The Ultimate Guide To African-American Hair
There's nothing worse than looking for a new hair salon—whether you're scouring the web, searching the phonebook (if you're old school), or hitting up your list of BFFs for advice, it's just not easy. If you're a multi-textured beauty, the odds are not always in your favor. Of the thousands of hair salons in this great city, only a select few are dedicated to the proper maintenance and care of textured tresses.
Whether you’re a curly girl with a Rolodex full of relaxed friends, or a diva obsessed with flowing extensions who can’t seem to find a tress expert with the know-how to keep your hair healthy, look no further. We scoured the streets of NYC for the best stylists in all the major African-American hair categories. We've interviewed three salon owners who are experts at making textured manes look their most gorgeous. Specializing in everything from kinks and curls to color and keratin-treatments, see what they have to say about proper hair maintenance, including their must-have products. We think your search for that perfect salon is finally over.
Anthony Dickey
Hair Rules, 828 Ninth Avenue (between 54th and 55th streets); 212-315-2929
His Mane Objective
The care, maintenance and education of kinkier-textured tresses who have been historically overlooked by the mainstream. Hair Rules Salon takes the approach of educating its customers with techniques and products to maintain healthy textured hair.
Tips For Natural Curls
"Wash and wear is the most suitable approach to caring for textured hair. It allows for the best curl definition and elongation. It’s a simple method you can incorporate into your shower routine and it allows you to literally wash and go!"
Tips For Pressed/Straightened Hair
"Most of our clients that are natural, during the winter months, wear their hair straight. We recommend at least three to five days of wash & wear styling before thermal straightening the hair. The hair has a natural ability to be heat-protected when properly moisturized beforehand. Don’t go more than three days without putting water on your curls."
Tips For Color-Treated Hair
"There’s a myth that color dries out the hair. That’s not true! People damage your hair, color doesn’t necessarily damage it. It’s all about preventative measures. You have to keep your hair moisturized. You can’t over-condition so do it as much as possible, and again, keep those wash and wear styles as a regular part of your routine."
His Product Picks
Hair Rules Cleansing Cream
"It’s a non-sudsing shampoo. It’s so important because 99% of the shampoos on the market, are not made for naturally curly hair. It’s like an oxymoron to find an ultra moisturizing shampoo. This is it."
Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream, $42, available at Hair Rules.
Jane Carter Wrap & Roll
"Jane Carter is a great product line for transitioning naturals. The Wrap & Roll works really awesome for rod sets."
Jane Carter Wrap & Roll, $8.91, available at The Natural.
Hair Rules Blow It All Out
"This is perfect for straightening and heat-styling. It keeps the hair soft with thermal straightening."
Hair Rules Blow It All Out, $18, available at Folica.
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine
"If you’re all natural, this pomade works really great for maintaining twists and twist-sets."
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine, $22, available at Naturally Curly.
Photos: Dan McMahon, Courtesy Anthony Dickey
Anthony Dickey
Hair Rules, 828 Ninth Avenue (between 54th and 55th streets); 212-315-2929
His Mane Objective
The care, maintenance and education of kinkier-textured tresses who have been historically overlooked by the mainstream. Hair Rules Salon takes the approach of educating its customers with techniques and products to maintain healthy textured hair.
Tips For Natural Curls
"Wash and wear is the most suitable approach to caring for textured hair. It allows for the best curl definition and elongation. It’s a simple method you can incorporate into your shower routine and it allows you to literally wash and go!"
Tips For Pressed/Straightened Hair
"Most of our clients that are natural, during the winter months, wear their hair straight. We recommend at least three to five days of wash & wear styling before thermal straightening the hair. The hair has a natural ability to be heat-protected when properly moisturized beforehand. Don’t go more than three days without putting water on your curls."
Tips For Color-Treated Hair
"There’s a myth that color dries out the hair. That’s not true! People damage your hair, color doesn’t necessarily damage it. It’s all about preventative measures. You have to keep your hair moisturized. You can’t over-condition so do it as much as possible, and again, keep those wash and wear styles as a regular part of your routine."
His Product Picks
Hair Rules Cleansing Cream
"It’s a non-sudsing shampoo. It’s so important because 99% of the shampoos on the market, are not made for naturally curly hair. It’s like an oxymoron to find an ultra moisturizing shampoo. This is it."
Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream, $42, available at Hair Rules.
Jane Carter Wrap & Roll
"Jane Carter is a great product line for transitioning naturals. The Wrap & Roll works really awesome for rod sets."
Jane Carter Wrap & Roll, $8.91, available at The Natural.
Hair Rules Blow It All Out
"This is perfect for straightening and heat-styling. It keeps the hair soft with thermal straightening."
Hair Rules Blow It All Out, $18, available at Folica.
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine
"If you’re all natural, this pomade works really great for maintaining twists and twist-sets."
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine, $22, available at Naturally Curly.
Photos: Dan McMahon, Courtesy Anthony Dickey
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