Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
24 March 2026
Lyric Hammersmith
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is currently running at the Lyric Hammersmith until 25th April. The play by Jocelyn Bioh explores a variety of immigration experiences of women of the West African diaspora in the United States.
It’s a scalding, stuffy summer’s day in Harlem, the air conditioning is broken at Jaja’s salon, and as temperatures rise, so do temperaments. Jaja is off to get married, her daughter is running the salon today, and a host of colourful characters get ready for a long day of hair braiding and gossiping.
At the heart of this play is the focus on community and togetherness, drawing up a series of very well rounded and distinct characters, from young hopefuls over quirky newcomers to established elders. The thoroughly female perspective of the play brings an intimate atmosphere to the stage, women being free to be themselves in an informal setting, drawing up a feeling of looking in on a family gathering, filled with love, support, and of course a good dose of friction.
As the audience gets to know the women, their personal histories unfold through conversation, aided by several vibrant customers joining the mix. It is a joyful celebration of the women and culture surrounding African hair braiding, giving a glimpse into their world while tackling a larger narrative of resilience, chasing dreams, sacrifice, cultural bonding, and the daily struggle to forge a life in a world increasingly hostile to immigrants. It tells of dreams and ambitions, gorgeously set ablaze through the words of these plucked-from-life characters. It also touches on worries and struggles, women confiding in each other, easing each other’s pain, placing support and empathy at the core of the story while weaving in disagreements and a good dose of humour. The big characters, loud women who don’t hold back, are a joy to watch on the gorgeously designed set that resembles a neighbourhood African hair braiding salon perfectly. A series of fascinating clients bringing life and laughs into the salon, the background narrative always present but eased by funny sidebars through characters that feel thoroughly real and convincing.
This play does tackle some more difficult topics, but it wraps them in a beautiful social visit with a group of fascinating women. An hour and a half that flies by in this vibrant hair braiding salon that is definitely worth making an appointment at!
