Aicha Hair

Aicha Hair was founded by Aicha Kamara, who began braiding hair at 14 and opened the first shop in 2013. A second location followed in 2019.

The business is known for braiding and styling suited to women with alopecia, hair loss and thinning hair. Clients can start with a $20 alopecia consultation. For regular braided or twist styles, a $25 deposit is required, and Trio or Tree Braid styles with human hair require a $75 deposit. Deposits are non-refundable and can be paid only by Zelle or Cash App, while final payments must be made by cash or card. Because stylists are matched to clients, clients send a photo of their real hair and the style they want before booking.

Aicha Hair Academy was opened to help aspiring hair stylists learn and grow. Its online courses cover beginner braiding (basics, scalp analysis, knotless braids, box braids and cornrows), Alopecia Hair Art Level 1 (camouflaging problem areas with alopecia cornrows, crochet and sew-ins) and the business side of hair, including branding, client relationships, marketing and keeping clients. Program purchases include monthly live classes led by instructors, and the Hair Dream bundle adds a Discord community.

The shop also makes and sells hair and skin care products, described as all natural and handmade, from a line that started in 2020. The business donates 5% of its weekly income to Lavie Of The World, a nonprofit started in 2019 that supports education, food and health for children in Africa. Product questions are handled through a form, with staff replying within 24 hours.

Policies to note: a $20 late fee applies when a client is more than 15 minutes late, while $20 is taken off the bill if the stylist is late. Refunds are not given, though store credit is offered within a limited time. Clients have 72 hours to report an issue with their hairstyle.

Aicha Hair focuses on braiding for women with alopecia, hair loss and thinning hair, paired with natural, handmade hair and skin care products and education for people entering the field.