I don’t know about you, but when I think of “pampering,” I think of peace and relaxation. Beauty doesn’t always have to hurt. I shouldn’t get anxiety when I think about going to a certain type of hair salon.
Many times, small hair salons are so booked that the stylists are more worried about getting their clients in and out of the door as quickly as possible than actually being gentle with their clients’ hair and taking their time. My whole body shouldn’t feel the heat of the blowdryer. Just saying.
Also, a lot of times, a different person is shampooing your hair than your trusted stylist, and that can be torture if you fall in the wrong hands.
I’ve had some weird shampooing experiences in my time. Brushing my hair while it was under the water. Really?!
Not having ethnic hair products
It’s rare that an upscale salon will have products for natural hair. Paul Mitchell is great and all, but it might not have the ingredients that your hair needs. Now, granted, some salons might allow you to bring in your own shampoos and conditioners. That hasn’t been my experience.
Ever since I started co-washing, I always get a little nervous when I realize that my hair will be shampooed AND conditioned at the salon.
The women would probably look at me crazy if I told them I only wanted “clarifying conditioner.” It would also be nice to be able to purchase the products that the salon has for sale. This usually isn’t the case because they don’t carry anything close to what our hair is used to.
Not being able to do natural styles
I love doing my hair. I do. But sometimes it would be nice to go to a salon where they could do my perm rod or flexi rod* sets for me. My stylist doesn’t do natural styles and I have too much loyalty to her to try any place else.
With that said my salon days are usually reserved for special occasions because I’m only going there to get my hair flat ironed.
Editors note
We have to mention that all is not lost for the salon industry, we are seeing more diversity in hair care these days as women make the switch to natural hair and they try to meet demand.
We would love to hear your hair salon experiences. Do any of you get your hair done at a salon specifically catered toward natural hair? Comment below!
To the person who wrote this article, I’m a Natural Hair Stylist, Natural Hair is more time consuming then relaxed Hair my ingredients are imported from Ghana n the rain forest. The pricing of a Salon device are factors of the rent of the establishment,water bill,insurance, lights electricity, telephone, products and other details.
Image you standing all day doing Natural Hair the among of stress the body n mind takes on to accomplish n deliver a healthy head of hair to your client. Mist woman with Natural Hair go to Salon that do not cater to Natural Hair, then the customer expect a great result. Natural Hair customer should only go to a Natural Hair Stylist.
Blessings Empress
Funny you mentioned the time involved. When I Was a stylist (this was back when chemicals were so popular), Some stylists charged more for very long or thick hair, because it took more time. I suspect the reason some naturals at some salons might be charged more is because to do a nice style and not rush through it, takes more time and possibly resources depending on what the client requests. I say some salons because I know some just see a natural come through the door and upcharge automatically, just like some stylists did when they saw a child with two heads worth of hair come through the door back in the day. It’s not necessarily right to always upcharge in every situation, because sometimes what looks daunting may be as quick and easy as any other head of hair, and fees should be discussed and adjusted after the stylist has examined the hair and learned the client’s expectations. So, while it isn’t always right to charge more, it isn’t always realistic to expect to pay the same as someone who is relaxed and getting a set or blowout.
Absolutely true what you expressed, however I’m a artist who start each of my services with a consultation. I need to know the goals of each client, the products n food they eat. Any allergies they may have to ingredients. I don’t use any chemicals at my salon,I use flower herbs essential oils shurbs pure Shea butter I import from Ghana n I purchase ingredients from the earth n forest. . I do respect your analysis Empress I really wish more Hair artist/Stylist would care more about the health of their clients Hair n scalp.
Blessings,
Valerie Price
Valerie Signature Salon
The Salon For Natural Hair