Ask Afrobella — Seeking Natural Hair Salons
Here’s an Ask Afrobella question that I’m gonna need you all to help me answer. Ready? Here goes…
Hello Afrobella,
First, let me start off by letting you know how much I really respect you as a Woman, Journalist, & Fellow Afrobella! I really appreciate your point of view. Please know that you have filled a missing void in the natural community. Which brings me to my request. I don’t know if this idea has crossed your mind or maybe it’s a work in progress. Nevertheless ,I would really a be grateful if you could write about one or all of the following topics:
1. A list of Natural Hair Salons located in Major Cities and/ or States.
2. A review of Natural Hair Salons located in Major Cities and/ or States.
3. Create a forum for Afrobellas to list and make referrals to natural hair care salons that satisfied them.
Please, note that when I say natural hair care salon. I’m not talking about a salon that thinks a press and curl is the only way to style natural hair! I’m talking about a place that can cut, treat, shingle, coil, finger style etc.
Granted you have supplied us with awesome product recommendations to take care of our own hair. But, sometimes we would like a little TLC from and trained professional who knows how to care for and style natural hair.
I would be grateful if you could write about natural hair salons. I feel that info on this topic would fill another missing void within the natural community. I currently live in New York City of all places and I don’t know where to go!
I Thank you in advance for allowing me to make this request.
God Bless, Cece
I actually wrote back to CeCe and thanked her for her brilliant suggestion, but I must say, this is an especially daunting Ask Afrobella for me. Those of you who have been reading for a while might remember my Hairdresser Horrors post. I’ve dealt with many a bad salon, and as a result, I hardly EVER go to the hairdresser. Last time I went was to the fabulous Larramy for my curl cut back in May! I loved my experience with Larramy, but I also agree with CeCe — there is something special about meeting a professional hairdresser who actually has your hair texture. There’s a feeling of security from knowing that the person you’re paying to style your ‘do knows exactly how to treat your tresses from personal experience, and there is also a significant satisfaction that comes from supporting businesses within the black community.
After I said to myself, fire burn that fancy Aveda place where they sate you with tea then load you up with overpriced, don’t-work-for-your-texture products you’re expected to buy (pardon me for venting Aveda fans, I obvs had a very lame experience there) — I spent quite a while searching for a natural hair salon within 30 miles of my residence. And as far as I knew (longtime Miami natives, please correct me if I am wrong) — I was fresh outta luck. The best natural hair salon in the area was all the way up in Fort Lauderdale….until September 30, when Natural Trend Setters opened a Miami branch!
Their locations in Tamarac and Delray Beach were already the must-visit locations for a variety of well-known local afrobellas, including hostess with the mostess Ingrid B, gorgeous 99 Jamz DJs Supa Cindy and K/ Foxx — early Afrobella readers might remember my interview with her. K. Foxx told me about NTS back then, and I finally got around to visiting a whole year later. And finally, I’m writing about it two months after visiting the place. Jeez, I am such a slacker.
Natural Trend Setters has a big reputation in south Florida. Stunning sister stylists Simone and Trudy Hylton are like walking advertisements for their craft — their hair is ON POINT. Their opening event was such a warm, welcoming, family affair. The salon merged with the Yellow Moon Day Spa in Liberty City, a pretty gritty part of Miami. Owner Rick Spence explained that the location was key — “We wanted to set an example. We’re trying to erase that negative vibe and create a social vibe.” Part of the social vibe will be a cafe and lounge area at the front, where they will host spoken word poetry and live music in the evenings. The salon is attached to the large front space, and it’s seriously gorgeous. Bright and plush and very welcoming. At the back is the spa, and they’ve got pretty, private rooms where they offer massages and waxing as well. The event was covered by the Broward Times, so you can read more about their services there, or click here.
At the opening reception I met some really cool local bellas, including Brigitte, owner of Brown Olive Natural Skin Care — I got to smell and sample some of her products and they rock!
And the beautiful bella you see pictured here is JoAnn Sampson, a gorgeous grandmother who participates in the Senior Olympics! Click here to read her story, and be as inspired as I was. I chatted with JoAnn for a while and she told me all about staying fit past 60, and being a senior Olympian. Amazing. JoAnn is a regular client at NTS and frequently models in their natural hair shows, as well.
