How to find a good hair salon near you in Lagos

Finding a hair salon you trust in Lagos can take years of trial and error. Everyone has a story about braids that were too tight, a stylist who was three hours late, or a price that changed when it was time to pay. Here is how to find a good one faster.

Start with where you will actually go

Traffic is real. A brilliant salon in Lekki is not much use if you live in Ikeja and want to get your hair done on a weekday. Search close to home or work first, for example "braids in Yaba" or "silk press in Surulere".

On the LuxeFlow app, you can search by service and area and see which salons are open now.

Read reviews, but read them properly

Ratings help, but the detail is what matters. Look for:

• reviews that mention the service you want;
• comments about timekeeping, neatness and how tight braids were;
• how the salon replies to a bad review.

Trust reviews tied to real bookings most. On LuxeFlow, only clients who had a booking or visit can leave a review.

Look at recent work

Check the salon's gallery or Instagram for recent photos of the exact style you want. A salon that is great at silk presses may not be your best choice for locs.

Check the prices before you book

A good salon shows its prices clearly. Before you book, know:

• the price of the service, and whether it changes by stylist or length;
• whether extensions or products are included;
• whether there is a deposit, and that it comes off your bill.

If a price is only shared after a long chat, be careful.

Pay safely

For deposits, use a recorded method like the salon's booking website or the LuxeFlow app, where payments go through Paystack and you get a receipt. Be wary of paying into a personal account someone sends you in a DM.

Look and listen when you arrive

On your first visit, notice:

• clean tools and towels, and combs that are washed between clients;
• whether you were seen close to your booked time;
• whether the stylist asked about your hair and scalp before starting.

Speak up if braids feel too tight. A good stylist will adjust them.

Try a short service first

Before you trust a new salon with an eight-hour knotless install, book a wash and set or a trim. It is a low-risk way to see how they work.

When you find the one

Save the salon, book your next appointment before you leave, and leave an honest review to help the next person. If you are booking for a wedding, see what to ask before booking a bridal make-up artist.