The UK's best braid destinations

With salon doors reopen, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your protective summer hairdo. We’ve been giving you the lowdown on the latest trends for the last few issues - from passion twists and knotless braids to spring twists and boho locs. So if you want to join the braid gang this summer, the Spell team has curated a list of salons and stylists who specialise in this year's best looks...

Beauty Splendour

Glasgow

This Glasgow situated salon offers braided hairstyles for all ages and ethnicities. Specialisms include box braids, crochet Senegalese twists, and pick ‘n’ drop. Typically, prices are as follows: medium sized braids start from £115 and crochet braids start from £80.

@beautysplendour

Simply Gorgeous

North London

Simply Gorgeous is a stylish salon based in North West London that offers a plethora of services for afro hair. The family-run business is renowned for their braid services offered at affordable price points replete with top level customer service. Braids typically start from £55.

@simplyg_hair

Zuri Hair Studio

South London

Zuri Hair Studio’s mission is to become London’s premiere braiding destination. And, judging by the quality of their work, they are already well on their way. The team at this South London-based salon is skillful at slaying a number of popular braided styles including Fulani braids, box braids, knotless braids and passion twists.

@zurihairstudio

Braid Bar London

Bromley, Kent

A quick glace through Braid Bar LDN’s Instagram page will reveal a plethora of braided styles including Fulani ponytails, feed-in braids and tribal goddess braids. This freelance-based braid specialist is based in Bromley and offers the full spectrum of styles. Summer appointments are available now, so get your booking completed pronto.

@braidbarldn

Braids & Beauty

North London

Colourful box braids, faux locs and thick stitch braids are just a few examples of the styles posted on Braids & Beauty Boutique’s social media platforms, demonstrating the versatility of this North London-based salon. Visit braidsandbeautyboutique.co.uk and book an appointment with Ebz, the salon’s braid technician who has over 20 yearsexperience in braiding.

@braidsandbeautyboutique

Braid Box London

Various location

Braid Box London is a unique pop-up salon where customers can experience braiding services in a fun, vibrant city setting. This forward-thinking company has previously set up pop-up premises in Canary Wharf and other areas of London. Its mission is to not only let customers experience the art form of braiding, but understand the cultural and historical significance of the technique too.

@braidboxldn

The Braid Bar

London

Looking for a quick and convenient salon to get a braided style while out shopping? The Braid Bar located in Central London's Selfridges is the perfect spot. This innovative venture opened its doors in 2015, offering a free-standing braiding hub where customers can get express braided styles, such as jumbo boxer braids, at affordable prices via an à la carte style menu.

@the_braid_bar

Glam Gorgeous

Manchester

Glam Gorgeous is a Manchester-based freelance hairdressing service that specialises in natural hairstyling for all hair types including European. Founded by hairstylist Gege, her team of highly skilled stylists can be booked for salon appointments as well as home and office visits, offering a level of flexibility and convenience like no other.

@glamgorgeoushair