Billy Jean

They have good hair braiding but you get different people every time you get braided which means different customer service in my case I received horrible customer service from one lady in particular she braided my hair the wrong way I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she started to argue with me then sent me to the front where another lady assisted me she was wonderful and the guy also. but afterward when I went back to my chair she gave it to another customer told me straight to my face since I did not like her work she kick me out her chair completely unprofessional I’m not going to let her do what she wants to my hair when I’m the paying customer. Management could be a little better since they have rude employees would recommend if you need to get your braids done in an emergency but not good for a permanent stop.

Intially I was happy with the quality of my braids until I looked at my ends they were raggedy & uneven I was so devastated. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I got home I had to try & cut the ends even myself & dip them in hot water. They have the man who works the door dip your ends in hot water but he literally dipped mine in the water for 2 seconds & said «Your Done!» with an attitude. The man at the door is rude period. I will not be getting my hair done here ever again.

I am natural and haven’t had braided extensions in over 10 years. This place was recommended to me and despite the negative reviews there were also some positive ones so I figured I’d give it a try. I arrived pretty early so I did not have to wait to get started. The woman who braided my hair did not hurt me at all and there was only a slight tightness when I was done so I was pretty satisfied. We all know how painful braids can feel after their done and mine didn’t hurt at all and still looked tight. Little did I know they were not tight at all. About a week later they started getting loose all over. Then the ones in the back fell out 1 by 1. Granted the back of my hair is shorter so one or two braids was to be expected but all of it?!
A week and a half went by and it looked like my braids had been in for a month or two. I went back to the salon and spoke with the owner who was very rude. She told me that she didn’t know how I lived why my braids look so bad & then proceeded to ask me if I had gone swimming! I told her that I slept with a scarf every night except one so it should not look so old and loose so soon. Another woman felt the need to chime in by stating that I should have came back as soon as they fell out. I told her it’s ONLY been a week and a half and for part of that time I was out of town for the July 4^th holiday. That lady then asked «what? Were u on an island for a week?»… –_​–
Long story shortened, the owner said I could get the crown redone but I’d have to wait till the woman who did my hair before finished the lady she was working on. That would have took at least an hour and change and there were two other braiders who we’re doin anything! I asked the owner if another braider can do it because I did not want to go to the same person who messed it up and she said no. I was so angry at how uncompromising and catty this women were being that I told them that this is bad business and left… the pictures I took are what the braids look like after a full 2weeks… so yea, I wouldn’t recommend this spot.

I went to this salon a few times many years ago, and I was generally pleased with the results. However, I thought it was a bit tacky how they wanted the money upfront before the style was even started (don’t know if they still do this) and I also did not like how men who aren’t braiding my hair would put their hands up in my hair to decide how much they felt like charging me (there was no set price). Plus, from what I can remember, it wasn’t the cleanest, braiders would drop extension hair on the floor and pick it back up, a portion of the money would be given to braiders right in front of the customers, and arguing would often occur among the owners and braiders right in the shop.
So about a year ago I called the salon to ask if they did two strand flat twists (also known as double stranded flat twists — similar to cornrows but with two strands) with my own hair and how long would they stay open until closing. The man I spoke to told me they can do that and come in now, because it isn’t too busy. I told him when I would be able to come in, he still told me it would be fine. I traveled all the way from Brooklyn to Harlem to get my hair done in that style. When I got there, I saw two men standing in front of the shop. I attempted to go inside and they stopped me, asking me if they can help me. I told them what I was coming there for, and that I spoke to a man with a West Indian accent that told me I could come in (wish I asked him what his name was). They asked me what I wanted, was going to let me in for flat twists, but I specified that they were two strand flat twists. So then they told me that they were about to close and they are done for the day. Once again, I should not have to explain to two men who look more like bouncers at the club what I want to do with my hair, because it’s not like they can do it or they know exactly what I’m talking about. I also had a picture of the style, but did not have the opportunity to show it and was not even allowed inside the shop where a braider would be able to determine if they can help me. I was tired and frustrated, and I traveled an hour back home. I will try any of the African hair braiding places at 125^th Street before I ever consider this place again.

