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When it comes to getting my hair done I, like most African Americans I know, need it. It's not like we are addicted to it (or maybe we are), but we want and need our hair to look "right". When I first moved to Paris over ten years ago, that was one of my first missions: finding a good hair salon that did black hair, specifically African-American hair. I had just moved from New York City and I had been spoiled!
I was a customer at one of the best hair salons in the city, which is located in Harlem. This salon was fabulous because the entire staff was talented. I say talented because that's exactly what they were. Sadly, I don't think the salon exists anymore because I've tried to look it up several times. But at this salon, I had real customer service in which they even kept a file on me to make sure I was getting exactly what I needed each time. They could cut and style. They could color. They could treat damaged hair with great success. To top it off, they could braid, weave in ten different ways, cornrow- you name it.
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 long 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.
167, rue Saint Martin
Paris 3rd
M° Rambuteau (ligne 11)
M° Etienne Marcel (ligne 4)
Telephone: 01 42 76 07 90
One of Prissy Mag's readers from Manhattan read this article and luckily for us, she was nice enough to write and give us a new recommendation for our list: Maria Dolores Institute. I previously had no knowledge of this salon. I had no idea it existed.
Maria is Dominican and has been living in Paris for several years. African-Americans coming from NYC especially know that Dominicans "can really do some hair" as my girlfriend would say. The salon is conveniently located in Le Maris. It's small but completely adequate and well organized. The atmosphere is professional but also relaxed, especially when it comes to the music. You'll be snapping your fingers and singing along in Spanish. The thing I most appreciate is that as soon as you arrive at your RDV you are taken care of. You have no time to read a magazine. You are in and out in one hour if you have a shampoo. If you get a conditioner, it's 90 minutes tops. Maria's hair products include: Alter Ego Italy and Sebastian, Loreal and Mizani.
The lady who washed my hair was thorough and asked questions and gave good hair advice. The lady who blew-out my hair was quick and effective. Prices are extremely reasonable too: around 35 euros for a wash, with a conditioner around 52 euros.
Bottom Line: A very good address.
 Polished Hair Salon
Locale: 76-78 Ave. Champs Elysées
Metro: Geoge V
Tel: (33).1.43.59.31.48
www.polishedhaircare.blogspot.com
Owned by Nicole Pembrook, an American hairdresser from San Francisco. This salon has expertise in hair extensions, cutting, straightening, the permanent blow dry, colouring techniques, eyebrows, and flat iron curling. For Nicole, Polished Hair Care is more than a hair salon. It is a sanctuary where women of all origins can experience professionalism and tailor-made services.
Pros: A very experienced team, great products, perms, conditioners, advice, and much more. Easy, central location.
Bottom line: A good salon with a good staff. Their shampoo is the best I've ever had. DO make an appointment beforehand and DO be on time as the salon get busy.
 Salon Mark Clément
Locale: 58 rue Volta, 3rd arrondissement
Metro: Temple or Arts et Metiers
Tel: (33).1.40.27.03.27
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.
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.
(You must reserve however if you are getting a weave.)
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.fr
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 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).1.42.56.02.57
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. You must make an appointment.
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!
*Originally written in 2005, this list was updated July 2010.
Priscilla Lalisse-Jespersen 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.
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