Hair salons have evolved over the years from wash and dry, a perm and sometimes color, to full-blown art.
Hairstylists in Houston have been upping their game by providing all the latest hair and beauty trends.
Many Houston salons go beyond hair and offer general cosmetic services like facials, waxing, skin, and nail care.
In fact, you now see beauty salons, parlors, or shops more often instead of the traditional hair salon.
Every culture, hair type, and style is represented across the state, as you'll find out in this guide to hair salons in Houston, TX.
Hair Salons in Houston
If you live in Houston or you're just visiting, you have the option of one hundred plus salons to choose from.
Whether you want a touch-up, makeover, or regular hair maintenance, color, styling, or perm, scores of hair experts are available to fulfill your hair care wish.
Houston is divided into so many districts, but most of the highest-rated salons have their establishment set up in downtown, midtown, or Houston Heights.
However, as far west as Alief, near Hong Kong City Mall, or north to Forrest Lake, you'll still have access to quality hair care in Houston.
When searching for a salon downtown, each block in the region of the civic center or west of the Central Business District, are beauty salons ready to serve people caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Space City.
Some of the beauty treatments you can receive at hair/beauty salons in Houston include spa treatments like reflexology and aromatherapy, facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, and other types of hair removal.
What is happening now in Houston is that you can go to a hair salon to get a full treatment from head to toe instead of just going in to get your hair done.
Most men and women appreciate that they do not have to go to multiple places to get beauty treatments.
Here's a breakdown of the types of salons available in Houston.
Natural Hair Salons: “Clean” Products + Ethnic Hair
Natural hair salons like Coney's cater to men and women of any ethnicity who do not have any forms of chemical products in their hair.
However, not all natural hair salons in Houston can handle hair from every culture. Therefore you have to call in to ask if it is not specified on a salon's website.
It's essential as well to read the reviews to avoid leaving a salon disappointed. Not all natural hair is created equal.
It's excellent to note that salon owners have made a consistent effort to hire versatile stylists proficient in washing, treating, and styling every type of natural hair.
They now cater to white, Black, Asian, curly, afro, and even those who want to install extensions.
Prices for natural hair salons vary because natural hair is often complicated to maintain. Over time, most salons have come up with various products that may work on multiple natural hair types.
This has reduced the difficulty in deciding what hair products to use and helps them avoid multiple tries to figure out the correct product for specific hair types.
Many of the stylists teach the clients how to tame their hair to prevent their hair from getting flaky in between their hair care treatments.
The climate in Houston can be scorching, and soul stylists use products that will keep the natural hair intact, especially on sweltering days.
Black Hair Salons: Twists, Braids, Weaves + More
Many African American women choose to have their hair taken care of at Black salons as they believe the stylists have a better understanding of their hair type and products to use.
While there are many various salons, not all of them come with stylists who have the expertise to deal with Black hair.
Dominican knots are very prominent in Houston Black hair salons. Many Dominican salons attract a large clientele as they are known for great styling and general hair care.
Many women go in for hair extensions of various colors, lengths, and styles. Getting hair locks is also popular as many women can't bother with the daily hair care routines.
The stylists have improved with styling locks and can do them in buns, twists updos, and many more styles.
In recent years though, afros have again become trendy, and a lot of women wear it partially, like a mohawk or a full head of hair.
Some hairstylists add streaks or beads. A lot of people like having cornrows to one side of their head while the rest hangs down or stays up in an afro look.
Most Black hair salons in Houston are literally in a semi-circle around the city, from Champion Forest up north, several along the west side all the way down to South Acres/Crestmont Park.
Curly Hair Salons with a Twist
Many people find it hard to handle their hair because it's very curly or wavy, or even kinky at times.
They are among hundreds or even thousands of women in Houston who struggle with styling their curly hair.
Fortunately, there are many stylists at the various salons in Houston trained to handle curly hair specifically.
Stylists take the time to explain curly hair products and ways that women with curly hair can take care of their hair between salon visits.
Ever occur to hear the first, so you must find out if your hairstylist has previous experience with your hair type.
Find out from them the type of products that they normally use to make sure that it's nothing that you previously had issues with.
The curly hair types are coyly curly wavy and even sometimes straight curls. Curls are defined based on their width and wave pattern.
Finding Experts at Hair Braiding Salons
Most natural hair salons and almost all Black hair salons offer hair braiding styles. There aren't any salons in Houston that focus totally on hair braiding.
Those available in the Space City are very talented and are able to give you all the latest hair braiding designs that you desire.
It doesn't matter if your hair has chemicals or if it's natural; they are usually able to braid it for you. You need to know that braids usually hold better in natural hair.
So if your hair has some perm in it, you can let the natural growth come up a little bit before going to a hair braiding salon. That way, it will hold better and last longer.
Most hair salons in Houston usually have magazines in place for you to choose the type of hairstyle that you would like.
If you're indecisive about what type of hairstyle you'd like, most stylists are professionals, and they can look at your face and determine what hairstyle will enhance it.
When getting your hair braided, it can be somewhat painful. Therefore if it is your first time, it may be more painful for you.
However, if you are not able to handle it, you can always ask the stylist to make it a little bit looser.
However, getting your braids done loosely means that the style will not be long term and you will have to remove the braids up to three weeks earlier than the norm.
Since all the hair braiding salons have great ratings, you will not have to worry about which one you select in Houston, as they will definitely take great care of your hair.
It is also important to make sure that a stylist treats your hair before braiding it so that your natural hair can stay healthy during the period it is not being brushed or combed.
Korean Hair Salons in Houston
Korean hair salons are prominent in Houston, TX. Most of them are situated on Bellaire Boulevard or Long Point Road.
However, you will find a few scattered across the city, and they are all highly recommended.
Korean salons do all Asian hair types and cater to both sexes, including children.
Many of them only cut and color, while others do perms, hair treatments, and an assortment of services.
If you're in the vicinity of the Houston Welcome Food center, then you're in luck, because a Korean salon will be right there.
Many of the Korean hair salons offer beauty and spa treatments in addition to hairstyling.
A well-known Asian salon is ML2 Hair Design, which has professional stylists and offers air perms.
Hair Color Salons: Foils, Balayage, Ombre + More
Many Houston salons have stepped up their game by having certified stylists who focus on hair color, which is in high demand there.
Some salons service the only center around styling and coloring: no hair treatments or perms.
Salons say that having a niche helps you get the service as close to perfect as possible, and customers have more confidence in stylists who are experts in a particular area.
Most color bars and salons are also cut and style. They do highlights, custom colors, and signature colors.
Balayage is very popular in Houston. It's a technique used during the coloring process that doesn't require the use of foils.
It's like an artist with his canvas painting away. When the colorist is finished, your hair color will blend much more superior and have a natural appearance.
Many people still do ombre highlights. The difference between ombre and balayage is that the latter is done vertically, while ombre goes across the hair.
In summary, Houston is very diverse when it comes to hairstyling and beauty; therefore, regardless of your hair type, a proficient stylist/beautician is always a few blocks or a short car trip away. Enjoy!