The NYC Mobile Salon
Classes/Braiding Basics

Braiding Basics

French braids, Dutch braids, fishtails, and more. 2 hrs, groups of 4–8 — at your location anywhere in NYC. From $95/person. $99/hour, 2-hour minimum for groups of 3+.

About this workshop

Master French braids, Dutch braids, fishtails, rope braids, and more in this hands-on workshop. Our braiding specialists break down each technique step by step so you can recreate them at home — on yourself or someone else.

This 2-hour class starts with the fundamentals — how to section, how to hold tension, how to feed hair in evenly — then builds up to 4-5 braid styles. You'll practice each technique with real-time coaching from a professional braider. We work at your pace and skill level, whether you've never braided before or you can do a basic three-strand and want to level up. By the end, you'll be able to do at least 3 new braid styles confidently. Great for moms who want to do their kids' hair, bridesmaids prepping for a wedding, or anyone who's always wanted to learn.

Ideal for beginners and intermediate braiders. Perfect for girls' nights, bridal party bonding, mother-daughter activities, or anyone who wants to add braids to their styling toolkit.

Every braiding basics session is fully mobile, meaning our instructor travels directly to your location anywhere in New York City. Whether you are hosting in your living room in Brooklyn, a penthouse in Manhattan, a backyard in Queens, or an office in the Bronx, we bring the entire class to you. There is no need to commute, find parking, or coordinate meeting at a studio. Your space becomes the classroom, and our instructor handles everything from setup to cleanup.

What sets our braiding basics apart from generic online tutorials or group classes at a studio is the personalized, hands-on instruction. Our licensed professionals do not just demonstrate techniques and hope you figure it out. They watch you practice, correct your form in real time, and adapt their teaching to your specific needs. This one-on-one attention within a group setting is why our participants consistently report that they learn more in a single session with us than in months of watching YouTube videos.

We have taught this class to thousands of New Yorkers across all five boroughs, from total beginners who have never attempted anything like this before to experienced hobbyists looking to refine their technique. The group dynamic adds an element of fun and camaraderie that makes the learning experience feel less like a class and more like a social event. Many of our bookings are for special occasions like bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, corporate team-building events, and holiday gatherings, but we also work with groups of friends who simply want to learn something new together.

What you'll learn

Our braiding class teaches four to five distinct braid styles, building progressively from simple to complex. You will start with the classic three-strand braid to establish proper hand positioning and tension control, then advance to French braids (adding hair from each side as you go), Dutch braids (the inverted technique that makes braids pop off the head), fishtails (the two-strand technique that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you get the rhythm), and rope braids (the twisted style that holds beautifully and works on almost any hair length).

For each style, we break down the technique into small, manageable steps. You will learn how to start a braid at different points on the head (center part, side part, crown, nape), how to braid your own hair versus braiding someone else's, and how to finish and secure braids so they last all day. We also cover styling variations: how to pancake braids for a fuller, more textured look, how to incorporate braids into updos and half-up styles, and how to braid with different hair textures and lengths.

Who this class is for

This class is perfect for mothers and caregivers who want to do their children's hair beautifully without struggling through confusing online tutorials at seven in the morning before school. It is ideal for bridesmaids and bridal parties who want to bond over learning a new skill together while potentially saving on wedding-day hair costs. And it is great for anyone who has always admired braided hairstyles and wanted to learn how to create them.

We welcome all ages and experience levels. Whether you are a teenager who wants to braid your own hair for school, a college student planning a creative girls' night, or a grandmother who wants to learn new styles for your grandchildren, this class meets you where you are and takes your skills to the next level.