Billy Jeans is definitely my ONLY place for Twists and Box Braids since 2012. They are fast, and the some of the staff persons are hilarious. My hair stylist is Ouumoo (uh-​mo) and she is the best there in my opinion!
*She is extremely neat
*Takes her time (no rush jobs)
*Each twist/​braid is consistent in size
*She’s fast
Get there early and call ahead for wait time, in case your person is already doing someone else’s hair. I’m from Long Island and I troop all the way here because my results are the same and amazing every time! Sometimes other workers will help finish your braids or twists, but only halfway through each individual braid.
Price: $ 160
Butt Length Twists/​Braids
(+ $ 20 for hair packs, you’ll need about 14 – 17 for styles like my thickness. You buy these at the little sock store next door, lol, I know, crazy but totally worth it)
TOTAL: [$ 180] w/​o tip
I usually pay $ 200 in total because I love Ouumoo and she takes good care of me. I go to NO ONE else.

This use to be my spot. The prices are fare. Fady and Lisa are the top braiders to me. Fady is off the chain. Ask her for free style if u can get her. For the twist choice the two non African females in the back and one chick that works left side towards the back. I don’t know her name either but she just loves to start fights. Thats the another part they can be unprofessional at times too. But for cheap prices and they have a few good braiders, you cant ask for much. Oh you got to pay upfront. You got Heather and her mom and some other guys taking money. Huh… Anyway it’s their style.

I adore Billy Jeans. I come from Jersey to get my hair braided her and have been since high school. The previous reviews highlight the arguing, run down condition of the shop, the money exchanging etc. All of that is true lol, bottom line the owner Miss Joyce runs a tight shop the braiders are passionate and the shop is tight. There is ALWAYS a crowd and it starts early and does not die down. I ALWAYS love my hair I come here with pics I find online and although they can’t do it exact they do an amazing job and my braids are always neat. I suggest on your visit you call ahead to see what kind of hair you may need consider they may have it on the shop or next door. Confirm the price when you sign in (they do not do appointments) cash only. Be prepared for people to walk in selling random things, it may be an argument or maybe just some braiders talking very loudly in another language either way the women have a great spirit and just wanna do hair. The men around the shop are a great help with partnering you with the best person for your request. If your bottom line is a great style and to be out of the salon in a timely manner then go to a spot that has withstood the test of time and everyone knows by name.

I’ve been going here on and off for over ten years for braids. They used to be very good. The last few times I’ve gone have been horrible! Today I got to the salon at 7am at opening. Waited 3 hours for service! And then my hair was not done properly, so much so that the other ladies in the shop looked displeased with the work the stylist had done. Then charged me $ 30 more than the quoted price! NEVER going back here.

I was referred to this place by a coworker & so I decided to give it try. I called to get a price quote on a hairstyle & I have to say Iwill NOT be going there, ever. The receptionist (a Male) answering the phone was so RUDE & UNPROFESSIONAL. I value respect & professionalism wherever I decide to spend my hard earned cash.

Billy Jeans is a salon that most of my family and friends have frequented over the years for braided hairstyles. I have been going there for hairbraiding for over 20 years but it has changed so much over the years-​good and bad.
For one, when I first started going to Billy Jeans it was located a couple of blocks from the Apollo theatre on 125 Street and any style was $ 30.00! But over the years the braiders have changed and teh amount of braiders have multipled. The price has definitely gone up over the years as well but now the quality of work varies with each braider and they are NOT all good unfortunately. The braider I had most recently spoke no english and I had to have other braiders translate to her what I wanted because she kept doing what SHE wanted!
Now the workers dont even have there own spaces-​braiders just find a spot on the floor. Because the quality of work has gone down I have tried others because several times I have experienced bumps from the braiding which I never had a problem with prior. My co-​worker also recently had braids done there and developed bumps as well which bled.
As a result, billy jeans for me is no longer THE spot for braids because I can get better quality from any braider I meet on a corner in harlem!

Went here two weeks ago. This would be my third time going to billy jean. All three times I had no problems with my hair or paying. I have always paid $ 65 for my cornrows. All three times my cornrows came out nice… I believe her name was Stacey that did my hair the last time. Very nice lady! Yes, its a room full of ladies all over the place getting their hair done. The ladies in there that i see are all into their work and do a great job. Bring a picture of the style hair you want. If you gonna go there, you should go in the morning.. Yes, I’ll go back again!. Keep up the good work ladies!!!

