Taking care of your hair is always a priority, assuming that you like looking good. Because hair styling and cutting are so important, many people will stick with the same salon for years. Once you've found someone who can give you the look you love, why go anywhere else?
If you live in Richmond, Virginia, you have plenty of options for hair salons. This article will break down the different types of salons in the city and where you can find them.
Hair Salons in Richmond, VA
When it's time to get your hair trimmed and styled, you will want to head north of downtown Richmond. There is a large cluster of beauty salons between W Broad Street and the Downtown Expressway, where you can find all kinds of stylists like at HAIR the Salon.
If you go southwest of Richmond, you should travel down Hull Street, where you can find multiple salons and barbershops. Some of these specialize in African-American hair, while others focus on more European styles.
Up North in Henrico, you can find Layers Hair Salon, which has been serving the community since 2000. It comes highly recommended by customers thanks to its team of high-quality barbers and stylists, who know how to make you look your best.
Natural Hair Salons Around the Local Area
The term "natural hair" typically refers to any hair that hasn't been treated with chemicals or other agents. However, while all hair can be considered natural, the phrase often refers to African-American hair. Because black people have naturally thick, textured hair, it can be more challenging to cut and style. Many individuals will opt for processed hair, such as weaves, wigs, and sew-ins.
So, a natural hair salon is one that specializes in styling natural African-American hair. This distinction is crucial, as many stylists aren't experienced with this hair type, or they may charge extra for it.
In Richmond, there are quite a few natural hair salons in the area. There is a cluster near the Museum District and another grouping along W Broad Street. If you go outside the city, you'll find multiple salons near the Midlothian Turnpike and the Chippenham Parkway intersection.
Looking for Salons Specializing in Black Hair?
Typically, African-American hair salons specialize in both natural hair (as discussed above) and processed hair. Many of these places can do cuts and styles of all kinds, making them an ideal choice for black customers.
Because these salons can cut and style natural hair, they are in the same areas. So, you can find them between Broad Street and the downtown expressway, over in the Museum and Historic Districts, and over by the Chippenham Pkwy.
Dominican hair salons are also popular for those with natural hair since these places can often do blow-outs and straighten even the thickest of curls. Best of all, Dominican hair salons are well-known for being affordable, making them even more in-demand.
Dominican salons are all throughout Richmond and the surrounding area, from Tuckahoe, Montrose, Bensley, and Wilkinson Terrace. There are also many in the downtown area and central Richmond.
Hair Braiding Salons
Hair braiding can be relatively complex, particularly for black customers. Whether the braids are done with natural hair or weaves, the process can take hours to complete. Because of this, you will want to find a salon that specializes in braids.
There was a time when braiding required a license, but Virginia rescinded that law back in 2012.
While the deregulation does mean that there are more braiding stylists, the quality can vary significantly between them. If you want the best results, we recommend going to a certified braider if possible.
Fortunately, many hair braiding salons in Richmond specialize in African-American hair. You can find these salons along Broad Street, U.S. Route 1, Hull Street, and many others. Keep in mind that since braiding can take a long time, you will need to make an appointment well in advance.
Get Your Hair Styled in Richmond
Regardless of your hair type, you can find a salon easily in Richmond and the surrounding area. Before choosing a salon, we highly recommend looking at user reviews to see what customers are saying. Also, make sure that they can handle your hair, whether it's curly, straight, or frizzy.
Finding the right hair salon matters, so choose wisely.