What's included

  • 2-hour hands-on session
  • 4-5 braid styles covered
  • Practice hair and tools provided
  • Step-by-step technique guide
  • Real-time coaching & corrections
  • Mobile service — we travel to your location in any NYC borough
  • No travel fees anywhere in the five boroughs
  • Complete setup and cleanup by your instructor

Quick details

Starting at
$95/person
Hourly rate
$99/hr (2-hr min for groups)
Duration
2 hrs
Group size
4–8 people (3+ min)
Coverage
All 5 NYC boroughs
Experience
None required
Materials
All provided
Travel fee
None — free citywide
Private lessons
Available ($99/hr)
Booking
24-hr confirmation
Book This Class

No payment required to book. We confirm within 24 hours.

How to book braiding basics

From booking to bliss in four simple steps. The entire process takes less than two minutes to start.

1

Book Your Session Online

Choose a date, tell us your location in NYC, and let us know how many people will be joining. We will confirm your booking within 24 hours and answer any questions.

2

Invite Your Group

Gather 3 or more friends, family members, or coworkers. This class works especially well for bridal parties, birthday celebrations, mother-daughter bonding, or just a fun weeknight activity.

3

Your Instructor Arrives Ready to Teach

Our braiding specialist shows up with mannequin heads, tools, elastics, and everything needed for a productive two-hour session. All you need to provide is the space and the enthusiasm.

4

Practice Until It Clicks

Work through 4-5 braid styles with hands-on guidance. By the time your instructor leaves, you will be able to do at least three new braid styles on your own.

Why take braiding basics

Investing in this skill pays dividends every single day. Here is why our participants love this class.

Master Multiple Braid Styles

Walk away knowing 4-5 different braid techniques, from classic French braids to intricate fishtails and rope braids. Each style opens up dozens of hairstyle possibilities.

Do Your Kids' Hair Like a Pro

No more YouTube tutorial frustration at 7 AM before school. Learn the real techniques professional braiders use so you can create neat, beautiful braids quickly and confidently.

Perfect for Bridal Parties

Bridesmaids who can braid save the entire wedding party time and money on hair. Learn together at a bridal shower or bachelorette and have a blast doing it.

Build a Lifelong Skill

Braiding is one of those rare skills that only gets better with practice. Once you learn the fundamentals, you will keep improving for years and never stop finding new styles to try.

All Hair Types Welcome

Our instructors teach braiding techniques that work across every hair texture. Whether your hair is silky straight or beautifully coily, you will learn the approach that works best for you.

What to expect during your session

Here is a detailed look at how a typical braiding basics session unfolds, from the moment your instructor arrives to the moment they leave.

Our braiding specialist arrives at your location with mannequin heads, clips, combs, hair elastics, and everything else you need for a productive two-hour session. We start with the absolute fundamentals: how to hold hair, how to create clean sections, and how to maintain even tension throughout a braid. Even if you have braided before, this foundational review helps eliminate bad habits that make braids look messy or fall apart quickly.

From there, we build up progressively through four to five braid styles. The instructor demonstrates each technique slowly, then has everyone practice together with real-time coaching and corrections. You will work on mannequin heads first to build muscle memory, then transition to practicing on each other or on your own hair. The instructor pays close attention to each person's progress and adjusts the pacing so no one feels left behind or bored. By the halfway point, most participants are already completing braids they could never do before.

The final portion of the class focuses on finishing and styling, learning how to secure braids neatly, how to pancake braids for a fuller look, and how to incorporate braids into everyday hairstyles. You will leave with a step-by-step guide for each braid style covered, plus recommendations for the best tools and products to use at home. Many participants tell us this class is the most fun they have had learning a new skill, because there is something deeply satisfying about watching your hands finally do what your brain has been trying to figure out from YouTube tutorials.

Braiding Basics pricing

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, no travel surcharges, and no surprises. Everything is included.

Group rate
$99/hr

2-hour minimum for groups of 3+

Per-person pricing from $95/person

  • All materials and tools included
  • Free travel to any NYC borough
  • Licensed, experienced instructors
  • Take-home reference materials
  • Private lessons available at same rate
Book Now

See full pricing details on our pricing page.

Book braiding basics by borough

We bring braiding basics directly to your door in every NYC borough. Select your borough to see available neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions about braiding basics

Everything you need to know before booking your braiding basics session in New York City.

