African textured hair is so beautifully complex. Women who were born with coils, kinky, curly or wavy hair in a bone straight world all have a hair story. For some it’s one of joy and for others a tale of challenge.
Hair choices run the gamut! For natural hair fans there are wash and go afros, twists, bantu knots, dreadlocks, braids and more. Ladies who go for straight hair may rock a doobie, wrap, blow out, relaxed or flat iron style. Fans of extensions may rock with weaves that can be in any texture, wigs and braids in any length. Those hair weaves may be glued, sewn or rolled in. There are books, blogs and youtube channels devoted to natural hair care.
So, where do you go in the Big Apple to have your naturally textured, goddess-given tresses styled? This is not a simple decision. Although a “fro” may appear to be tougher, the hair of people of African descent tends to be much more susceptible to breakage.
Whether you are visiting NYC on vacation or reside in the Tri-state area, this list of resources has you covered. Here’s how to take care of all of your natural hair care needs in the “city that never sleeps.” This comprehensive list includes stylists, beauty supply spots, locticians, braiders and barbers.
The Afrigenix team is trained in natural hair techniques and vocabulary. They even do weaves as protective styling and work with green products like shea butter. If you need to keep up on your supply of Afrigenix goodies like their healthy hair balms and signature Aloe Leaf Oil, you can order online from anywhere in the world. This natural care salon also does coloring and relaxers.
Afrigenix is located at 212 West 79th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway on the Upper West Side. For an appointment call (212) 873-0688.
Everyone knows that Harlem is the place for West African style braids. Aminata’s beats the competition around the city in price and speed. Usually one can expect to spend all day in a salon for a look of box braids, micro braids or Senegalese twists. Not at Aminata’s Hair Braiding. People come from all around the area based on reputation alone. If you’re worried about hair breakage, the braiders here will be gentle if you just let them know your concerns.
Find Aminata’s at 360 West 125th Street between Morningside Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue in Uptown Manhattan. There is no appointment necessary and they do not accept credit cards. For more information call (212) 932-0433.
Khamit Kinks
Khamit Kinks in Brooklyn is so dedicated to the beauty of African hair that the owner Anu Prestonia co-produced a film called ” In Our Heads About Our Hair .” The project addresses misconceptions around hair known as “nappy.” They also have locticians and barbers on staff and specialize in natural hairstyles for brides and wedding parties. This “beauty parlor” also has a great gallery of style photos on their website to prepare you for your visit.
Khamit Kinks is at 400 Atlantic Avenue between Hoyt and Bond Streets in Boerum Hill. For an appointment call (718) 422-2600.
Where else?
If you’re looking to meet up with other women to talk about “black hair” the blog Kinky Curly Coily Me hosts NYC Natural Hair Meetups . The elegant Hair Styling by Joseph in Midtown East is known for their fierce flat iron skills. In the Carol’s Daughter shops in Brooklyn and Harlem you can find ethnic hair care products like the Black Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner. Maritza House of Beauty and Turning Heads Day Spa and Salon are also great Uptown resources.
