Black & Biracial Hair - Adults & Teens

Good hairdresser for natural black hair

May 2008

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good hair person for natural African-American hair?

I used to wear my hair down and curly before the baby (with the help of Curly Pudding and about an hour a week spent applying and drying) and now wear it back all the time. My hair is somewhere between chin and shoulder length--depending on the product and the shrinkage and I haven't chemically processed it or even flat-ironed it in recent memory. My hair is straighter (now can see a pen-spring size curl) than it was pre-pregnancy, but I don't know what to do with it.

I went to a salon recommended for curly hair and was told point-blank that they don't do ''my kind of hair.'' Okily dokily, but who does do my kind of hair and can do it without a lot of heavy products?

Any recommendations appreciated! In Need of Hairapy

Not sure where you are located or if you are willing to travel, but I have a fantastic stylist who does (my) kinky African American hair. His name is Willie Goodwin, and he works at Mane Attraction in San Francisco. 103 Cole Street, 415.753.5500. He works weekday afternoon and evenings. Like you, I haven't straightened my hair in many years, and he's kept it looking good at lots of different lengths, in different styles. Good luck!! Love my nappy hair

If you're willing to come to El Sobrante, I'd recommend Ramona at Cross Cuts on Appian Way near San Pablo Dam Rd. She's African American, so I'm assuming she'd know what she's doing with black hair. I'm white and I love how she does my hair. My whole family goes to her. The phone number is 222-7725. Plus, she's totally reasonably priced. Happy Hair

I suggest you try a salon called Nappy or Not in Oakland near Lake Merrit. It's at 411 E. 18th St. and the phone number is 510/835-7838; you should ask for the proprietor -- Rhonda Glenn -- to do your hair. I have been going to Nappy or Not for about 6 years now. I don't wear my hair natural -- I have a light relaxer and get it flat ironed -- but many (perhaps most) folks who go to ''Nappy or Not'' have natural hair (thus the name). I'm confident that Rhonda will do a great job for you. That being said, please be prepared to wait about a half-hour for your appointment -- things do get backed up as with many ethnic salons where various processes and styles can take longer than expected.

On another note, I'm so sorry for your somewhat bad experience at a salon that didn't do your/our type of hair; you really do have to stick to ethnic salons (black, latina, Middle East) when it comes to getting good results because they really seem to be the only folks who recognize and can work with the huge variety of textures in ''black'' hair -- from almost bone straight to waves, spiral curls, bushy curls, curly 'fros, etc. Moreover, many non-ethnic salons *think* they can work with ''black'' hair -- and are anxious to capitalize on the money to be made in this area -- but have no idea what they are doing: You could leave one of these places with seriously damaged hair; let them try and hone their skills on someone else's head. Good luck. nette 

Relaxing/texturizing black hair

June 2003

I recently moved from S.F. to the East Bay and am looking for a quality salon/stylist that is experienced in relaxing/texturizing black hair - preferably someone at a salon (as opposed to a neighborhood beauty parlor type establishment). I checked the website, but the posts only referenced a couple of salons and only talked about ''thermal relaxers.'' I am interested in the traditional relaxer/texturizer. Many thanks.

Recommendation received:

• Right Angle Berkeley

Color for African American Hair

January 2003

Can anyone out there recommend a good colorist that works on african american hair? Location is not an issue. Thank you. cd

For the last 5 or so years, I have been getting my hair cut, colored, texturized and occasionally highlighted by Stacy Curns at The Right Angle salon in Oakland. I think it's on Forest Ave., at the intersection with College. The number is (510) 420- 8447. There are two Stacys at the salon; follow the voicemail prompt to get Stacy Curns' voicemail. Stacy is excellent! She is on time, your appointment time is yours alone, and you don't have to spend the whole day in the salon. She's probably not the least expensive, but she's worth it! Tell her Noel sent you. Noel

Ron Pernell Hair Studios 415-543-5201 Ron is the best. He is a good person with a fun Studio. He may be a little pricey but, he is worth it. Good Luck Markel