I read an article recently that was about how black salons have failed black women and I couldn’t help but think back to 08 or even the old days when I used to go to the salon regularly and remember how I was failed myself. Here is an excerpt so that you can see what I mean:
Let me paint you a picture. For many of you, it is a picture that will look familiar; a picture that describes the humiliation and fury millions of black women feel on a regular basis all across America.
Your hair is in need of professional attention, so you head to your favorite salon. You get there and you take a seat in the waiting area. And you wait. And you wait. And…
Finally, you’re taken to the shampoo bowl, where you wait some more. Eventually, your hair gets washed and conditioned. And you wait—with a wet head. All the while, you listen to inane conversation not fit for public consumption.
And the music? You might as well be at the local night club.
Then the article gave this gem:
Visiting the salon should be a pleasant, peaceful experience, not an hours-on-end drudgery that leaves you fighting mad—and wondering why you put up with such disrespect of your time.
And yet, this is what millions of black women endure to get our hair professionally done.
It is a failure of gigantic proportions. It is a failure that is sad because black women are failing black women. This has nothing to do with relaxers vs. natural hair. But it has everything to do with respect.
I agree with the article 100% I think the salon industry has to respect our time, gone are the days when any one individual can dedicate half their Saturday to a confined space of banter, the smell of conditioner and flat irons*.
People got things to do! So have things changed? In my opinion things are changing, with the onset of social media, stylists are taking more pride in their work and the need to get women in and out of the chair. They are using technology to book appointments and there is more respect for the client.
We see the changes, things are not perfect but we are happy about the direction things are headed to. What has your experience been like these days? Is your time respected in the salon? Or is it just more of the same old stuff?
No
Heavens No!
hell no lol
Some are, but most nope. More heads more money so want that hair did…just gotta wait especially if they’re good!
Yes. They have other customers. So, they need to get me done and out with a smile. LOL
No!!!
No, maybe because hairstyles today take longer. Why schedule an appointment every hour when it takes three hours for one head? Same goes for Dr appointments. Hate paying for bad service.
Also don’t like when they stay on the phone speaking different language…
I can understand a doctor appointment running behind and I don’t mind that lol don’t rush when you working on someone or me its a very stressful job as a doctor some doctors have told me they work through headaches and their own knees hurting but hair no I have a problem waiting hours for a simple flat iron even after I’ve washed and dried it myself
Seems Dr’s are over booked and worked. Can’t they have an assistant. Can’t someone call you and let you know the Dr’s in surgery. Why have people wait.
That’s true I guess they just want to get as many people in as possible and I guess it’s a lot of trouble having to move appointments at the last minuet then people have to rearrange their schedules too plus doctors schedules have to be rearranged lol I just couldn’t do it seems stressful to be a doctor seems like they’re always rushed but behind too so ya know I guess that’s the cost to make that kinda money because my doctors house is my dream lol I haven’t even been inside and I’m jealous plus that pretty Cadillac he has my goodness
No ! It should not be a eight hour shift yo get your hair done!
Nooooooooooo. Their either texting talking too much about drama or screaming at their kid’s. And this is not an “in home salon”. So sad.
No!!!! Not here in Chicago.
I have not stepped foot in a black salon for over 10 years. I’ve been natural for nearly 8 years and was taught how look after and manage my hair by my friend (a black stylist) i am no longer dependent on salons.
NO!
NO! Stylists constantly over-book, say okay to early appointments and don’t show up on time and too many other faux pas to mention! this is one reason I do my own hair now. You learn a lot when sitting for hours watching others get their hair done. I only go on rare occasions when I want to “feel” pampered, even though they may still be a little slow, LOL!
Juaneshia Johnson-Reed, we have positive and negative experiences lol
Lol
No, thats why i refuse to take my daughter back to one.
Noooo DIY..
Haaa
Nope….not at all!
Hell no and its a damn shame how long a stylist will have you wait and equally a shame that we sit and wait.
So glad I manage my time & my clients are in the chair when they walk through the door✊ Realistic appointment times is the answer.
No.
That’s one of many reasons why I went natural. #TeamTwoStrandTwists! #ProtectiveStyles! #TheFroKnows
Heck NO!!!!
