why are black hair salons so expensive?

i am terrified of doing my own hair and possibly screwing it up, making it shorter. i run 3 miles every other day so i like to be fresh every week.

That's part of the reason why they can get away charging certain prices. I'm kind of anti-salon, though. I don't think it's a random occurrence that my hair grew to my waist after I started taking care of it myself.
 
koolkittychick

A trim on blown out hair is still $100! I asked. I am not even sure what they charge for a hair cut but I know its more since they told me the trim price is less than the hair cut price.

My local salon where I got my last blow out charges $75 for a trim. I had no idea since she didn't do a trim for me last time. I was really shocked; however, she can cut curly hair so there would have been no need to flat iron.
 
Hey yall!

So for the last month, I've been going in weekly to get my hair done. Terrified of doing it myself and possibly breaking my hair for whatever reason, I thought that I'd spend the money weekly and get it done. I finally FINALLY found a salon that I like and a stylist that I can enjoy talks with and takes care of my hair.

The downside:


[*]The salon is all the way in Gaithersburg, MD, which is far from my house, okay? Gas ain't cheap!
[*]I wouldn't mind the drive if a basic wash and style wasn't $50!!
[*]I spent $80 on a relaxer (I get free protein treatments though!)


When I went to dominican salons, it was a good $35. That's a lot more affordable for a 20 something like myself that is already trying hard to budget and not go crazy financially.

How come black hair salons have to be so much more expensive then dominican salons? Is it the kind of products they use? I spend 3.5 hours and $50 a day in black salons vs 1.5 hours and $25-35 in dominican salons.

I'd go to the salon every week (as a treat to myself) if it wasn't so pricey. I just miss the bouncyness of my hair from my trip to the DS.

What Dominican salons were you going to the one I go to in silver springs is $40-50ish
 
I think most salons are expensive. I go with my white bff and her haircut is well over $100 every time. The only difference is there's free beer and wine or whatever.

When I lived in MD, I went to a salon on Rockville Pike near an Indian grocery. I think it was between Rockville and Bethesda. I would be in and out in about 15 mins, but I only went for trims/cuts. Generally they worked fast and it wasn't expensive.
 
naija24, I am salon dependent for relaxers only. I don't plan to change that either. I pay $65 for a touch up, protein treatment & style. There are other local salons that I've visited that charge $80-$100 for the same level of service. For me, it isn't about the cost. It is about finding the right stylist for my personality. I don't have the pleasure of being around Dominican salons and paying lower prices. Therefore, my experience is limited in that area. However, I'm willing to pay premium dollar for a stylist that listens and treats my hair with respect. Since cost is an issue, you must overcome your fears and learn to be a DIYer.
 
i know black folks got a problem with paying money for services, but have no problem spending a grip on something with some YT man's name on it, just to feel important...

shortdub78, I tend not to comment on these threads when stylists are being called out for their prices because it's not that important to me. Today I'm feeling free at the mouth :lol: so I will comment. I guarantee you this, if I was a stylist, I'd be charging the same or more for services. There is no way in heck that I will stand on my feet all day and not be compensated fairly. That's just my opinion on that. What annoys me far more than a stylist is doctor's offices. They stay overbooking and overcharging.
 
I like to treat myself once or twice a year to a salon service. Going to the salon is a choice. If you can't afford a certain salon than you need to find one you can afford and not try and figure out why they charge certain prices.

Average costs:

Hair school 20k
Tools: 1k
Products: varies
Rent or they only get a small amount from the service provided
Medical insurance
Taxes
401k
Etc....

If you are paying 50 for 3 hours that's about 16 a hour before any over head is covered.

After all that is paid, they get a profit from what is left. Whatever is left goes towards their personal bills. If the domincans are doing what you want for a lower cost why not stick with them?
 
i am terrified of doing my own hair and possibly screwing it up, making it shorter.

i run 3 miles every other day so i like to be fresh every week.

Buy on these the wick away the sweat during your runs.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/headband/SBS-543779,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair15&cm_vc=SEARCH

or this

http://www.sallybeauty.com/protecto...71DE-6BF7-5BD4-0B8F-D9C9E215A3B4&cm_vc=MYBUYS

ITA with the other ladies you'll be more empowered and save money, if you learn to do your own hair. The salon should be an option not a necessity!

You have both LHCF and YouTube as resources.

With you running 2-3 x a week your hair will grow back quickly due to the extra blood circulation to your scalp from working out.
 
well point me in their direction cuz all I see here is wig ladies, or braids, styles that I just don't like very much, just personal preference.

