou and her daughter are very nice and professional. They braided my hair very quickly and was very courteous will definitely be back and I’m sending all my friends

5-​stars were merited ONLY because of my hair braiding goddess, HONO! She is sent from the heavens with hands that are swift, precise, and gentle (which came as a HUGE relief since it was after all it was my first time) and such a sweet, caring energy. I couldn’t of asked for more during my first experience of getting long box braids done. I was very worried since I have one shoulder length hair side and the other side of my hair is growing out from having been shaved down for 4 years. However, Hono explained that my mismatched length was no problem as long as she had enough to grip. Wooohooo, no more looking like a pouf ball on one side of my head anymore
The location or shall I say room is nothing to marvel about, but all that melted away once HONO sat me in her chair and began her hair braiding magic. Please do be advised that other hair braiders here lie about who they are and enjoy partaking in client trickery Hono had me call her once I arrived so she could meet me and walk me to her work station since other «Hono» wannabes were wandering about haha
Do give her a call if you want to make an appointment at her cell 646−359−9578…I can not reiterate enough how UHMAZING she is

I found this place using Unilocal and I’m not happy at all with the outcome. I went to Matou since I see she was mentioned a lot in reviews. It took her 9hrs to do my hair and she didn’t even do it the way I requested. Then after speaking with a few ppl she definitely overcharged me.
I requested medium size braids and instead she choose to do small braids and the ends are raggedy and thin.
I will never go back to this place

I’ve always been pretty concerned about having my hair braided in NYC. I most recently postponed a trip home from DC to have it done there. But, after hours of reading reviews on NY braiding salons, I took a risk and decided on Unity, specifically Matou. Boy was I pleased. Matou is super sweet, and she and her daughter do excellent work. Highly recommended. I am very pleased with my hair. Call her cell directly to book, a number of other reviewers have listed it. And remember when you go that they are in room #8.

I love my hair! Didn’t take too too long! she did a great job! Mama.

This place is filthy. I’m horrified that so many people would sit in this disgusting place for hours. It doesn’t take much to sweep the floors and wipe down the counters.

I got my hair braided on Saturday. Based on the reviews on Unilocal I found this braiding spot. I thought they was different from the other hair braiding spots. I was wrong Matou over charged me and made my hair neat in the front big braids in the back. I will not be going back and she had more than 1 person in my hair smh.

This was my first experience getting Senegalese twists, and I chose this place based on Unilocal reviews. I called Matao originally but for the most part ended up having another woman do the twists (I don’t remember her name but it began with a K?). Matao came back every now and then and helped. I arrived at 9am on a weekday and left the place around 3pm. From reviews I was prepared to entertain myself with a book and phone charger, as well as a few snacks. I also made sure not to drink anything to avoid the infamous bathroom situation. The space was cluttered, but I didn’t get a «dirty» feel, just messy. It could definitely benefit from a good cleaning, but it wasn’t the kind of place that would make me lose my appetite or fake an illness to leave.
Overall I give it 3 stars because the braids do look great. However they are WAY too tight. I said from the beginning that I did not want them tight because my hair had broken off recently, especially around the edges. And despite this plus me saying numerous times that it was tight and could still be looser, the woman left my hair braided so tight I felt my face stretching backward. It has been almost a week and I’m still in pain in some spots, and I’m still at the point where I can’t pull the hair up without discomfort. I didn’t want to take them out so soon and waste all the money spent.
The other thing is that they were way too long. And I don’t mean by one or two inches. Even though from the beginning I showed her that I wanted them about 3 – 4 inches paste my shoulder, when she was done they were almost approaching my waist. When I mentioned it after I saw the length she assured me she’d trim it when she was done. When she ‘trimmed’ them I looked and it didn’t look any different to me. So I asked her to trim them more and she asked «aren’t you just going to style it up?» At that point I gave up and just left.
I’m not sure if I’d return mainly because of how tight they were and how my repeated requests to braid them looser were ignored. Previous reviewers seemed not to have this experience with someone called Amy so maybe request her if you don’t want excruciating pain when you leave. Also fyi payment is in cash only.

