A Beauty Wakeup Call
Okay ladies gather around! I'm officially in my soap box era (if you don't know what that means, google is free). My heart is heavy and i have a lot to get off my chest so buckle up cupcake, cause this rant is one for the books!
Soooo….over the years the beauty industry, especially within the Black community, has been a powerful space of culture, creativity, and community. Salons were more than just places to get your hair done; they were sacred spaces filled with laughter, connection, mentorship, and empowerment. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a steady decline in professionalism and a fading of the salon culture that once served as a cornerstone for so many.
Black salons were historically safe havens. An intergenerational meeting ground where knowledge was shared, and community was built. Today, due to the rise of salon suites many of these spaces are disappearing or becoming unrecognizable. The communal essence is being replaced by hyper-individualism, and the spirit of sisterhood is often traded for isolation and transactional encounters. What happened to the warm welcomes, the sense of belonging, and the care that once defined our salon experiences?
“Unlicensed, Unregulated, UNPROFESSIONAL!”
Another issue plaguing the industry is the rise of unlicensed stylists offering services without proper training or sanitation standards. While talent and passion are valuable, there’s a reason professional licenses exist, and it’s to ensure safety, skill, and accountability! Clients are taking risks they may not even be aware of, and the lack of oversight is creating an uneven playing field for licensed professionals who follow the rules.
Now since we’re on the topic of licensed professionals let’s talk about the wave of service providers implementing excessive, and often unreasonable, booking requirements. From non-refundable deposits to lengthy rule lists that seem more focused on control than customer care, clients are starting to feel like the enemy rather than a welcomed guest. A client shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or feel stressed out just to get their hair done.
It’s also become common to see weave installations priced in the hundreds, yet those costs don’t include a wash, blow dry, or braid down. Clients are expected to arrive with freshly washed and prepped hair, essentially doing half the job before stepping into the salon. This trend is pricing out loyal customers while lowering the overall value of what used to be a full-service experience. We are essentially losing hair care/salon recipes and it is so sad to see the decline.
It’s important for service providers to remember that they are not just artists, they are business owners. With that title comes responsibility. That includes delivering professional customer service, honoring appointments, maintaining clear communication, and operating with integrity. Creativity is the spark, but professionalism is what sustains the flame.
“Okay Girl What’s The Point?!”
The beauty industry is one of the most powerful, culture-shaping forces in our community. But if we don’t address the lack of professionalism and restore the value of salon culture, we risk losing the very essence that made it so special. It’s time to hold ourselves accountable, raise the standard, and return to a place where clients feel valued, stylists feel empowered, and the salon once again becomes a sanctuary of beauty and belonging.