Box braids, feed-ins and twists: Prince George’s County offers up some of the best braiders

I wear my hair in all sorts of braided styles, cornrows, knotless braids, updos, beads and braided bangs. You name it, I’ve tried it. For me, braids aren’t just about convenience, they’re a way I express my creativity. Having frequented my fair share of salons and home-based braiders, I can confidently say there’s no shortage of talented hairstylists in Prince George’s County.

But I have some battle scars. I’ve been forced to pay before the style is even finished, walked into shops only to be completely ignored and felt the ire of a braider when I asked them to be a little gentler. At times, it can feel like bad customer service is a cornerstone of the industry.

When I look for a braider, I need fair pricing, a wide offering of styles and, most importantly, someone who actually listens. Flexibility is also key. Between taking down an old style and getting your hair ready for a new style, scheduling an appointment can be a delicate calculus. It’s a time-consuming process that can be hard to plan for. So I’m partial to salons that can accommodate walk-ins or handle short-notice bookings.

These are some braiders that prioritize ease of booking, flexibility, creativity and the comfort of their clients.

K’s Hairbraiding

• 6801 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300-S8, Riverdale

Show Kolawole Akinyede a style, and she can deliver. Although the stylist and shop owner has range, she is known for her intricate and clean cornrow styles. The shop, which can accommodate up to three clients at a time, is cozy, quiet and clean. You’ll need to make an appointment in advance, but they typically have same-week availability. The braiders are creative and can do both traditional and customized styles.

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Walk-ins accepted: This shop is appointment-only, but walk-in customers can call to see if any same-day appointments are available.

How to book: Clients can call, text or direct message with the shop on Instagram to book an appointment.

Wash and blow-dry policy: You have to come to your appointment with your hair clean, dried and thoroughly detangled.

Is braiding hair provided? Yes, but clients can bring their own, too.

Type of payment accepted: Zelle, CashApp, cash and Apple Pay.

Cyndy Hairbraiding

• 10601 Baltimore Ave., Suite 300, Beltsville

Cyndy Hairbraiding is hands down my favorite shop for boho braids. Whether you prefer straight or curled ends, synthetic or human hair, or bob-length or extra long, the shop offers a wide variety of knotless braids to suit any style. They also offer twists, cornrows and locs. This is a walk-in only shop, but clients are encouraged to call ahead. They employ dozens of braiders, so they can quickly accommodate most walk-ins. They are also pretty responsive to inquiries around scheduling, pricing and styles on Instagram.

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Walk-ins accepted: Yes, last walk-in at 7 p.m.

How to book: Walk-ins only, but call ahead.

Wash and blow-dry policy: Wash and blow-dry is not included in the cost of the style, but the service can be added for an additional cost.

Is braiding hair provided? Yes, but clients can bring their own, too.

Type of payment accepted: The preferred payment method is cash, but they also accept Zelle at no extra charge. For an additional cost, they accept payment over CashApp, card, Apple Pay and Venmo.

LuvMyHairdo

• College Park

At LuvMyHairdo, Susu isn’t just prioritizing precision, but the overall health of her clients’ hair and scalp. This self-described “painless braider” specializes in men’s styles, like cornrows, two-strand twists and locs. The salon’s website clearly lays out pricing, features photos in the booking link and lets customers know which appointments are available at least a month out. While I haven’t sat in Susu’s chair myself, she comes highly recommended by friends who appreciate her skills and professionalism.

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday

Walk-in accepted: No walk-ins, appointments required.

How to book: Through the braider’s website.

Is braiding hair provided? No.

Wash and blow-dry policy: Wash and blow-dry are not included in the braiding service, but customers can book the service for an additional charge.

Type of payment accepted: Zelle or cash.

Magic Fingers Braiding

• 8307 Annapolis Road, New Carrollton

Need to work while you’re getting your hair braided? Magic Fingers Braiding offers Wi-Fi. This is a walk-in only salon that can accommodate about two dozen clients at a time. Their menu features everything from knotless and box braids to stitch cornrows and Fulani braids. The braiders check in often throughout the process and adjust to address feedback. But they can be rough when it comes to blow-drying, so I’d recommend doing that before your appointment. The team is opening a second location to accommodate more clients simultaneously. For added convenience, there is an ATM and a vending machine on-site.

Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily.

Walk-in accepted: Yes.

How to book: Walk-ins only, but you can call ahead.

Is braiding hair provided? Yes.

Wash and blow-dry policy: Wash and blow-dry is not included, but customers can book the service for an additional charge.

Type of payment accepted: Cash and Zelle; cards and Apple Pay are accepted with a $10 fee.

Nadine’s Hair Braiding

• 4501 Mitchellville Road, Bowie

Nadine’s Hair Braiding is a machine-like operation. The biggest selling point for this salon is that it is open 24 hours, seven days a week. If you have an unpredictable or unusual schedule, this is the shop for you. The service is known for being very quick, typically having two braiders working on one head at a time. It can be a hassle to keep track of what style and which stylist you used at large braiding salons, but at Nadine’s they keep track of that for their customers.

Hours of operation: 24 hours, seven days a week

Walk-in accepted: Yes.

How to book: No appointment necessary.

Is braiding hair provided? Yes.

Wash and blow-dry policy: Wash and blow-dry not included, but can be added for an additional fee.

Type of payment accepted: Cash is the preferred payment method, but credit card, Venmo and CashApp are accepted with a $5 fee.

Braids by Ester

• Greenbelt

Braids by Ester is a small home-based braiding salon. But don’t be fooled by the size, their braiders are efficient without sacrificing quality. They are very responsive to calls and Instagram messages and work hard to fit people in. Because they are small and typically only work on one client at a time, it’s a peaceful atmosphere. If they can’t achieve a particular style or technique, they’ll tell you, which is an underrated quality. They shine the most when styling your hair in the knotless and box braid categories.

Hours of operation: N/A

Walk-in accepted: No. Clients are asked to call ahead, but they generally can accommodate last-minute appointment requests.

How to book: You can call, text or message them directly on Instagram.

Is braiding hair provided? Yes.

Wash and blow-dry policy: Wash and blow-dry not included, but can be added for an additional fee.

Type of payment accepted: Cash, card, Apple Pay, CashApp and Venmo.