When you think of Columbia, SC, you see the state capital or maybe the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Many people do not see the buzzing nightlife or the busy daytime activities at the State building and, of course, tourists wandering about looking at historical attractions.
One thing you sure won't miss is how well-kept the women are, in terms of their hairdos. That's because there are many highly-rated hair salons in Columbia, SC, that genuinely give professional treatment to their clients. The city has as many salons as others four times or more its size.
Beauty, particularly the hair, is something that both men and women do not take lightly as the men pop in pretty often to get trimmed and shaved or have their hair styled.
Half the women in a recent national survey say they go to the salon at least once per month to maintain their hair.
In Columbia, it's no different, and beauty salons are often full. It is for dual reasons, though, as the salons have many professional stylists, with only one rated less than 3.5 stars. The average rating is 4.2 stars.
If you just moved to the city or you're visiting, here's a comprehensive guide to hair salons in Columbia.
Find Hair Salons Near You: Columbia’s Stylists
One hundred and ten licensed hair salons are in place to serve the Columbia, SC, population of over one hundred and thirty-three thousand.
Most of the top-rated salons are in the Arsenal Hill area, in Five Points, and two are located in Forest Acres.
Finding an excellent beauty salon that will make you go home smiling is often a hit and miss. However, when you're in a city like Columbia, where the reviews are great, and even the lowest rating is not a bad rating, the chances of a miss are slim to none.
In looking for a decent salon, the first thing that you should consider is the rating followed by the price. High price doesn't always mean good, and low doesn't always mean bad, but we know that high-end salons hire skilled stylists and usually yield great results.
You should, however, be mindful of your budget and look for a good rating with moderate pricing. Read some reviews to see if they have depth instead of just a random useful experience review or stars with no comments.
In Columbia, many salons have websites allowing you to see samples of work they've done, the general environment, services, and, of course, pricing. If you're not internet savvy, that's cool; call the salon you're interested in as most salons will give you phone quotes.
You will find many affordable hair salons but keep in mind that you should adjust for hair and scalp treatment if the hairdresser believes it is required.
There are a few upscale salons like Shear Xpectations that are super pricey but deliver excellent service hence the nearly five-star rating. Competent hairstylists are accessible for every category of hair across the city.
The diversity is great there, too, in terms of unisex and multicultural salons. There is an apparent fad in Columbia, as with many other municipalities; most hair salons are doubling as beauty salons/spas. This means they offer spa benefits and sometimes skin health treatments.
Here's a look at the various hair salon stylings and treatments in Columbia.
The obsession with beauty has become so much that businesses offering various services often have a beauty corner. Salons are no different as most of those in Columbia, SC, have wide-ranging beauty care offerings in addition to their hair styling.
Adults and children alike can benefit from the services at most salons. Treatments available include facials, different types of massage, manicures and pedicures.
A lot of salons in Columbia, SC, have also been introducing tanning services to their clients. Bridal parties can go in for the full works at multiple salons.
They get all the necessary preparations for the big day done together and under one roof.
Be aware that done salons only do basic treatments unlike those who have licensed therapists and a full-blown spa area adjoining the hair salon. Most of them are affordable and many have their services and costs listed online.
All-Natural Hair: Salons with the Right Skillset
Natural hair is not the easiest to handle, whether white or Black; you'd better believe it; however, these Columbia stylists utilize the proper products to conform to your hair fiber. They also teach you how to regulate your curls and prevent kinks until your next visit.
Since the climate can get very hot at times and wickedly cold the next, stylists assist with keeping your hair at the right moisture level to look professional after any weather condition you're faced with (except a storm).
Many of the natural hair salons in Columbia are in the downtown area of the city. Whatever texture hair you have, some skilled hairstylists evaluate your hair entirely for breakage and any other deterioration, then propose a set of treatments if needed.
Meanwhile, according to traditional wisdom, no one could style an African American woman’s hair other than another black woman. Salons used to be (some still are) as segregated or even more than the church.
That is a fast dying scene of one race converging at a salon. Walk into any Columbia salon, and you'll find many cultures represented and have the training to treat each other's hair properly.
Places knew to be historically Black or white or fast disappearing. Both Black- and white-owned beauty establishments are hiring a more distinct set of stylists.
All hair salons in Columbia are Black hair salons, meaning they all cater to every hair type. However, not all of them may deliver the same quality level, which is why you should read the reviews to see which say a particular stylist doesn't know how to handle Black/white hair.
It is your responsibility to check the ratings and reviews.
Those who concentrate more on Black hair maintenance do coloring, perms, braids, afro, cornrows, hair extensions, and so much more. Divine Textures Holistic Hair Care is a great choice.
It's vital to let the stylist know what product you recently used in your hair so they can make a knowledgeable determination about the perfect products for you.
Sometimes you may need a serious treatment ahead of getting styled, and they need to know what you previously used.
Natural salons offer care for Afro hair, which has been on the rise in recent years. Many Black women seem to be wearing the natural look, especially afro-styling.
If you're trying this hairstyle, pay attention to what you're told because it is high-maintenance. It looks simple but has to be appropriately protected.
Many stylists in Columbia do not want you to wash your hair before calling upon them for styling. This is because they know the types of products they use and how they work with each other, and worry it may conflict with what you used at home.
Hair Salons to Deal with Tight (or Loose) Curls
Thousands of women in Columbia have curly hair, and most salons are prepared with specialists trained to handle your hair type.
The salons use great products to augment, instead of changing your curls. A lot more women have been taking on their natural curls.
Once you let the stylist exhibit the numerous ways to strengthen your curls, you'll be even better able to deal with your hair.
The types of curly hair are wavy, curly, and coily. Whatever your curl level is, the stylists can deal with it.
Needing Braiding? Hair Salons that Provide the Service
More than 80 stylists are accessible to provide you with any braiding style that you wish to wear. Whether you want long braids, short braids, micro braids, or rope twists, there's a hairdresser who can do an excellent job for you.
You can bank on the beautician to express their aptitude on your hair or advise them specifically about what you'd like to get done. Several of the hair braiding salons are north of the city in Arcadia Lakes.
The hairdressers install the braids tight because it makes the style look neater and last longer. However, if you're uncomfortable wearing it tight but want the hairstyle, keep in mind that it will not last the typical time. The hairdresser can online you but don't blame them when it starts getting loose in a week or two.
Ready to get your hair done? If you don't know definitely what hairstyle you like, ask some questions or have confidence in your hairstylist that they can use their expertise to create you a masterpiece hairstyle.
Remember that most salons have excellent ratings, suggesting that they have specific techniques down pact and comprehend their career sufficiently.
Even if you're having an awful hair day, they'll be pleased to take care of your hair as it facilitates them to substantiate their ratings. Enjoy your transformation.