Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking, preparation, how long styles last, hair to buy, kids and men's braids. If your question isn't here, ask Khady's Beauty Assistant or call the salon.
- How do I book an appointment?
- Send an appointment request through the booking page on this site, message us on Instagram, or call 646-953-8328. Tell us the style you want, your preferred day and time, and we will confirm your slot directly with you.
- Where is Khady Express Braids & Beauty located?
- We braid at 203 W 144th Street, New York, NY, in Central Harlem — walking distance from Hamilton Heights, Sugar Hill and West Harlem, and a short ride from anywhere in Upper Manhattan.
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- Walk-ins are welcome when a braider is free, but braiding appointments are long, so calling ahead is always the safest way to be seated the same day.
- Do you braid children's hair?
- Yes. Kids braiding is one of our specialities — cornrows, beads, ponytails, box braids and school-friendly protective styles, braided gently and without heavy tension.
- Do you offer men's braids?
- Yes. Straight-back cornrows, designed parts, twists and protective styles for men and boys are all available.
- How should I prepare my hair before my appointment?
- Come with hair freshly washed, fully dried, detangled and free of heavy product build-up. Blown-out or stretched hair braids faster and sits more comfortably. If you need a wash or blow-dry added to your appointment, ask when you book.
- How long do knotless braids last?
- Most clients keep knotless braids six to eight weeks with good night-time care. Longer than that and new growth starts to pull on the braid, so a takedown and refresh is healthier for your hair.
- How long do box braids last?
- Box braids typically hold six to eight weeks. Wrapping at night, keeping the scalp moisturised and avoiding tight styling all extend how long they look fresh.
- How long does a braiding appointment take?
- It depends on braid size and length. Cornrows and kids styles can be one to three hours; small knotless or box braids can run considerably longer. We will give you a realistic time estimate when you book.
- Do I need to bring my own braiding hair?
- Many clients bring their own extensions so they can choose the exact brand, colour and length they like. Ask us when you book and we will tell you how many packs your chosen style needs.
- Do you provide braiding hair?
- Hair availability changes, so please confirm with us by phone before your appointment. This answer is a placeholder for the salon to confirm.
- What type of hair should I purchase?
- Pre-stretched braiding hair is the easiest to work with for knotless and box braids. Water-wave or bohemian curl hair is used for bohemian and goddess styles, and spring/passion twist hair for twists. Tell us your style and we will confirm the number of packs.
- Can I bring a picture of the hairstyle I want?
- Please do. A reference photo is the fastest way to agree on braid size, length, parting and finish before we start.
- Do you offer same-day appointments?
- Same-day appointments are often possible when a chair is open. Call us and we will tell you honestly what is available today.
- Do you do natural hair?
- Yes. We braid and style natural hair of every texture and length, and we can advise whether your hair is ready for a particular protective style.
- What protective hairstyles do you offer?
- Knotless braids, box braids, bohemian and goddess braids, Fulani braids, cornrows and feed-ins, Senegalese twists, passion twists and other low-manipulation protective styles.
- Do you service customers outside Harlem?
- Absolutely. Clients travel to us from Washington Heights, the Upper West Side, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and beyond.
- Do you offer bohemian braids?
- Yes. Bohemian braids pair neat braided roots with loose curly pieces for a soft, romantic finish. Curl pattern and the amount of loose hair are fully customisable.
- Do you offer Fulani braids?
- Yes. Fulani braiding — patterned centre rows, side braids and cuffs or beads — is one of our signature traditional styles.
- Do you do cornrows?
- Yes. Straight-backs, feed-ins, freestyle designs, ponytail cornrows and cornrows for men and children.
Still deciding?
Take the braid style quiz, read our hair care guide, browse the gallery or send a booking request.
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Ask us anything
Call the salon or send a request and we will answer before you commit to a style.