It would save me a ton of money to DIY because i'm at 200/mo on hair.

This sounds like an insult. Well we can't help you love your hair. If you don't mind me being blunt. What's the back story to your hair being short?

Sounds like you want your hair to grow longer w/o ever having to deal or see your new growth. You want to see progress while maintaining straight hair on a weekly basis. And have no responsibility over your hair to avoid any mistakes.

I'm no magician but the search engine is.
 
Oh, you need to go to a white salon, they charge up the yin yang. You may get out quicker but you paid twice as much. When my white friend paid 100 for a cut ONLY ( no blow dry, no style) left a 15 tip and left the salon with a wet head and a smile, I was shocked.
 
For the record... I dont think stylists are too expensive.... I just think they dont care about my hair enough... and I do a much better job taking care of my hair that I almost dont see the point except to get a special hair style cos I don't know how to flat iron/curl my hair to save my life...
 
Years ago a stylist and I spoke about the double booking thing. She mentioned that she double booked because clients cancel and/or reschedule frequently, therefore if she blocked time for one client and that client was a no-show for whatever reason, then that's money lost.

Buy on these the wick away the sweat during your runs.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/headband/SBS-543779,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair15&cm_vc=SEARCH

or this

http://www.sallybeauty.com/protecto...71DE-6BF7-5BD4-0B8F-D9C9E215A3B4&cm_vc=MYBUYS

ITA with the other ladies you'll be more empowered and save money, if you learn to do your own hair. The salon should be an option not a necessity!

You have both LHCF and YouTube as resources.

With you running 2-3 x a week your hair will grow back quickly due to the extra blood circulation to your scalp from working out.

Great suggestions MileHighDiva. I have the one without the pony insert. That thing fits snug. I'm waiting for it to loosen up a bit. I almost think my head is too big for it seeing how I have to fight to get it on every time I workout. :lachen:

I like to treat myself once or twice a year to a salon service. Going to the salon is a choice. If you can't afford a certain salon than you need to find one you can afford and not try and figure out why they charge certain prices.

Average costs:

Hair school 20k
Tools: 1k
Products: varies
Rent or they only get a small amount from the service provided
Medical insurance
Taxes
401k
Etc....

If you are paying 50 for 3 hours that's about 16 a hour before any over head is covered.

After all that is paid, they get a profit from what is left. Whatever is left goes towards their personal bills. If the domincans are doing what you want for a lower cost why not stick with them?

My Friend, I will have to run and hide after this comment but like seriously, I see some women walking up in the salon with two seconds of hair wanting these fancy styles that take forever to accomplish. I seriously would be compensated for that!!! :lol: It's these clients that get the stylist behind. I understand some stylists overbook by default but there's always one or two clients who want this or that and totally slows things up.

Your breakout sure sounds reasonable. I think one's perspective about cost and salary would differ if we were the stylist trying to earn a living. As the consumer, we always want things cheaper, faster and better but then be pissed when the outcome isn't quality. I firmly believe you get what you pay for.
 
naija24, Here is my 2 cents:
I only go to the salon for my relaxer touch-ups.I don't think you need to be spending that kind of money every week to get your hair done. Last August, I decided to go natural and did the BC. That lasted for about 5.5 months and I decided to go back to relaxers. My hair is currently a little longer than your hair is now. Wigs are a life saver for me now. I've been wearing wigs throughout my hair journey. I suggest taking a trip to a few bss in your area and try on different styles. This is one of the wigs that I'm currently wearing that I think would look real good on you:

Sensationnel bump wig "Urban Pixie"- See the YT video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=InMtjAH05CQ

I wash and DC my hair every week and sit under my hood dryer on a cool setting to dry it. I moisturize and seal twice daily-morning and night and apply a growth aid every night. Wigs are also good for working out, because you can co-wash during the week as needed and put on a wig and go. EASY BREEZY!! Save your money!

Lastly, spend some time on YT and research videos on molding/wrapping short hair. Here is one of my faves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=76-F3qPWC8k

I suggest investing in a hood dryer, a good foam wrap/set lotion (I use Nairobi brand), and some white neck strips from Sally's to keep your hair in place while under the dryer. I don't even use heat on my hair; no need to when you're rocking wigs. Your hair is at a length that in itself is a protective style. As long as you wash/DC weekly, moisturize and seal daily, limit heat on your hair, wear a satin bonnet or wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night, your hair will grow and you'll retain length. You'll be neck length in no time! Trust me, I've done it before. I went from an EL bob to SL in about 10 months by wearing wigs and taking care of my hair. :grin:
 
This sounds like an insult. Well we can't help you love your hair. If you don't mind me being blunt. What's the back story to your hair being short?

