African Hair Braiding · Harlem, NYC

Beautiful braids,
done right the first time.

Knotless, box braids, locs, and kids' styles in Central Harlem at 2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. Walk-ins welcome.

Request Booking → Call (646) 363-8121
Walk-ins welcome
Adults & kids
Call or message for availability
Harlem · Walk-ins welcome
Est. Harlem
Mata
Professional Braiding · African Hair
The Menu

Every braid, twist, and loc — priced honestly.

A full African hair braiding menu for adults and kids. All prices and times are starting points; final price depends on length, size, and added hair.

Knotless Braids

From $180~4 hr
Most-booked

Small Knotless

From $250~6 hr

Medium Knotless

From $200~4.5 hr

Large Knotless

From $160~3.25 hr

Box Braids

From $180~4 hr

Medium Box Braids

$250~4 hr

Small Box Braids

From $200~5.5 hr

Cornrows

From $50~2.25 hr

Feed-In Braids

$150~3 hr

Lemonade Braids

From $120~4 hr

Fulani Braids

$200~3.5 hr

Goddess Braids

$200~3.5 hr

Senegalese Twist

From $200~3.5 hr

Passion Twist

From $180~3 hr

Two-Strand Twist

$100~1.5 hr

Starter Locs

From $100~2 hr

Loc Retwist

$100~1.5 hr

Loc Repair

From $80~1.5 hr

Faux Locs

From $200~4 hr

Butterfly Locs

From $200~4 hr

Invisible Locs

$250~5 hr

Sew-In Weave

From $100~2.5 hr

Quick Weave

$80~1.25 hr

Crochet

$100~2.5 hr

Kids Braids

From $50~2 hr
Kids

Hair Wash

From $2015 min
Book a style
Recent work

A few of the styles we braid every week.

Knotless, twists, locs, naturals — every texture and length, finished clean.

Knotless box braids with gold hair cuffs
Knotless box braids · gold cuffs
Long knotless braids with caramel ombre
Knotless · caramel ombre
Space bun twists
Twists · space buns
Small knotless braids, side view
Small knotless
Long knotless braids, side profile
Long knotless · profile
Passion twists
Passion twists
Natural copper curls
Natural · copper curls
Mini twist-out
Mini twist-out
Book your style
What we're known for

Fast, careful kids' braids — and walk-ins who actually get seated.

In a city where you wait three weeks for an appointment and four hours past your time slot, Mata runs a different shop. Kids in and out in two hours. Walk-ins seated and braided same-day. Short hair, pixie length, locs in any state — all welcome.

Made for the next generation

Kids' braids start at $50 and most appointments are done within two hours — long enough to look beautiful, short enough that nobody is squirming. Bring a tablet or a snack and we'll handle the rest.

Book a kids' style
Come in

2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, Harlem.

Central Harlem on 7th Ave, a short walk from the 125 St train.

Address
2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd
New York, NY 10027
Phone
(646) 363-8121
Booking
Request a booking · walk-ins welcome
Access
Wheelchair accessible
Book Online Directions
Good to know

Questions, answered.

Do you take walk-ins?
Yes. We seat walk-ins whenever a stylist is free, but for guaranteed time we recommend requesting a booking or calling ahead at (646) 363-8121. Saturdays fill up fastest.
How long does an appointment take?
It depends on the style. Cornrows and kids' braids are typically 2–2.5 hours. Box braids and knotless run 3.5–6 hours depending on size — small knotless is the longest at about 6 hours. Request a booking with the style you'd like and we'll quote a time.
How much do knotless braids cost?
Knotless braids start at $180 for jumbo, $200 for medium, and $250 for small. Final price depends on length and how much hair you're adding. Boho or curly add-ons are quoted in person.
Do you do kids' braids?
Yes — kids' braids start at $50 and most appointments are done within about two hours so children aren't sitting all day. Bring a tablet or a snack and we'll handle the rest.
Do you work with short hair?
Yes. We've braided clients with pixie-cut length and shorter — adding extension hair when needed. Request a booking with a note if you want us to confirm beforehand.
Do you do locs and loc maintenance?
Yes — starter locs from $100, retwist $100, loc repair from $80, and specialty styles like butterfly locs, faux locs, and invisible locs are all on the menu.
Should I wash my hair before coming in?
It's not required — we offer a hair wash from $20 — but starting with clean, detangled hair helps protective styles last longer and shortens the appointment time.
Do I need to bring my own hair?
For most braided styles, yes — we recommend pre-stretched braiding hair (Kanekalon, X-Pression, etc.). If you're not sure how much to bring, request a booking with a note and we'll tell you the right pack count for your style.
Where exactly are you located?
2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (a.k.a. 7 Ave), New York, NY 10027 — in Central Harlem. Closest train: 125 St.
Is the salon wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the salon is wheelchair accessible.
Can I get my hair done same-day for an event?
Often, yes — clients have flown in for events and gotten cornrows or braids the day before. Call ahead so we can see what's open and how long the style you want will take.
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