It was a total salon, which means, they did everything. Atlanta is another city where all of this is possible. Black women in Atlanta do not leave home unless their ‘do is thoroughly done. Every time I go back home to visit, I’m in one of these salons. Okay, enough about these places, but I wanted you to know what I had, to further explain what I’m looking for.

Finding a total salon here has not been an easy job. Sure, Paris is the fashion capital of the world, but it is not the hair capital, at least not for African Americans. I’ve gotten a few tips from different people, but it still remains a challenge for most. I have friends who have just cut it all off, out of frustration in not finding a good salon or stylist. I admire that choice, but I don’t think I could carry off that look. My face isn’t the right shape. Okay, the truth, I’m too attached to my hair to cut it all off. I’ve tried braids too, because there are lots of African ladies here who do great braids, but that’s not for me either.

In my eight year search to find the all around hair salon that does black hair covering all the aspects-shampooing, styling, perms, relaxers and great products, I guess I’m almost satisfied. Here’s what I’ve found so far. I consider these to be good addresses and though they are all slightly different, I would recommend all of them. As the prices are just about the same for all the places listed, I’ve not gone into specifics. Please keep in mind your own expectations when choosing a salon, as they may not be the same as mine of course.

Salon Mark Clément

Locale: 58 rue Volta, 3rd arrondissement

Metro: Temple or Arts et Metiers

Tel: (33).1.40.27.03.27

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.salonmarkclement.com

I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic when I met another Parisian who recommended this salon to me. Thank goodness! Mark is an African-American who hails from Los Angeles. The manager, Bruno, is French but speaks English fluently, so don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment if

you don’t speak French. The products are fantastic in this salon

also- most of the same used to in the U.S., like Revlon, Affirm,

etc. Mark does perms really well, and is heavily into hair care.

He actually takes the time to explain what he’s doing to your

hair, and why. The location is easy to find, and the salon is

brand new. You feel good here. It’s like going back home in a

way.

Bottom line: I highly recommend this one. If you go, you’ll more than likely see me in a chair.

Célianthe Coiffure

Locale: 48 rue Fbg. Monmarte, 9th arrondissement

Metro: Le Peletier

Tel: (33).1.47.70.70.42

This is supposed to be the oldest Black hair salon in Paris.

Pros: Their products are familiar-Optimum, Dark and Lovely,

etc. They do braids and weaves as well, and it’s a nice, modern

salon.

Cons: The welcome is not as warm as the other places,

and this salon takes walk-ins only, so I had to wait a long time.

I didn’t receive any advice about my hair or its condition

either.

Bottom line: I’d go back if I were in a pinch.

Hairy Taj Coiffure

Locale: 111 rue Quincampoix-3rd arrondissement

Metro : Etienne Marcel

Tel: (33).1.42.77.52.92

www.hairytaj.com

Taj is a wonderful stylist who has trained in the United

Kingdom and the United States, and he is constantly traveling

to different hair shows and workshops to keep his skills tight.

His work is often featured in hair magazines, and he works

with several local artists, but he’s very down-to-earth and

accessible. The salon is a multi-service salon, offering

everything from weaves, to relaxers and coloring. Taj is also

specialized in treating natural hair, but has products for all hair

types.

Bottom line: A really good address.

Univers Phytos

Locale: 109 rue Faubourg-St. Honoré-8th arrondissement.

Metro: St. Philippe de Roule

Tel: (33).1.45.22.13.14

www.phytospecific.com

My stylist in Atlanta swears by the phytospecific line, which

includes a relaxer without chemicals and all natural plant-based

products. Appointments must be made in advance for

this ultra-clean and chic salon, which is why you won’t have

any waits when you arrive. A great salon for people with

certain (wavy) hair textures.

The only con: A little pricy, and

again, the relaxer is good for certain textures of hair only.

Bottom line: Depends on your hair type.

Kanellia Hair

Locale: 66 av. Champs Elysées-8th arrondissement

Metro: Franklin Roosevelt

Tel: (33).1.42.56.89.30

www.kanellia.com

Kanellia is another salon that specializes in its own natural,

plant-based products. The founder, Ms. Sandrine Jeanne-Rose,

has also created her own line of beauty products for Black skin.

Besides doing hair, the salon also offers massages, facials and

other beauty treatments. Walk-ins are welcome, but

appointments are appreciated. The salon is located in one of

the galleries or mini-shopping centers on the Champs Elysées.

Look for the number ‘66’ and walk all the way to the back of

the gallery, then take a right and you’re there. Please note: I

was not able to get my hair done here, but it was

recommended by several people.

Possible Cons: No weaves or

braids done here if that’s what you need, and they only use

Kanellia products.

Bottom line: Again, depends on your hair type and what

you’re looking for.

Well, that’s my list! I’ll have an updated on soon because I’ve just heard about some new salons and I’ll definitely be checking them out for you. Good luck ladies!

Priscilla Lalisse moved to Paris from New York City in 1999. In addition to be the Editor and Founder of Prissy Mag, she is the author of the novel STOCKDALE . For her complete bio, please click here.

Comments (3)

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.