Sounds like you want your hair to grow longer w/o ever having to deal or see your new growth. You want to see progress while maintaining straight hair on a weekly basis. And have no responsibility over your hair to avoid any mistakes.

I'm no magician but the search engine is.

TheEspressoHair it's very rare for me to see people catch attitude on a forum in this day and age O_o it ain't 2001. anyway, it wasn't an insult. Many people here use braids, wigs, weaves, etc to protect their hair as it grows. I am not one of those people. I don't like any of those methods and my hair is short so I can't do buns or whatever. Yet it's at that point where it's grazing collars in the back which is annoying. Any suggestions on how to manage someone's ends with short hair like mine while growing it out would be very helpful.

As for the "Sounds like you want your hair to grow longer w/o ever having to deal or see your new growth." you need to relax and take a breather hun. It really is not that serious, I promise. I'm sorry that my post "offended" you in some way but it sounds like you were looking for a fight.

I've been natural many times. I can deal with new growth just fine. At one point I was stretching 3-4 months at a time. But I never had hair this short, I have a very busy schedule so I can't deal with 3-4 hour wash days and crap like some women on this forum (and if they can, more power to them).

I'm honestly amused if not shocked that you made such a crazy assumption about me from that one quote.
 
First, I'm so glad you want to take better care of your hair.

Second, stop going to a salon weekly and you're not deliriously happy.

You could do so much better at home!

What tools/products do you have?

Sent from my Comet using LHCF
\


sunnieb when I did my own hair when it was around CL/SL last year, I had SheaButter shampoo and conditioner, and a babylss flat iron to straighten it. I usually let it air dry if I had the time but if not, I'd sit under my dryer for an hour and listen to pandora. Good times! I do not have that luxury anymore sadly.

Now that my hair is crazy short, I have this .5 inch flat iron but it has no temperature control so I'm mildly afraid of it being too hot. I usually set my flat iron from before to lvl 5 out of 20 and did one pass through.

I also have Motions Wrapping Foam and the strips, cuz I saw my stylist do it, but it came out crazy lumpy LOL when i did it at home. Maybe it'll be easier post touch up? I don't know. I am willing to try it cuz I want to start saving up for my boyfriend's 30th birthday in July and that salon money could go to that.
 
Even though I love going to the salon and don't mind spending a nice chunk of change on my hair, I understand how it can get rough on our pockets sometimes.

I know you're nervous about doing your own hair, but I think if you invest in some good products and tools, you'll be fine. Developing a good technique is important too. I also think it would be better if you flat ironed once every two to three weeks instead. And make sure you deep condition every time.


Eta: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=665545&highlight=reniece

This was a thread started not too long ago with some really good flat ironing tips in it that I think may help you if you consider going the DIY route.
 
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judy4all well point me in their direction cuz all I see here is wig ladies, or braids, styles that I just don't like very much, just personal preference.

It would save me a ton of money to DIY because i'm at 200/mo on hair.

Well I posted a few links. Sounds like you only like your hair straight so you need to learn to wrap or use a straightener.
 
i am terrified of doing my own hair and possibly screwing it up, making it shorter.

i run 3 miles every other day so i like to be fresh every week.

I know this is not the answer you're looking for, but that why (the bold) I wear my hair in its natural state. Fitness is very important and I don't have time, energy, $$$ to maintain straight hair all the time.

Years ago a stylist and I spoke about the double booking thing. She mentioned that she double booked because clients cancel and/or reschedule frequently, therefore if she blocked time for one client and that client was a no-show for whatever reason, then that's money lost.



Great suggestions MileHighDiva. I have the one without the pony insert. That thing fits snug. I'm waiting for it to loosen up a bit. I almost think my head is too big for it seeing how I have to fight to get it on every time I workout. :lachen:



My Friend, I will have to run and hide after this comment but like seriously, I see some women walking up in the salon with two seconds of hair wanting these fancy styles that take forever to accomplish. I seriously would be compensated for that!!! :lol: It's these clients that get the stylist behind. I understand some stylists overbook by default but there's always one or two clients who want this or that and totally slows things up.