Nope
Nope. They are full of themselves!
Some are and some aren’t. Your time is just as valuable as theirs.
MY ANSWER IS NO!!!!!! everytime I book an appointment to get my hair braided or something else, I have to wait PAST my appt time because some of the hairdressers are SO GREEDY, they overbook and when I get there, they still have a client, and I have to wait 30+ min before they attend to me!!!! And that’s why I do my own hair because of that buffoonery. Then they get upset with you when you try to tell them anything!!!!! I could go on for days on this topic but I’ll stop here. I have a family friend that gets my hair when I need it, and that’s it. Things have got to change!!!!!!!! No professionalism, no kind of urgency anymore. They think we must wait there all day to get any hair done!! Smh!!
I get that, but don’t overbook when you know you won’t be done with your client to start on the next client at the appointed time. If a hairdresser is telling me to be there by 10am, I expect them to at least begin at that time especially if I’m there on time. That has happened too many times. They are even late when I’m the first one! That is unprofessional to me. As far as cost of living, I understand that too but some think they are the only ones that can do hair when there are others that can braid just as well for a lower price. Lol that’s all im saying:) im talking based on my experience.
I don’t expect everything to be free either.
Not all of them, no where near.
Take too long and cost to much to be sitting around for hours looking at them eat lunch and talk on the phone be there 8 hours like being at work!
Or what about those that jack up their prices after you have been a loyal customer for a few years? They must think they the only ones in the world that can braid lol!!! This has happened to me and I left her behind and found someone that braided just as good for a lower price. And she was not happy. I didn’t care!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol
NOPW
No way! You make an appointment for 11:00am your stylist strolls in at 11:45 there are 5 other people waiting on her/him you are there all day long. I only go to Egyptians now unless I want weave then I know I’m gonna be there atleast 9 hours for a hairstyle
For me that will be a yes. My hair stylist knows the importance of all her clients time. She has convenient online scheduling, no double booking and she has you in and out of her chair in no time. The customer service is amazing and everyone in the salon is friendly as well. I love it!
NO!! That’s one reason why I do My Own hair
I haven’t seen a change.
What’s sad is that I’m sure other nationalities have the same issues but I’m not concerned with them. I am concerned about my people and how “some of us” are so unprofessional as if we don’t deserve excellent service. It boggles my mind at how we treat each other as a people but in particular as black women. Sistahs we must do better period! If you no longer want to “do hair” then please find another occupation. Being defensive when someone has a legitimate complaint is telling me that you don’t want my business and want me to spread the word to other sistaha. Word of mouth is everything. Let’s get it together damn!
No I’m not even reading the article no they don’t when my appointment is at 10:30 and you make me wait until 1pm for a wash and flatiron even when I have already washed it myself to save you time no that’s disrespectful and it literally won’t take 20 minuets to flat iron my whole head no that’s the main reason I stopped going
Damn what salons yall go to lmao the one I work at is nothing like that everything runs on schedule and if a client has to wait they get a free hair treatment. …that’s why I refuse to work in the hood lmao that’s ridiculous
I agree…eating and being rude…I would go there one time…not again and again lol…I’ve gone to mine over ten years…she’s professional and African American…yes and not in the ghetto…you get what you pay for…
No.
Mine is. 🙂
Its a little expensive but that’s why I only let her do it occasionally. And when she does she always always ALWAYS does an excellent job!!!
Sinfully slow; it ought to be a crime.
This is why I do my own hair or go to my sister’s salon
Girl you haven’t seen Cutting it in the ATL, The Damn Salon is SUPPOSE to be a natural salon. Honestly I just see her adding afro weaves to people heads lol. Go on youtube and websites like curlynikki.com, naturallycurly.com, naturalhairrules.com, there is a wealth of informtation out there.Trial and error until you find the products that work for you.
Wow yes I do remember being in there for hourssss!!!
You know us black folks are a mess, 6 hour salon appts and 8 hour funerals.
Wonderful and I’m quite sure your patrons love you for that…. that’s setting the standard.
We have to learn to take our power back and learn how to do our own hair. Mo Knows Hair. learned how to take care of her hair and she’s all over the internet along with others like Naptural85.
