Empress Beauty Braids

Empress Beauty Braids is a braiding salon in the West Humboldt Park area of Chicago. It says it also serves clients from Oak Park, Forest Park, Cicero, Elmwood Park and River Forest. The salon describes itself as a premier hair salon in Chicago.

Cornrow visits begin with a consultation to settle the style, braid size and pattern. Staff check in during the work and can adjust tension at the hairline on request. Clients can mention sensitive edges before the appointment so the hairline stays neat without being pulled too tightly. A first cornrow visit is planned for about one to four hours, depending on size and design, and the salon notes that final timing and price depend on braid size and design complexity. Clients are asked to arrive with clean, fully detangled hair.

Bora Bora Braids come in a small-medium style reaching mid back, made with 100% human hair, which the salon says gives natural movement and longevity. The service includes a personalized consultation, usually takes about five hours and requires a $30 deposit. Stitch braids need to stay dry and free of heavy sweating for the first 24 to 48 hours, with a first gentle wash at 7 to 14 days, or closer to day 7 for oily scalps. Aftercare advice includes sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet and washing braids every one to two weeks.

The salon offers cornrow styles for men with straight backs and design options, cornrows for children, and combined braids and cornrows in one style planned at the consultation. It says it takes time to tailor braiding to each client, keeps its space clean, works with purpose and respects clients' time. The salon reports a 4.7 star rating from 93 Google reviews. Hours are 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Mondays and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

The salon talks through the look and settles the style, braid size and pattern before starting, then checks in and adjusts tension during the work.

The salon describes its space as clean and welcoming.