When I gave birth to my first child, I had a great hair care routine and loved my fro. However, a few months later I had lost the edges of my hairline, and there was shedding after every wash. No one prepared me for this postpartum effect — that I’d lose the tresses I had worked so hard to maintain and style.
For the first time in a decade, I was ready for someone else to do my hair. I went on a search to find the best hair salons for Black women in and around Boston. And now I’m sharing my findings with you! These salons offer stylists and services that fit everyone but definitely focus on Black and ethnic hair care.
If this list is the push you need to book an appointment, do it! You deserve to be pampered and learn the best ways to take care of yourself. It’s been great for my boys to see my different hairstyles and come to understand that this makes me look and feel good.
Fortunately for us all, the Crown Act is in place, which bans discrimination based on “natural or protective hairstyles,” like braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots. With this in effect, Black women can wear their hair in a style that makes them feel confident — without the risk of unprofessionalism or reprimand at work or school.
Boston
The Loft Hair Studio :: Medford
The Loft offers a custom hair experience for each client. The cut, care, and products are specific to the needs of the curly girl in the chair. It’s a must for anyone transitioning from relaxed to natural hair or who needs a new routine during the postpartum period.
The Curl Bar :: Somerville
Needing to get your kid started with a curly cut? The Curl Bar offers to show you how to do your hair and get a “mommy and me” curly cut. The Curl Bar is the answer to your prayers.
Perfect 10 Unisex Salon :: Boston
This spot was recently named “Best of Boston” for natural hair care, and you’ll find more than natural hair needs being met here. I love checking out their Instagram and TikTok accounts to see examples of their services and transformations — the salon is perfectly named!
Noir Essence :: Dorchester
With the goal of elevating beauty and wellness, Noir Essence offers a number of services outside of hair care — including body contouring. At this salon the atmosphere alone will ensure you’ll leave feeling refreshed.
North of Boston
Fatou Hair Braiding :: Lynn
Looking for a protective style for the next season? Some of the best braids in Massachusetts are coming from Lynn!
Salon Mii :: Methuen and Haverhill
Salon Mii offers custom color (and color correction, if needed) for all textures of curly hair. The range of services is great, and outside of braids, they offer every kind of hair extension available.
South of Boston
The Shop Unisex Hair Salon :: Randolph
The Shop is an old school salon, meaning you’ll have to call to make an appointment. But transformations happen for every patron here as they focus on individualized hair care for each client.
Penthouse Salon :: Braintree
Penthouse boasts a long list of services — box braids, twists, faux locs, weave installations, and natural hair services like wash and gos, twist outs, and silk presses. And even that list is incomplete!
Salon Q :: Randolph
Stylists at Salon Q offer services for men and women. This salon offers wigs and toppers for anyone interested and uniquely offers services specific to people with alopecia.
Millennium Hair Salon :: Brockton
This amazing salon caters to everyone but has Cape Verdean roots, so those with ties to the island will feel right at home.
MetroWest
Boston Beauty Bar :: Newton
A pleasant surprise for those living in the Newton area — no need to drive into the city to get the glam they deserve! Both hair and makeup services are available here.
Adeelle Hair Salon :: Waltham
Adeelle specializes in natural and protective hair care styles like box braids and sew-ins, and you can trust them with your bridal hair, too! Children are welcome, and this salon always tells you how long each service will takes, making it easier to plan ahead.
