A Day at the Salon with Mark Clement

Mark Clement is an African-American hair stylist and owner of Mark Clement Salon in Paris. Mark's been living in France for over 20 years and knows the ends and outs of the hair industry here. Check out the review I did on his salon here. Recently Mark allowed me to snap a few photos of him doing his thing. I wasn't able to hang out long enough to see all of the final results, but I promise to get you more pictures soon! And by the way, if you'd like to get a copy of my latest book Next of Kin, swing by his salon.

Address:

Mark Clement Salon

58 rue Volta 

Paris, 3rd arrondissement
Tel: (33).1.40.27.03.27

Find him on Facebook!

English magazines on hand

All smiles 

Hard at work

These lovely ladies just got their hair done

Shelly and Mark

Salon Review: Salon Mark Clement

Salon Mark Clement

I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic when I met another Parisian who recommended this salon to me. 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 even 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 away.


Address:
Mark Clement Salon
58 rue Volta 
Paris, 3rd arrondissement
Tel: (33).1.40.27.03.27

Find him on Facebook!

Salon Review: Maria Dolores Institute

Maria Dolores Institute-photo by Maria Dorlores

A reader from my Anglophone webzine  Prissy Mag gave me this recommendation: 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.


Address:

Maria Dolores Institute

167, rue Saint Martin

Paris 3rd arroindisement

Metro: Rambuteau (ligne 11)

Metro: Etienne Marcel (ligne 4)

Telephone: 01 42 76 07 90

Salon Review: Polished Hair Care

Polished Hair Care

Owned by Nicole Pembrook, an American from San Francisco, this salon has expertise in hair extensions, cutting, straightening, the permanent blow dry, colouring techniques, eyebrows, and flat-iron curling and tons of other things. 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 and talented team, great products, perms, conditioners, advice, and much more. Easy, central location. Nicole and her team are tops!

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 gets busy.

Address

Polished Hair Care Salon

76-78 Ave. Champs Elysees

Metro: George V

Tel: (33).1.43.59.31.48

Salon Review: Célianthe Coiffure

Célianthe 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 be interested to know how this salon is now. When I first wrote this review I'd gone there in 2005. 

Address:

Célianthe Coiffure

48 rue Fbg. Monmarte

Paris 9th arrondissement

Metro: Le Peletier

Tel: (33).1.47.70.70.42

Salon Review: Hairy Taj Coiffure

Hairy Taj

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.

Address:
Hairy Taj
111 rue Quincampoix, 3rd arrondissement
Metro : Etienne Marcel
Tel: (33).1.42.77.52.92

Salon Review: Univers Phytos

Univers Phytos

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 wait when you arrive. A great salon for people with certain (wavy/curly) hair textures. As I had a relaxer when I went, I didn't feel that the plant-based product was strong enough for me. It didn't get my hair as straight as other relaxers. I'd like to know how the product works on natural hair though.

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.

Address:

Univers Phytos

109 rue Faubourg-St. Honore

Paris 8th arrondisement

Tel. (33).1.45.22.13.14

Salon Review: Kanellia Hair

Kanellia Hair Salon

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.

Possible Cons: No weaves or braids done 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.

Address: 

Kanellia Hair

66 av. Champs Elysées

Paris 8th arrondisement
Metro: Franklin Roosevelt
Tel: (33).1.42.56.02.57


Please note: I was not able to get my hair done at this salon when I first reviewed it in 2010, but it was recommended by several people. I have since been able to test it out and that review is coming soon!