Nadine’s 24-Hour Braiding Shop Goes Viral for Empowering African Stylists

A woman from Cameroon is earning widespread praise for revolutionising the African hair braiding industry in the United States, one braid at a time.

Nadine, the founder of Nadine’s Braiding Shop in Bowie, Maryland, has gone viral on TikTok after travel and lifestyle influencer Kemoy Martin spotlighted her 24/7 hair braiding salon in a video that has since amassed over one million views. But it’s not just the size or hours that have captivated viewers—it’s the story behind it.

Nadine immigrated to the U.S. with only $50 in her pocket. Today, she owns what Martin calls a “million-dollar empire,” capable of serving walk-ins and seating over 150 clients at once. Her shop employs nearly 400 braiders, many of them fellow Cameroonians, who can transform traditionally lengthy 8-hour sessions into swift, high-quality 2-to-3-hour appointments.

“This is a place where people from all over travel to get their hair braided,” Martin said in the video. “If Nadine, an immigrant from Cameroon, can build this from nothing, then you should know anything is possible.”

Nadine’s Braiding Shop stands out not only for its scale but also for its thoughtful and culturally attuned customer experience. The shop provides free hair for appointments, private suites for clients seeking discretion, and even a kids’ section to keep little ones engaged and separate from adult conversations.

In the back of the building, Nadine operates a Cameroonian catering service, ensuring her braiders have access to hot, nourishing meals—especially after hours of standing. The salon’s 24/7 model makes it easier for clients to fit self-care into busy schedules and for stylists to earn consistent income.

Empowerment Through Opportunity

While many African hair braiders have faced criticism online for unprofessional practices, Nadine’s establishment is being celebrated for doing things differently—and doing them right. In addition to providing jobs for hundreds of African immigrants, Nadine also launched her first summer braiding camp in 2024, offering courses free of charge to aspiring braiders.

Social media users have hailed her as a community hero. “She brought all her people over here too and gave them an opportunity!!!” wrote one TikTok commenter. Another said, “This is what you call, ‘When I eat, we all eat.’ Bravo, Sis.”

Nadine’s success is part of a growing trend of high-end, culturally immersive braiding salons being embraced online. Influencer @beingcrystalnicole recently went viral after traveling from Dallas to New York’s Joliden Beauty Bar, where her experience included a robe, hors d’oeuvres, and a massage chair—all while getting her hair washed.

As natural hair care and protective styles gain more visibility and respect, entrepreneurs like Nadine are proving that Black beauty can be both big business and a force for empowerment.