This review reflects my visit to Unity on 2÷19÷15 for mid-​back length Senegalese twists performed by Matou and her niece, Aiesha. In short, it’s not fancy; it’s a room full of women braiding hair, it’s definitely cluttered (I didn’t see anything that struck me as particularly dirty or filthy-​see details below), and loud. All of my requests were honored and the services rendered were of a high quality; today I have no bumps and the braids are tight, but not too tight. Matou also styled them in a bun for me before I left. I also feel the price paid was fair and even felt inclined to tip additionally. My total time in the salon was 7 hours (I have long hair) and 4 women finished my braids, all doing a fine job. (I intend to review again after some time as a follow-​up to how the braids last and to report any damage; this is my 3^rd time having my hair braided and I’m comparing this experience to those in D.C. and Philly)
Recommendations: Speak up about how tight you want your braids. I pointed to a braid that was too tight around my edges and Aiesha fixed it and continued in the preferred manner. At the end, they use scissors and a lighter to tame fly-​aways. Also speak up if you do not want these methods and they respond very respectfully. Bring a fully charged phone with music/​audio book, and headphones; it wasn’t the ladies braiding and talking that caused issues for me, but the television and other patrons who were not using considerate tones. I brought along a few snacks carried in a grocery tote (I didn’t bring a valuable bag or coat since shops can be messy) and refrained from needing to use the restroom during that time. I didn’t bring a pillow, but you could for added comfort.
What keeps it from 5 stars? The place is definitely crowded and cluttered; the ladies were working well to 10pm on a weekday, so perhaps they need to get some younger ladies or gentlemen to help them organize and clean up. I also think shops shouldn’t be afraid to politely ask patrons to keep a moderate speaking voice in consideration of others; my nail salon does it, so I don’t see why they can’t also. It’s not a fancy set-​up, but it could be more convenient with little changes.
Other specific details: I called Matou on Thursday morning for same day services and she gave specific instructions to find her. I arrived around 2:30pm on a Thursday and was greeted by her niece, Aiesha, at the Starbucks on the corner– the actual salon was at 43 W 125^th Street, 2^nd Fl, Room 8. There are a lot of women in the area attempting to attract those looking for hair braiding, so Aiesha asked that I call her to link up. I met Matou once inside and we consulted as usual, she asked what thickness, and then we stepped out to discuss price. She asked what I wanted to pay and asked for a little more because my hair is long, and the next price I gave her was accepted, $ 140. When we came back in she asked about color. I wanted multiple colors to match the highlights that are already in my hair and when I asked for 3 of the colors she showed me, she had no problem taking the time to mix them, which I greatly appreciated and this factored into an additional tip.
Matou began my braids to set the color and thickness, then Aiesha continued for most of the time. Towards the end, up to 4 women worked on my hair (again, it’s long) to finish it and all did an exceptional job.

I give Unity 4 stars because of Matou. Im disregarding the fact that its messy in the room amd the bathroom is filthy and has no toilet tissues. Also keep in mind that the stylist there are money hungry. There are different rooms so make sure you go in the right one if you know what stylist you want. Everyone will tell you its the same but its not the same salon.
Moving on, Matou did a great job on my box braids they are medium size and in a short bob. I got there around 12 and left around 6. Yes theyre tight but thats box braids, get over it, they loosen up in a few days. I talked her down from 100 and i paid 80. Other than that the quality is great for the price, i will be back and i stromgly recommend Matou, her phkne number is 917.912.1208 ask for Matou. The address is 43 W 125^th St. 2^nd fl room 8 (Unity) Harlem, NY 10 035.

I went to Unity African Hair Braiding to get my hair braided into Senegalese Twists. I read the reviews and decided to go to Matou. I called her cell number and we set up an appointment for Saturday. She advised for me to call her when I arrived to make sure to call her so that I can meet her downstairs because there are women waiting outside to do your hair aka steal customers. Matou works in a room with other braiders. I have natural hair so I’m not sure if it was a problem or not. i did blow my hair but she asked me to comb it out again once I arrived. I was charged $ 120 for Senegalese Twists (including hair) that reach the middle of my back. At one point Matou had and her niece help out. Matou did an amazing job on my hair and I recommend her to anyone who wants to get their hair done. She can be reached at: (917) 912‑1208.