Beware! This place is horrible, unprofessional, and very money hungry! And you won’t be satisfied with your hair

I’ve been going to Billy Jean hair braiding salon for years and when they move to a different location I follow. They are affordable and offer great styles, If you are looking for a modern, hip and very clean spot this isnt it. Its a large room full of ladies doing hair or getting their hair done. It’s loud with different aromas of food, laughter and different languages being heard. However, bring some earphones, close your eyes and a few hours later your hair is «did» and you’re looking «gorg» without breaking the bank.

I used to take my daughters here to get their hair braided. On one occasion a lady there braided my youngest daughter hair so tight that she got a knot on the back of her neck. This was after I had told her not to braid her hair so tight. Thank goodness when I took her to her doctor that the doctor said the knot was not serious. It went down after 2 weeks. This place has gotten worse over time and expensive. They are more concerned about making money then they are about providing good service to customers. Place is dirty, overcrowded, with people talking loud. They’re prices seem to change every time we went there. For basic styles for two young girls they wanted $ 40 each. After my last unpleasant experience with them. I decided to take my children elsewhere. I now take them to a salon that charges $ 30 each and the place is impeccable.
If you have to go there bring your own comb. If you have a choice, do not go there. They are not worth the trip.

I went to Billie Jeans a week ago. HORRIBLE service. I showed the stylist the picture and she still braided my hair wrong .
BEWARE !!! They collect your money first before they do your hair. My hair looked ratchet, braid parts was uneven. The braid stylist in there make sure they braid the middle of your hair in big braids and sloppy. The outside be nice and neat. Botched braid job is what Billie Jeans gives you. The supervisor (The Man Who Collects The Money) walks around like a pimp cracking insulting jokes. Very unprofessional. I’m done I’m never going back !!!

What you should know before venturing into Billy Jeans African Hair Braiding Salon:
1. You will pay upfront before you get your hair done.
2. Prices vary based on who is there (owner, manager, family member) at the time.
3. Not the cleanest place or the most comfortable.
4. Be prepared to witness arguments between staff, arguments over money between braiders and managers, customers and managers.
5. Be prepared to watch money exchanged between staff openly and Infront of all.
Ouumoo and a handful of other braiders (cant remember their names) do great work (braids and twists). It’s because of this reason, why I trek to Harlem to expose myself to the nonsense that continues down there and at the salon.

they are one of the best shops in Harlem billy Jean is clean, they Respect everyone and they very friendly and care about you as a customer. Me and my family have been going to billy jean for over 5 years and will never stop.
i love them

My first time at BJ was okay. I was recommended to get my twists there. They weren’t exactly what I wanted but I was new to the City, so I took it for what it was.
This time was AWFUL! I waited for more than 3 hours, being told I was next while others who arrived far after me were pushed ahead.
Aside from that, the atmosphere is full negativity! The men there are rude to the women and someone is always yelling about something. If you’re not used to that, it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
I will NEVER go back to that shop.

I’ve had my braided in the past and I am not a fan of this place. I went there for the first time and was not impressed. I went based on a recommendation of a friend and she told me the price she paid and they definitely jacked up the price by twenty percent. I also had the feeling they were giving customers different prices for the same styles. I wasn’t prepared for that and I was given an excuse by the manager Frank «that’s how it’s done here.» I told him that’s crazy because it’s not good business practice to pay for something before it’s complete… especially hair. I paid anyway and he started talking about me to other customers and braiders. For the blatant disrespect and terrible business practice, i will never go here again. I told others about my experience and they all asked me why i went to Harlem to get my hair braided because the service is terrible. Lesson learned and I will always go to brooklyn (aka fulton st) to get my hair braided.

I have been getting my hair done here for a little over ten years. The owner ms. Joyce is always present so everything runs smoothly. I give it four stars because the price continues to skyrocket for no real reason and there’s no seating so customers waiting to get there hair done also i hate separating my hair when i want my hair started with my own hair. When i go to a salon i just want to relax not help in the process. I have started to look else where to find better prices