Can you recommend a stylist? My nearest big city is San Jose, but I'm willing to go to Oakland or San Francisco or wherever! My hair situation is becoming a problem and I can't fly to DC just to get my hair done.
i second on "Saye" hair braiding. I've worked with Saye (not sage), for about 6 - 9 months. she only does natural styles. very good braiding, and reasonably priced. You will be walking into a shop with only caucasions/asians/phillipinos - but who cares? Grace is one of the orientals and she cuts weaves better than any black person i know.
Saye does weaves. if you want you weave styled, she has Grace work with you.
if you're not comfortable having your hair done with white folks standing around staring - Saye will work out of her house, as well. She says she does that a lot.