This review is only for Sylla! Sylla did a wonderful job and I will certainly go back to her again. I had a specific style in mind and she was very diligent with me. She did everything that I wanted and more. I came to her after work, started around 7:10pm and left around 11pm. I have a big head and lots of hair, so it meant a lot that she finished my whole head in less than a few hours. In addition, she was very caring and asked me several times if I was doing ok, as I had come in from work. I really liked my experience.

I have to give this place stars. I decided to go here based on the reviews on Unilocal.After having a terrible experience at another African braiding salon, I decided to try Unity. I called Matou, and she was actually pretty nice on the phone, and we made an appointment for a few days later to get my hair done.
I am a natural, and I went in with my hair oiled and ready to go. I negotiated a price with Matou, which was $ 110 for Senegalese twists. Everything was fine, UNTIL it came down to actually doing my hair. Once again, I had to deal with these women telling my hair is tangled… and NO. I did not blow dry my hair bone straight for them to braid it. If anyone continues to shove combs into my hair, drag their hands over it continuously, it TANGLES up because of all of the touching and manipulation. I was then encouraged by said person to,“Perm your hair. You are a woman and women comb their hair.” Just because they were having difficulty with it, they made a freaking big deal about it the entire 6 hours I was there. It was obnoxious because honestly, I could have kept my $ 110 and gave it someone else if it was so damn difficult for you. Secondly, its unprofessional of the highest extent to talk about a client in your native language throughout the entire process EVEN if their hair is difficult. I sat there furious, and contemplating just getting up and walking out. When my hair was finally finished, it looked amazing… but it was traumatizing because tangles were RIPPED through yet AGAIN. Its just depressing that there are almost no salons willing and knowledgeable concerning taking care of black hair properly.
Although my braids were tight and looked pristine, I started getting bumps around the nape of my neck and edges because they were TOO tight! Every single baby hair is in a braid!!! About two weeks into having them, I contemplated taking them out. I simply couldn’t sleep with them in! Finally they loosened up and the bumps began to heal, but some of them started sliding out after washing my hair just ONCE. I am also now concerned about my edges since a braid has already come out around my edges… and there was HAIR in it! :(
I think the job was neat, and looks good… but too tight. TOO DAMN TIGHT. And I think the customer service is lacking. They play African movies which is a bit funny. But for the love of GOD!!! They spend every single minute talking and yelling. Why are you yelling to the person who is standing right beside you… right in MY ear!!! I was beyond annoyed because I couldn’t even listen to my music. Their voices over powered my Dre Beats!!!
Overall, from this being the second awful experience at one of these many braiding shops, I have decided to take a break and just embrace MY hair without having it in braids. I feel like I will have better luck growing it and taking care of it than having unknowledgeable, brainwashed people dealing with MY hair. Or better yet, I will learn how to braid it myself. But now I have to be worried about my edges.
You’ve been warned folks… good luck.

I went to this place after reading all the reviews about hair braiding on Unilocal.Each one was mixed, however I chose Unity on the fact that I could call someone specific. I spoke directly to Matou at 4:30 pm on a Saturday and she told me to come right on down. She asked me if I ha ever been there before in which I replied no. She told me how to get there and then call her when I arrived.
Be careful, if you blink twice you will miss it. More importantly, do as you are told. When I got there, two women sitting at the front were very welcoming, and at first thought, I was under the impression that it was Matou. I was mistaken. I called her and she said meet me at the top of the steps. When I got to the top I was greeted with a warm welcoming hug. As we continued to walk down the hall I realized that it was in fact rooms of different hair braiding businesses. Make sure you go to room 8.
Room 8 is just that. A room. It isn’t fancy, it isn’t clean, but you are immediately immersed in their culture that you do not feel out of place at all. It is a large room with the perimeter lines with styling chairs, and then in the middle an additional set of chairs. Above each stylist is their contact information and hair styles they have worked on.
I had the easier of having my hair braided by Matou’s grand daughter Amy. Amy had been mentioned in previous posts and she was fantastic. Matou asked me how much I wanted to pay and approved. She then showed me different types of braids an I chose the one that I liked. Amy got to work and towards the last 2 hours was assisted by another young woman. I got small box braids and they look terrific.
The place isn’t clean because people are braiding hair. There is going to be hair everywhere. The place is lively. They are loud, they are fun. Bring a pillow for your tush if you have trouble sitting for long periods of time. Bring things to occupy your time. Book, food, knitting needles, iPad, a friend.