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to come to Natural Trend Setters, but I plan to go get my hair done and write a review soon. Twists, anyone?
This is my first step to answering CeCe’s question. I don’t know thing 1 about creating a forum for discussion, first of all…. I’d love to start something like that next year when I do a big site redesign. For now, all I can do is write about the places I know of and ask you to tell me about your favorite hairdresser so we can spread the love. Seems like a good place to start, right?
Do you have a natural salon you absolutely love in your neck of the woods? Tell me – where do you get your hair done, bellas?
Category: Ask Afrobella, Hair, Issues
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If your in the Los Angeles area looking for Natural Hair Care please contact Natural Intentions by Kimberly at The Hair Zone 17619 1/4 Clark Ave. Bellflower Ca.90706 (562) 804-7929. specialzing in Natural hair styling, locs, loc extentions, twist, braids and more.
Going Natural can be a liberating experience for many women. Partnering with a professional who provides signature services, plant based beauty solutions and exceptional client care can make all difference.
Check out the article 5 ways to find the right Natural Stylist
http://indigoferabeauty.blogspot.com/2008/06/natural-hair-stylists-5-ways-to-find.html
Just an update re: a natural hair salon in the first coast or Jacksonville, Florida area. Try TRU Roots. They may be contacted via e-mail at: truroots@earthlink.net. Websites: truroots1.net or myspace.com/tru_roots1. Telephone (904) 389-0848. There you can begin or continue to celebrate your natural beauty!
Is there a place in chicago that I can call or make an appointment
I just wanted to leave you my info i own the first natural hair salon in montreal canada since 2002,its a slow revolution down here but people are seeking an alternative finally to wear their hair natural .
Hello My name is Tameeka, I am a natural hair specialist and a licenced hair stylist for the last ten years, I currently work at a Christo fifth avenue, which is a salon that specializes in Curly hair textures. At Christo fifth ave, I specialize in caring for all African American and Mixed hair textures, anything from loose to tight and kinky.My salon has its own botanical product line and caters to curly hair 24-7,I my self, as well as the rest of the curlisto team are geared toward educating the public on and about curly hair and natural hair textures, to find ot more about more about my self (Tameeka) and my salon (Christo fifth ave) you may visit our website at http://www.curlisto.com and go on to citysearch to read our many reviews.Hope you will find it useful, We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. Tameeka~ Senior curl specialist.
My name is Adio Akil I am the creator of Praises Enterprises an all natural personal body care product line. Praises Products has been around for
over 25 years. I, Adio Akil am one of the creators of the ethnic product industry in America before before before. I am always both interested to talk and listen to suggestions on how we can continue to strentghen and empower ourselves into the future. I may be reached at 786-314-3692 or 404-752-9319.
When I lived in New York (I am in Los Angeles now), the stylist I went to for four years was a woman named Oloyade and her business is called Ancestral Roots Afrikan Loc Groomers. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She used to have a salon in Fort Greene but when I was last going to her, she was working out of her home in Flatbush. She charged me $60 a visit and that included washing, a herbal rinse, steam treatment and palm rolling.
Her telephone number is 718-856-0819.
I was a customer of Simone’s at Natural Trendsetters in Miami, Florida. My hair is locked and thinning. My first visit was in the Ft. Lauderdale’s salon. Simone was very friendly and promising. She made me feel like she knew her stuff and she was very confident. She advised me that she would add hair onto my locks with the next app’t in Miami. While I was there at the Ft. Lauderdale’s salon she washed and styled my locks beautifully, within 3 hours I was done. About a month later I had an app’t again at the Miami’s salon on 7th avenue. Simone was 1 1/2 late, which I didn’t make a big deal out of, because I was going to be her first customer, so it shouldn’t take me long, so I thought. It took Simone over 6 1/2 hours to do my hair, because she continued to put me to the side and do her friends hair from 99 jamz and others. Then when she was done, she said “Oh, I forgot to tell you the price” and she charged me an astronomical amount. I had to remind her that I had already given her a deposit for the add on hair. She just looked at me and walked away, without even saying thank you. I am currently seeking someone else to do my hair. Simone was very unprofessional. She even told me that I couldn’t use my cell phone in there, when I saw others using their cell phones.