When I go they better or bye bye
Some are some are not
I think so. There’s so much more competition and people choosing braided options for less maintenance.
Not so much if you are loyal to one stylist but if you don’t mind going to different places or seeing whose available you can get in and out. A lot of salons that do weaves are very respectful of your time because there’s always someone faster and cheaper elsewhere and you’re already washed when you go there.
If I’m out of the salon in 4 hours.. it’s a good day!
NO!
Not at all. The last stylist I had in Inglewood CA (creative images) stood me up. She had done that before but was always 1-2 hours late or she’d text to tell me she couldn’t make it. This last time, though, she didn’t call or text… Even her coworkers were calling her to let her know she had a client waiting. I waited for 4 hours. I’m a patient person but that was the last straw for me. She really missed out because I am a great client. I take care of my people who take care of me. I used to tip her $30-$40… so I couldn’t understand why she would want to piss me off as a client. Oh well. I do my own hair now lol
OMG, I don’t miss the salon!! We used to pack a lunch because we knew we’d be there all dang day!!
Tell me where because I’ve had so many bad experiences with stylists here! Especially in Inglewood!
No, you have to spend the whole day getting your hair done.
Thanks.
Nope!
Before I went natural, I had a standing 8 AM Saturday appt. And he was ALWAYS on time. I was never that past 2 hours.
Now that’s how you do it!!!
No that is why I don’t go.
Nope!
No, that is the reason why I do my own hair!!! Simple wrap style works for me!!!!
I’m a natural hair stylist, and I book my clients one at a time. Some people come in the salon with pics wanting to look like every singer (with one string of hair). If your late I’m moving to the next.
You are right. We have other things to do outside of the salon!
No!!
Thats a negative ghost rider
That depends on who you go to.
No!!!!!
Hello no!
Absolutely not!!!
No, also I hate that they are charging for your natural hair, “asking are you natural or relaxed” really! I hate that question bcs I’m neither I play the fence/ I love healthy hair. I relax my hair twice a year and only go for color & trim & relaxers.
I doubt it….
no i spent Four hours getting a sew in because she was doing four other heads at the same time i was pissed and it was valentines day messed me n my hubby plans all up
HELL NO!!
It’s funny reading a lot of these post not one person mention the issues stylist go through with, late clients, post dated checks, no shows, no calls, don’t want to support your business, then come in asking for discounts but will not step foot into Paul MITCHELL or hair cuttery, Red Door asking for discounts!
Then you have these natural woman, or Women who are transitioning and breaking there hair off at home, but will walk in an say I need a trim. You to assess there hair, it’s dry, dandruff, hormonal issues, so you take steps to mature and start plans for them! Nope, they don’t want a Hair Doctor they worried about time! after you wash blow-dry deep condition and straighten their hair to see how bad the damage is just to say, I don’t want my hair cut just a trim!
Don’t get me started on I’m going to be late 10-20min, but I need to be done in 1hour. Girl bye, if other clients or walk-in arrive what suggestions to you pose?
See, people are only concerned when it comes to them, when there are plenty of factors other thank a late Stylist! Because let’s talk about Stylist who wait on clients?
See our people think you got that sit in the chair and get you out in 30min hair! Our hair needs TLC with all the environmental and chemicals even in natural products you are using a man made product it has some chemicals to keep it on the shelf! What you thought! Using honey and oils in liquid form will not need oxygen! Well, guess what, that’s why Black Business don’t last and our communities have more people in them then they anywhere else in the world.
Now, don’t get me wrong if you are good we you will be booked, but don’t bashed Black Salons because if your stylist is a professional she will have education to pass on to her clients and continue educating herself.
Agree 100% I’m in my stylist chair 3 or 5hrs and I’m the only client for that day. I do not complain bc i knew i [email protected]$!# up my hair taking care of it myself. My hair is gorgeous when i leave her shop. Thank you so much for that comment about chemicals being in that so call natural jar on the shelf. So many people are in denial about this it’s frustrating as heck to me.
Nope!….which is why I don’t bother with them and only deal with Ms Jeenette Ryan…who does a stirling job!…xx
You’re welcome don’t be afraid to try the different products available to us as naturals. Target is on point with natural products galore, just some advice use a gel product for the summer months. I like using Camille Rose Curl Maker your curls will be popping and use a moisturizer throughout the day so your hair won’t dry out
EXACTLY!!
