We're not sure which is more of a challenge, the courage to go for the big chop or the task of finding a stylist who is acquainted with afro, kinky and multitextured hair. 3c to 4c hair requires a specific type of hair dressing and technicality and that's not always easy to find.
Of the 35, 000 registered hair salons in the UK, only 302 cater to Afro-Caribbean hair. This means that 1% of all salons are serving the 10% of the population with kinky-curly and multitextured hair.
So, to laud the places that do afro hair and do it well, we’ve curated some of the best salons across the UK that specialise in cutting, styling, braiding and weaving. From Scotland to Manchester and all corners of London, we’ve checked the reviews, prices, locations and services so you can get back to deep-conditioning in peace.
Click through to read our selection...
Chop-Chop
Best for Cut and Style
Chop-Chop prides itself on diversity, experience and price. Located in Old Street station, they offer a set fee of £20 for 20 minutes of dry styling on any length and texture of hair. Their menu includes dry cutting, styling and braiding with booking services online and through their app. Ask for head stylist, Sherman. He is Vidal Sassoon-trained and an expert in cutting and styling afro textured hair. If Old Street is a bit out of reach, they are set to expand with two new salons in north and west London by the end of July.
St Agnes Well TfL Tunnels Old Street Station, London EC1Y 1BE
Martyn Maxey
Best for Relaxing and Silk Press
Martyn Maxey has been in the hair business for over 20 years, launching his eponymous salon in 1991. The luxury hairdresser located in Marylebone specialises in Afro-Caribbean and multitextured hair, starting at £59 for a cut, shampoo and style. Here's what the founder had to say: "Afro hair salons are often seen as separate but London has a mixture of people so that is unnecessary. You wouldn't have a separate salon for Indian hair or South American hair. At Martyn Maxey, we do all textures of hair under one roof. We source Afro-Caribbean hair specialists and offer services from relaxing to colouring, cutting, canerows and weaves that other salons in central London don't even touch."
Adornment365
Best for Locs (Real & Faux), Afro Cuts and Colour
Adornment365 has been serving loc'd and natural hair clients for 10 years. As a dedicated salon for afro hair, all stylists are qualified to level 3 with a deep knowledge and understanding of how afro hair behaves across all its various textures. A curly trim starts at £18.50 for 30 minutes, while a full head of bleach costs £65. The Adornment team recently styled Wunmi Mosaku for her debut as Idris Elba's detective partner in Luther series 5.
Inspire Beauty
Best for Hair & Beauty Under One Roof
Founded in 2009, Inspire Beauty is a dedicated space for afro, mixed-race and multitextured hair. All team members have at least five years of experience and are led by award-winning stylist, Lisa, who has been in the business for over 20 years. They charge a reasonable £10 for a basic afro trim and are well versed in styling short natural 'fros, transitioning from relaxed to natural or vice versa, hair extensions and colouring. Inspire Beauty also offers nail and beauty treatments, including lash lift and tint, waxing and shellac manicures.
GlamGorgeous
Best for Weaves and Braiding
When visiting GlamGorgeous, ask for Gege, the natural hair supremo of Manchester. Based in Levenshulme, Gege has over two decades of experience working with all hair types. GlamGorgeous is the place to go for natural-looking weaves and a wide variety of braid styles, including box braids, canerows, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, Marley twists and tree braids. A cut and style goes for £20, while a full lace front installation is priced at £150. The salon also offers mobile services and is flexible to meet you at home, work or make hotel visits.
Sen Style
Best for Keratin Treatments and Protective Styles
When Nina launched Sen Style, there were no professional salons for kinky-curly hair in the Woolwich area. She specialises in afro trims starting at £15 as well as relaxing, keratin treatments, weaves and protective styles, backed by 13 years of experience. She told us: "My hair is natural and I love to promote natural options, especially quality keratin treatments that make hair more manageable."
Estate Hair Salon
Best for Braiding, Locs and 4c Styling
"I was self-taught in Nigeria. During lunchtime and after school, my friends and I would braid each other's hair, and from then hair has become a passion of mine." That's Ify Oweka, one of the founders of Estate Salon. She knows what she's talking about and has been doing hair for over 18 years, 11 of those in the UK. The salon offers cutting services, braiding, weaves, and locs with curly cuts starting at £20. "There are so many different types of braids and styles, so in order to tick each customer's wants and needs, I like to learn as much as I can," says Ify.
Beauty Splendour
Best for Braids and Hair Extensions
Beauty Splendour, founded by Promise, is a KM Hair Extension certified salon based in Glasgow. They have been braiding, weaving and installing 100% Remy hair extensions for over 15 years. Their most popular offering, box braids, starts at £60, depending on length.
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