Finding skilled and knowledgeable Black natural hair stylists can be a challenge. The intricacies of working with textured hair require expertise, dexterity, and a deep understanding of different hair types. Unfortunately, many professional stylists lack the education and experience necessary to cater to the needs of natural hair. This leaves those with natural textures feeling excluded and often subjected to demeaning salon experiences.
The issue lies in the inadequate training provided in hair school curriculums. Stylists are typically educated on only one hair type, which is sufficient for passing state exams but falls short when it comes to working in a salon. Only 19 states require specific training for natural hair. This lack of comprehensive education results in stylists being ill-equipped to handle the diverse range of hair textures and provide the best care for their clients.
To address this gap and celebrate the talent of underrepresented Black hair artists, we have compiled a list of top Black natural hair salons to follow and support. These salons and stylists are dedicated to providing exceptional services and nurturing the natural beauty of Black hair.
The Daze Studio: Transformative Curly Cuts
Location: San Diego, CA
Daisy Henson, also known as Curly Daze, is the owner of The Daze Studio curly hair salon in San Diego, CA. Renowned for her beautifully shaped and transformative curly cuts, Curly Daze is not only a talented stylist but also a hair educator for Cosmo Prof. Her expertise has earned her a spot in Modern Salon's Top 100 for 2020.
Follow them on Instagram: @curlyhairdaze
Huetiful Hair Salon: The 4 Healthy Hair Pillars
Locations: Arlington, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Chicago, and Atlanta
Huetiful Hair Salon, founded by Ken Burkeen, is dedicated to introducing clients to "The 4 Healthy Hair Pillars" of cleansing, hydrating, conditioning, and strengthening. They specialize in helping women and men transition from chemically damaged hair to embracing their natural textures.
Follow them on Instagram: @huetifulsalon
Taji Salon: Unlocking the Creative Potential of Natural Hair
Location: Raleigh, NC
Taji Salon is a haven for natural hair styling and braiding. Their team of trained natural hair professionals is passionate about helping clients reach their hair goals. Understanding the creative potential of natural hair, Taji Salon not only styles, cuts, and colors hair but also holds workshops for those eager to learn more about their natural hair.
Follow them on Instagram: @tajisalon
Fabulocs Salon: For Kinky and Coily Textures
Location: Capitol Heights, MD
Fabulocs Salon is one of the most sought-after natural hair salons on the East Coast, specializing in kinky and coily textures. All their stylists undergo thorough evaluation, testing, and training to meet Fabulocs' professional standards. In addition to providing exceptional styling, Fabulocs prioritizes educating customers about their natural hair.
Follow them on Instagram: @fabulocsnaturalhair
More Than Curly: Embracing Natural and Chemical-Free Hair
Location: Aurora, CO
More Than Curly, founded by Melissa and Jason Vaz, is a natural and chemical-free salon dedicated to helping clients embrace their curls. As stylists and educators, they prioritize maintaining the integrity of natural hair and avoid services that may alter curl patterns and cause damage. More Than Curly's commitment to educating clients has earned them a spot in Elle Magazine's Top 100 Salon list.
Follow them on Instagram: @morethancurly
Hair Rules: Celebrating the Beauty of All Textures
Location: Manhattan, NY with pop-ups in LA
Hair Rules, founded by Anthony Dickey (also known as the Texture Guru), is dedicated to celebrating hair in all its natural textures. Anthony's extensive knowledge on texture care and his book "Hair Rules! The Ultimate Hair Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair" have empowered and educated countless individuals. Hair Rules continues to be a source of education and inspiration for curlies everywhere.
Follow them on Instagram: @hairrules
A Natural Affair: Pioneering Hair Care
Location: Jackson, TN
Takeisha Berry-Brooks, the mastermind behind A Natural Affair, is a pioneer in hair care. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in caring for clients with chemically processed and natural hair. Takeisha's expertise has been recognized by Essence Magazine, naming her one of the '25 Most Beautiful and Inspiring Black Women in the World.' A Natural Affair Salon has also earned a spot on Essence's Top 30 Salons in the US list.
Follow them on Instagram: @anaturalaffair1
Diaspora Salon: Preserving Diasporic Cultures through Hairdressing
Location: Baltimore, MD
Diaspora Salon, founded by Yasmine Young, is a haven for naturally curly and coily hair. Yasmine, a Level 3 Master Deva Certified Stylist, is passionate about preserving and continuing Diasporic cultures and heritages through hairdressing. Their services include advanced curly hair cuts, curl discovery, advanced color services, holistic hair care, and professional and consumer education.
Follow them on Instagram: @diasporasalon
LunaBella Makeup & Hair Salon: Transformative Deva Cuts
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
LunaBella Makeup & Hair Salon, co-founded by Christin Brown (aka Curlfactor), specializes in transformative Deva Cuts and Pintura color. As a Level 3 Master Deva Certified Curl Specialist, Christin has styled the natural hair of celebrities like Yara Shahidi and Tamera Mowry. She takes pride in educating her clients on how to bring out the best in their curls.
Follow them on Instagram: @curlfactor
Supporting and celebrating Black natural hair stylists and salons is a crucial step towards inclusivity and breaking down the barriers experienced by those with natural hair. By following and supporting these talented individuals and establishments, we can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive beauty industry.