How much does braiding basics cost?

Our braiding basics is priced at $99 per hour with a two-hour minimum for groups of 3 or more people. Per-person pricing starts at $95/person depending on group size and session length. This rate covers the instructor's travel to your location anywhere in the five boroughs of NYC, all materials and tools needed for the class, and personalized instruction for every participant. There are no hidden fees, no setup charges, and no travel surcharges regardless of which borough you are in. For the most up-to-date pricing details and package options, visit our pricing page.

Do I need any experience for braiding basics?

No prior experience is needed whatsoever. Our braiding basics is designed to accommodate complete beginners as well as people with some existing knowledge who want to refine their technique. Our instructor assesses each participant's current skill level at the beginning of the session and adapts their teaching accordingly. Whether you have never picked up a braid before or you practice regularly and want professional-level tips, you will get value from this class. We meet every participant exactly where they are and help them level up from there.

What materials do I need to bring?

You do not need to bring anything at all. We arrive at your location with every single tool, product, and material needed for the class. This includes professional-grade equipment, a curated selection of products across brands and price points, practice materials, and any reference guides or handouts. If you want to bring your own products or tools that you currently use, you are welcome to, and our instructor can evaluate them and suggest improvements. But it is absolutely not required.

How many people can attend braiding basics?

Braiding Basics works best with groups of 4–8 people, which is the ideal range for hands-on instruction where everyone gets personal attention. The minimum group size is 3 people. If you have a larger group, we can absolutely accommodate you by bringing additional instructors. Groups of 10 to 20 people typically require two instructors, and we have handled groups of up to 30 for corporate events and large celebrations. Just let us know your group size when booking and we will make sure you have enough instructors for everyone to get quality one-on-one guidance.

Can I book a private one-on-one lesson?

Yes, we offer private one-on-one sessions for braiding basics. Private lessons are priced at $99 per hour with a two-hour minimum. The advantage of a private session is that you get the instructor's full, undivided attention for the entire class, which means faster skill development and completely personalized instruction. Many of our clients book private sessions when they have a specific goal in mind, like mastering a particular technique before an event, or when they prefer learning without a group setting. Contact us to schedule your private lesson at a time and location that works for you.

How long does braiding basics take?

The standard braiding basics session runs 2 hrs. This is enough time to cover all the core techniques, give every participant hands-on practice, and answer questions. If your group wants a longer, more in-depth session, we can extend the class in one-hour increments at $99 per additional hour. Some groups choose to book a two-and-a-half or three-hour session for a more relaxed pace, especially for celebrations like bachelorette parties or birthdays where the social aspect is as important as the learning. Let us know your preference when booking and we will customize the session length to fit your group.

What will I be able to do after completing this class?

After completing braiding basics, you will have the skills and confidence to execute at least 3-4 different braid styles confidently, including French braids, Dutch braids, and fishtails, on yourself or someone else. Every participant also leaves with written reference materials so you can refresh your memory at home. The skills you learn in this class are permanent. Once the technique clicks, you have it for life.

Do you actually come to my location?

Yes, we are a fully mobile service. Our instructors travel to your location anywhere in the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We come to apartments, houses, offices, hotel rooms, Airbnbs, event venues, rooftops, backyards, and any other space where your group is comfortable. All we need is enough room for your group to sit or stand comfortably with some elbow room. There is no additional travel fee regardless of where you are in NYC. We arrive on time with all equipment set up and ready to go, and we clean up everything when we leave.

Ready to book your braiding basics?

2 hrs of hands-on, personalized instruction from a licensed professional, delivered directly to your location anywhere in New York City. Groups of 4–8, all materials included, no travel fees.

Starting at $95/person per person. $99/hour with a 2-hour minimum for groups of 3 or more. Private lessons available at the same rate. Book today and we will confirm your session within 24 hours.

Book Your Braiding Basics Now

Questions? Contact us or call/text anytime. See all classes on our classes page.