I leave em alone…
I hadn’t been in over 5 years since I been natural and even before than I’ve always pretty much did my own hair. I remember I use to go with my.mom tho and it always took all day they was always slow (the stylist) talked too much and got the “friends” done first
No…
do your own hair, except for that special cut or photo shoot!
I love my gifts hair care specialize one hour on time every time I hate lateness it interfere with your rhythm it disrespect to monopolize a clients time service is the order of the day we are in
2015 not 1965
This picture is from what year 1950
that why I dose my own hair relaxed and dye
This is the very same reason why I go to the Egyptians when I need my hair done right away. I’m in and out, no longer than 1 1/2. These ppl have a system and they treat this as a business as it is. There’s no talking on the phone, stopping to eat, scheduling multiple clients and leaving to pick up the kids. You get in, they shampoo you, then someone blow dries you and then you get styled. I just can’t do them on a regular basis, because the amount of heat that is used to straighten then hair. I am without a relaxer and I usually wash my hair myself, but these shops are great if you need a quick hairdo. I’ve established a great relationship with my stylist there, I walk right in no appt necessary and ask for him. I would like to support our BLACK stylist, but they have too much going on. I want to be respected for my time, especially when you schedule me and I’m there on time. We need to get it together!!
How the heck did you find an Egyptian stylist? I’m so curious and in awe at the same time lol. I have hell trying to find a Dominican stylist who actually knows what a Dominican blow out is.
They have them all over here in Chicago. And they have taken over, because of the lack of respect that some of these hairstylist have for ppl and their time. Anyone of their shops you go into, they have you in and out like a drive through service lbvs!!
I mostly do my own. Ain’t got time to pay $40 for wash n set. Tryina learn to do my Son’s locs!
I’m for supporting black hairstylist. There are something you just want a professional to do. However, they need to get their professional behaviours game up ASAP. Too many practice bad business and customer service
Nope, bad customer svc.
NO..never have been. I notice the trick they use. They will wash you and have 2 or 3 people wet and waiting, until one day I JUST LEFT…lol… I have been natural and I LOVE IT…
No thats why I do my own hair. I have had so called licenced stylists cause permanent damage to my scalp and hair. They Suck! Got the nerve to charge damn near $100, make you wait, mess you up, and want a tip. B Boo Bye!
Noooooo
no!! working on 3 ladies hair at different time and you left there wondering will I be next?
It’s even worst now!! That’s the cr*p I can’t stand and was one of the reasons I went natural again. Then I’d go to get it colored and spend several hours. Now I even color it myself.
Hell no!
Its not about being greedy its about making a living and paying bills and upping prices as long as not extreme is a part of that as well if the price of living in 2015 goes up how do you expect your stylist to still charge 1925 prices and live?smh
I gave up on them, been going to someone’s house for the last 9 yrs!
Honestly, it really depends on who you go to & if they value their customers’ time. Not all stylists like to be late. Matter of fact, what about clients who are always late? People just do not respect other people’s time. Period!
No. Gave up salons for stylists late, no show, overbooked, loud music, unprofessional I was done when stylist forgot I was under dryer! Got on cell phone to verify shat she had done. And this wasn’t a young stylist lady been in the salon game for over 20 plus years. It’s horrible and I gave completely up.
CRC was my next to buy-getting it asap and YES ..I catch hell with my hair in the summer. As I Am Double Butter Cream is my moisturizer-go to product.
Hell no, they are 2nd to Doctor’s offices.
Then you have stylist trying to charge cancelation fees or late fees. Like REALLY?!
Yes. My stylist has evolved. She is much more aware and respectful of my time. I’ve been a client for almost 20 years now.
No! They always overbook. Spending all day at a salon waiting is not pampering.
Noooooooo
No one touches my hair. #Natualhairrocks
The hair salons that I spend my money in, respect their clients’ time and do not overbook. My patience is short and time is precious so I don’t entertain stylists and salons that mismanage their schedules.
I am
The main reason I never liked going to salons and another reason I’m happy I no longer have a relaxe… https://t.co/PYKEgHa4FH