I think I was too quick with excitement the first time. I’ve been going to Unity for over a year now and am very good friends with Matou. However, the last few times she’s arbitrarily raised the price on me, as a long time customer, this is unacceptable business manor.
Unity African Hair Braiding is bare bones. If you’re looking for something a little more ritzy then head to midtown or brooklyn and pay $ 250 — $ 500 for medium sized box braids done with less skillful hands. Unity’s bathrooms are heinous (no tissue either), there’s generally a low level of professionalism as many stylists yell across the shop, and the movies are often too loud and not appropriate for all audiences. You won’t get a luxe wash and blow dry here, what you will get is quality braids at more or less affordable prices, but you have to haggle, haggle, haggle.
If you call the main number, you should ask for Amy, she’s young and braids like a machine. However, there are many great dressers. It’s first come, first served, so just drop in earlier than later and you’ll get served. None of this appointment business. I usually call Matou the day before and tell her I’ll be there at 9AM. NOTE: There are 3 braiding shops in the building. Unity is the last one in the row.

Tips:
–There are a few other hair braiding salons in this building, so if you decided you’re going to Unity, make a B line! Go straight past all the women in the front and hallway talk at you about their salon.
–Prices are negotiable. Be tough, its fine. As a gauge, I got waist length jumbo braids for $ 110 and I brought my own hair. I think they used that and some of their own. They do have their own however, I just happened to have some.
— I saw a braider called Sylla. Homegirl had NO sense of urgency. Her method was «braid-​text-​braid-​take a phone call-​braid-​use her hands to tell a story to someone-​braid-​text-​braid-​pray-​braid-​braid-​lunch», and so on. I am SO bad about being firm with any service person (except food service) but if you know how to crack the whip on someone, feel free to use her. She braided quickly, when she was actually braiding, but has major ADD. It took about 6 hours and probably should’ve taken 4. I watch a girl finish ¾ of a head of micro brands in the time I got a full head of
Jumbos.
–Bring lots of cash. There are tons of people that come through selling goods, if your into street-​wares. In the time i was there, there was a guy selling, socks, sunglasses, fruit, bras, bracelets, earrings and pepper spray. Go figure…
–The place is a mess, but whatever. Im not there for fine dining.
–All-​in-​all, I LOVE how my braids look. I showed her a view pics and they’re perfect. I’d definitely go back, I’d just see a new stylist or get some whip-​cracking skills.

Had to get my hair braided last minute because my stylist was booked and I was going out of town. So after work I went up to 125^th and came across Unity.
One of the women outside took me up to the shop and asked me what I wanted. I told her box braids and showed her the size, then she asked me how much. I don’t really get braids that often so I didn’t quit no the going rate, but luckily one of my friends told me she usually pays $ 65 for micros.
Since I wanted bigger braids I told the lady I wanted to pay $ 45 knowing this price wouldn’t fly, she haggled with me until we decided on $ 55 for some braids. Gotta love haggling.
So since I came in at 6 pm a lot of the women looked like they wanted to go home. Luckily there were 3 people braiding my hair (4 at one point) so it only took 2 hours for me to get my hair did #holla.
While getting my hair done I peeped a lot of the other styles being done and everyone’s hair looked fly. I did notice that one women paid $ 55 for cornrows into a bun, so make sure you bust out your negotiating skills to get a good price.
Didn’t see any roaches or bugs in here, but the place definitely could be touched by some Lysol.
Overall though getting my hair done here was a pleasant (as braids can be) experience.