Hair Today Hair Tomorrow is the place to come to get one on one hair care. If you are already wearin it all natural, growin out of your relaxer, Wearin a wig until it grows back, Needing some style and hair care tips call today for you appointment in the heart of West Oakland CA. (510) 452-0942
I live in Jacksonville,Fl and I can’t find any good hatural hair stylist for the Air Fro people I runn into can do locks and things like that,but if you have natural hair it seems like you really on your own so I’ve been doing my hair myself. I see TRU ROOTS,I going to try them, I just hope it is not another place that the main attention is lock and twist. I will gave a update when I go, I wishing for the best.
Thanks for the post! My beautician kind of vanished so I’ve been trying to do my own hair. And now it’s a mess! Does anybody know of a good natural hair care beautician in the Midlothian or Richmond, VA area. I need someone to be able to press it, twist it, and give me a cute cut. Cuz my hair is jacked up! I need the Someone multi talented. Help!!!
Okay, I’m in Detroit….and after reading all of these lovely post on great natural stylist in LA, Chicago, etc., I’m still looking for one in Detroit. I think for most people in Detroit “natural stylist” means styling locks. I don’t have locks and I am not looking to get any (No offense to those sisters that are wearing locks…it’s just not for me). I’m trying to find someone who can style my hair in a naturally beautiful style while letting the chemicals grow out of it? Is that possible? or do I have wear a wig? or fly to New York or Chicago or Atlanta? or is what I’m asking for simply not available? Can someone please help?
Please Help…Looking for a shop that does Natural Hair on the southside of Chicago.
I live in Harlem and am very interested in the more AFFORDABLE but high quality salons and even stylists who work out of home located in either Manhattan, Brooklyn,or the Bronx…I am personally interested in finding a place that does locs (preferably interlocking in addition to the more traditional palm rolling, steam treatments, and good overall natural hair care that does not use heavy waxes or butters and has a professional clean vibe)
I appreciate all of the listings so far and look forward to seeing more….I think the smaller lesser known places need to be advertised more often b/c it seems like only the locals from Brooklyn know the best affordable locations while those of us living in other boroughs or out of state only hear about the larger pricey Natural Hair Care Salons ..it is true..word of mouth is best …If I discover some noteworthy affordable places/stylists, I will pass the word on right here!
Anybody know of any natural salons in Dallas, TX?
I am considering transitioning from locs to just natural unlocked hair. BUT finding someone who can style has been a challenge. Any suggestions? I can style my own hair if I find some pictures or ideas of nice professional looks. I do not want to go from locs to braids or just straighten (though i will most likely have the Dominicans blow it out) nor wear a Fro.
I’d love to find a shop in NYC or ATL which can help me with keeping it cut and suggest some styles.
Please post any suggestions ladies! Thanks,
Looking for a natural hair salon, in Little Rock, Arkansas
I am looking for a natural hair salon in Atlanta/Decatur/Dekalb county GA. Not Urbanbella, I also hear they do good but are way too expensive. I called them and it would have been $180 to wash curl and cut my hair. I for one do NOT have that kind of money.
I’m in NY and I see a lot of posts for places that care for locs, twists, etc. but how about natural, loose hair? I’ve heard too many negatives about Miss Jessie’s. Does ANYONE know ANY other hair salons, stylist who can trim, cut and color natural loose hair?
I am looking for a natural sytlist who is certified in sisterlocks in the Houston area.
I am looking for a natural hair stylist in Memphis. Please help.
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE NATURAL HAIR CARE IN SAN DIEGO.
TRY JRATIH’S,SHE DOES NATURAL HAIR STYLES BY APPOINTMENT IN HER HOME. SHE ALSO CAN RELATE,BECAUSE SHE WEARS HER OWN HAIR NATURALLY.
JRATIH LOCS :1-619-721-0745
Im looking for a salon in cincinnat, oh
thanks
http://www.phillynaturalhair.com
Philadelphia, PA
Because I think Duafe’s is overhyped and overpriced. The stylist here are down to earth and they get you in and get you out. If I wanted to spend my life in a salon I could have kept my perm.
