The Article That Started it All

"Combing for An African American Hair Salon in Paris" by Priscilla Lalisse-Jespersen

This is part of the article, which is published on my webzine Prissy Mag.

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 client 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.

So browse through the blog and check out all the salons l have reviewed so far. Unlike the original article, my plan is to list them one by one. But IF you can't wait for that or you don't feel like searching the blog (lazy bones ;-)) then go here to read the entire article/list on Prissy Mag.