Your breakout sure sounds reasonable. I think one's perspective about cost and salary would differ if we were the stylist trying to earn a living. As the consumer, we always want things cheaper, faster and better but then be pissed when the outcome isn't quality. I firmly believe you get what you pay for.

Regarding the cancellation issue, that's why (almost all white) salons and spas charge anywhere between 50 - 100% service for no-shows or if a customer doesn't cancel or reschedule with a 24 hours notice. If you're more than 10-15 minutes late, there goes your appointment.
 
Dominican salons are indeed factories like prettyinpurple said. They pretty much only do one thing over and over, so it's easy to charge less money.


When you have someone that's highly skilled, you're going to pay more for their time. I don't think it's fair to say they are charging too much. There is a white high end salon near me that charges $140 for a relaxer. JUST the relaxer. No blow dry and style. :nono: Now THAT is too much.

I think the bigger issue here is that the majority of black salons charge a high price for less than favorable customer service. For the price they charge... you're in the waiting room/area for 45mins in an empty salon, to get a 3 hour press lol. Not to mention that, despite their skill, they tend to be either
scissor-happy or reluctant to give you the style you want.

They're exceptions to every rule (namely my beloved salon NiaNicole :look:)
But in my experience, for the price I paid at a white salon, I got a tall beverage, a scalp massage, a hand massage, a deep conditioner and a hot oil treatment for the fraction of the cost.

All I'm saying is...it wouldn't hurt if more black salons put more effort into their customer service to make us feel like were getting a better value. Show us some love ya know?
 
shortdub78 for the record, I have no problem paying for services. i just can't pay that much anymore. and i feel like black hair salons are super super pricey for what the experience is.

in other salons, it may charge more, sure, but i'm in and out in under 2 hours tops.

it's one thing to complain and want better customer service, but for someone like me that is in the beauty industry, i have very real and honest issue with black folks. black folks don't like to pay. when it comes to nails, makeup, hair, food, etc... black folks don't even begin to understand how much it cost to run a business and make a profit. and they are always looking for a hook up.
 
shortdub78

Wow, generalize much?
I hope for your sake that you don't have any Black clients.

it's one thing to complain and want better customer service, but for someone like me that is in the beauty industry, i have very real and honest issue with black folks. black folks don't like to pay. when it comes to nails, makeup, hair, food, etc... black folks don't even begin to understand how much it cost to run a business and make a profit. and they are always looking for a hook up.
 
it's one thing to complain and want better customer service, but for someone like me that is in the beauty industry, i have very real and honest issue with black folks. black folks don't like to pay. when it comes to nails, makeup, hair, food, etc... black folks don't even begin to understand how much it cost to run a business and make a profit. and they are always looking for a hook up.

Yes and no. I am more than willing good money for good service and atmosphere. Unfortunately, many shops want to charge to meet their profit margin but not provide the customer value that comes with that price. As a customer, I am worried about the perceived value of service not the owners bottom line. I am not going to pay salon price at a mom and pop shop. Waiting all day to get my hair done when I made an appointment and I was on time does not add value to my experience. Having you gossip on the phone the entire time you are on my head doesn't set the stylist up as a professional who should command a higher price. I've even had stylist have me sit in the chair while they finished up their lunch. All of that takes away from the value of the service. I don't care how skilled the stylist is- that isn't worth top pricing.
Someone who understands that they need to provide a service that matches their price point will always get my money. I expect not to have to spend 4 hours to get my hair done. I expect the products being used to be of high quality. I expect any personal phone call to be brief and infrequent. Those basic professional standards tend to be missing from black owned salons in my area. It doesn't mean the stylist weren't skilled, but it did mean they did not set themselves up do demand top dollar for their services.
 
shortdub78

Wow, generalize much?
I hope for your sake that you don't have any Black clients.

it's one thing to complain and want better customer service, but for someone like me that is in the beauty industry, i have very real and honest issue with black folks. black folks don't like to pay. when it comes to nails, makeup, hair, food, etc... black folks don't even begin to understand how much it cost to run a business and make a profit. and they are always looking for a hook up.[/QUOTE]

i will say 80% of the time i have AA clients that have a problem paying. always looking for a special, always want me to trim down my prices, always want freebies. i am a licensed professional. i have a degree in business. i have spent thousands on product and equipments. i have taken additional training classes and certifications. i have a family to feed. i am worth what i charge and i don't like what i do being discounted. it burns my soul when someone request my services, but start giving me a sob story how they can't afford me, so maybe i can work something out with them. Do folks do that with the YT man? do folks go into the white man's place of business and start complaining how he is charging too much? nope, you don't hear a peep.
 