Reading all the comments was so refreshing I felt here are women that feel my pain. I need help!!!!! Looking for a reasonable Natural hair care specialist that can work wonders a beauticain that can do it all triming natural hair, braiding,and coloring in Balto. Md. Balto. City. You will have a customer for life, I am willing to pay the cost for excellent results. Email me at Brownladyp@hotmail.com Please Please Thank You sincerely
To all that are interested June 19th is considered “Freedom Day” and is celebrated in states like Texas and others. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. It had taken Texes two years to get the news, June 19,1865. Why do you think it took so long? Could it be that they were looking for natural hair care beauticians or hair stylists? Because it taking me just as long to find help for my natural hair. Brownladyp@hotmail.com
I will be waiting.
I am the owner of A Natural Affair In Memphis Tn. I wanted to send this info out to those who are seeking a full service natural hair salon in the Memphis Tn area. Contact info is 901-859-1113.
We are a full service natural hair salon located in the greater detroit metropolitan area. Braids, cornrows, locks, twists, twistouts, wet sets, color, cuts, interlock, latch locks, press, etc. BTW the lady in black looks like the 2008 natural hair 1st place winner from the world health and beauty show atlanta 2008.
Hi Afrobella,
I am desperately looking for a natural hair care salon or stylist for my younger sister in the greater Little Rock area. I hope that you can please help with this. Thanks
I am also looking for a natural hair care salon in Oklahoma City, OK
I am looking for a reasonable natural hair stylist to transition with in the Houston TX area. I would like someone who does not have you in the shop all day with reasonable prices.
Hi, can anyone recommend a loctician in the Newark, NJ area? Positive atmosphere, of course, and preferably someone with natural hair and reasonable prices. In-home and salon recommendations greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Just moved to Pittsburgh and I’d really like to grow out my hair but there doesn’t seem to be very many good salons here. Judging by the locals’ hair, I am very skeptical about the salons in the area. Most girls have relaxers/weaves or braids. I started growing out in January and really need a good natural hair care salon. Please help…
Looking for the right Brooklyn, New York Dreadlock Lotician…
One that can make your dreadlocks look good and get you compliments, too?
CALL 718-953-8072. Schedule Your Just Loc’s By Marceline Appointment Now!
* Ask About Our Online Specials.
Owner of Naturally You Salon in Nashville, TN. I love natural hair. I’ve been sporting mine all my life except for two years, can’t knock it til you try it. I love teaching women how empowering, simple, and cost effective, it is to maintain their own naturally beautiful hair. If you’re in my area please call. I value your time and mine and work by appointment only. Ebonee Shelton 615-485-6936
I’m looking for a salon in NYC or vicinity of Orange, NJ that specializes in natural hair care – my hair is wavy wavy, not really curly..
Detroit
IF you are looking for a good stylist who is not big on perms but will help you to have healthy hair go to Steppin OUt at NOrthland and ask for Sherrone. The prices are reasonable and i dont wait all day.
Can anyone suggest a natural salon in Boston, MA, preferably outside the “hood”?
I have all natural hair and need a salon in Chicago,Il to give me a beautiful, managable natural style
I live in California, La and needs a salon or person that kinky twist with natrual hair.
I am a Jamaican and needs an affordable natrual hair salon or even someone that does kinky twist. I need my hair to look beautiful again. God Bless. Thanks in advance
Looking for a natural hair stylist in the Boston area. Help! Thank you.
Hello,
I am looking for a natural hair salon in the Savannah, Georgia area.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Greetings i am a natural haircare stylist and i am always looking for opportunities to grow,share,learn,and prosper.
YOUR SITE IS BEAUTIFUL!
I would love to have my salon listed on your site!THE ART OF GEM natural haircare and fashion center
1276 ralph david abernathy blvd. suite #208 atlant,ga.30310
I just starting locking my hair and I am looking for a Natural Hair Salon in the West Jacksonville area. Any suggestions?
Jacksonville Recommendation: Try contacting this salon at (904) 389-0848. They respond quicker to email: truroots@earthlink.net
I am looking for a natural hair salon, reasonable price in the western suburbs of Chicago. Help me.
Hi Donna, Thanks for the suggestions.
Regards,
Zee Mathews
The Salon Mangers Academy
I live in the Little Rock area…I’m so in need of someone to do my natural hair…I don’t want to loose this battle in trying to stay natural….HELPPPPPPP!!!!