Established in 2010 in the East Bay, Sankofa Braiding & Natural HairCare was founded with one mission: to provide exceptional hair care rooted in health, culture, education, and holistic wellness.
We specialize in protective styling, trichology, scalp health, hair loss support, and growth-focused natural hair care — all centered around maintaining the integrity of your crown.
Dr. Cynthia Obleton — also known as Akongua Hemaa or NanaEfua — holds a Cosmetology Degree, is a California Licensed Cosmetologist, a Board-Certified Trichologist through the World Trichology Institute, a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner (AMCA), a Board-Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a Master Cosmetology Educator.
With over 25 years of experience in beauty and wellness, Dr. Obleton specializes in hair loss, scalp disorders, protective styling damage, and restoring hair health using a holistic and science-informed approach.
As a Board Trichologist, she integrates clinical scalp analysis with natural herbal therapies passed down from her ancient family lineage in Ghana. These traditional botanical remedies are incorporated into her trichology practice to support scalp detoxification, inflammation reduction, and follicle nourishment.
Her philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that healing hair begins with healing the whole person. Through her support of the Flowtarian Lifestyle, she encourages practices that nourish the Mind, Body, and Spirit — recognizing that stress, nutrition, emotional health, and lifestyle directly impact hair growth and scalp wellness.
In 2015, Dr. Obleton founded Sankofa Braiding Academy, where she teaches Natural Hair Care and Professional Braiding. The academy equips students with both technical braiding skills and foundational knowledge in scalp health, hair growth principles, and protective styling safety.
Her goal is not only to create skilled braiders, but educated hair care professionals who understand the science behind healthy hair.
Dr. Obleton’s journey began in Ghana, West Africa, where she assisted family and friends in their beauty businesses before opening her first salon in Tema, Greater Accra. Her grandmother — who lived to be 105 years old — shared with her traditional herbal hair growth remedies that continue to influence her holistic practice today.
Beyond the salon, she is also the founder of Fawohodze Inc. and supports wellness initiatives at Ahoto Healing & Wellness Home in Ghana, where she holds space for holistic healing practices aligned with Traditional Medicine standards.
Sankofa Braiding & Natural HairCare is more than a hair salon — it is a holistic hair health space where:
• Scalp health is prioritized
• Protective styling is done safely
• Hair loss is addressed with knowledge and care
• Culture and science work together
• Education empowers clients and students
We are committed to restoring confidence, protecting your crown, and supporting long-term hair wellness.
Rooted in Culture. Focused on Health. Dedicated to You.

At Sankofa Braiding & Natural HairCare, we do more than braid hair — we protect your crown.
Most people think they only need a Protective Style—box braids, twists, cornrows, or extensions. But the truth is:
What you really need is a Protective Stylist.
A Protective Stylist isn’t just someone who installs a style.
A Protective Stylist is trained to:
At SBNH, every service begins with scalp and hair health as the priority, not an afterthought. We combine protective braiding techniques with the TrichoAfric Hair Care System (N’dom Shampoo, Conditioner, Exhaler, Blitz & Oils) & (Yaaba Follicle Flow System) to ensure your hair thrives under every style.
Because anyone can give you a style…
But not everyone can protect your Crown.
Book your appointment today and experience the difference of having a Protective Stylist, not just a Protective Style.
📍 Serving you from our private studio in Oakland Beauty & Wellness Suite, Oakland, Ca
You don’t just need a Protective Style…
You need a Protective Stylist.
Because true hair care goes beyond the braid.
A Protective Stylist understands:
🌿 Healthy scalp = Healthy hair
🌿 Gentle hands = Longer retention
🌿 Trichological knowledge = Stronger growth
🌿 Holistic care = Lasting results








344 40th Street Oakland, California 94607, United States
Open today | 06:00 am – 06:00 am |
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