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I think the bigger issue here is that the majority of black salons charge a high price for less than favorable customer service. For the price they charge... you're in the waiting room/area for 45mins in an empty salon, to get a 3 hour press lol. Not to mention that, despite their skill, they tend to be either
scissor-happy or reluctant to give you the style you want.

They're exceptions to every rule (namely my beloved salon NiaNicole :look:)
But in my experience, for the price I paid at a white salon, I got a tall beverage, a scalp massage, a hand massage, a deep conditioner and a hot oil treatment for the fraction of the cost.

All I'm saying is...it wouldn't hurt if more black salons put more effort into their customer service to make us feel like were getting a better value. Show us some love ya know?


I've never gotten any of those perks at a white salon :nono: I guess the answer is shop around until you find what you want in a salon.
 
Yes and no. I am more than willing good money for good service and atmosphere. Unfortunately, many shops want to charge to meet their profit margin but not provide the customer value that comes with that price. As a customer, I am worried about the perceived value of service not the owners bottom line. I am not going to pay salon price at a mom and pop shop. Waiting all day to get my hair done when I made an appointment and I was on time does not add value to my experience. Having you gossip on the phone the entire time you are on my head doesn't set the stylist up as a professional who should command a higher price. I've even had stylist have me sit in the chair while they finished up their lunch. All of that takes away from the value of the service. I don't care how skilled the stylist is- that isn't worth top pricing.
Someone who understands that they need to provide a service that matches their price point will always get my money. I expect not to have to spend 4 hours to get my hair done. I expect the products being used to be of high quality. I expect any personal phone call to be brief and infrequent. Those basic professional standards tend to be missing from black owned salons in my area. It doesn't mean the stylist weren't skilled, but it did mean they did not set themselves up do demand top dollar for their services.

see that sounds like customer service issues. stop spending your money at places that don't value you as a customer.
 
That is what most people in this thread are complaining about. Poor customer service I was simply replying to why blacks are not willing to high prices that many black stylist are charging. Actually, my stylist is very professional, will tell a customer no if the service they want will put her other customers behind, and doesn't try to change Macy's prices at her WalMart location. I always tip generously because it think she is way underpriced. She has a good business mind and I can see her going far. She understands that if she provides a good overall experience her customers are willing to pay.
 
naija24, I haven't read all the postings so forgive me if this was already suggested but we have a relaxed thread that you should come on over and join in on. I think you'll pick up some neat tips and styles. We even buddy up together to help each other along through the relaxer stretch. I think we can help you get over the fears you have with encouragement. With a little practice, you'll be an expert DIYer in no time. You an achieve that bouncy feel at home with roller sets or other styles. I now air dry then roller set (spritz hair with water, roll & sit under the dryer) and that gives great bouncy results.
 
TheEspressoHair it's very rare for me to see people catch attitude on a forum in this day and age O_o it ain't 2001. anyway, it wasn't an insult. Many people here use braids, wigs, weaves, etc to protect their hair as it grows. I am not one of those people. I don't like any of those methods and my hair is short so I can't do buns or whatever. Yet it's at that point where it's grazing collars in the back which is annoying. Any suggestions on how to manage someone's ends with short hair like mine while growing it out would be very helpful.

As for the "Sounds like you want your hair to grow longer w/o ever having to deal or see your new growth." you need to relax and take a breather hun. It really is not that serious, I promise. I'm sorry that my post "offended" you in some way but it sounds like you were looking for a fight.

I've been natural many times. I can deal with new growth just fine. At one point I was stretching 3-4 months at a time. But I never had hair this short, I have a very busy schedule so I can't deal with 3-4 hour wash days and crap like some women on this forum (and if they can, more power to them).

I'm honestly amused if not shocked that you made such a crazy assumption about me from that one quote.

However, you previously stated your at the salon for three hours, plus you have 1/2 hr travel time each way, so there's four hours that I'd rather be at home and do my hair at my leisure. For example, being able to load/unload the dishwasher while DC'ing under my hairtherapy wrap, or watching a movie while detangling/styling. I don't feel the time it takes for me to do my hair is crap, it's an investment in my mane. You're already spending that time each week outside of the comfort of your home, plus your paying for gas and traveling at night.

I hope your tone in the bolded sentence is due to frustration. Everyone here has a busy lifestyle.

Good luck with your HHJ!
 
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