As a child, Saturdays were often spent in a wooden salon chair, surrounded by the oddly comforting scent of apple mint hair products and the lively hum of conversations from a community of women who in African salons, are different every time.
Despite my protests, tears, and occasional tantrums, I inevitably was ushered reluctantly to the salon. Beyond hair, it was a shared experience where stories were exchanged, relationships were forged, and laughter echoed through the room. For black women, the salon goes beyond grooming and beautification; it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s our version of the barbershop – I’ll say even better, a place where conversations flow freely.
As I grew older and wiser, navigating life without a mother, I learnt invaluable lessons from these women. It was at the salon that I first learned about menstruation from Aunty Yewande, who explained it to her niece. I discovered injustice against women, like men walking away from parenthood without consequences, domestic violence and the harsh reality that the person you expect love and protection from could hurt you. Surrounded by women from diverse backgrounds and cultures, I felt safe in this place, like other women do, enveloped by wisdom and camaraderie. I looked up to them, yearning to grow up and wield the same control over my hair and narrative.
How it started
The history of African salons dates back centuries, rooted in the communal traditions of African societies. In West Africa, for instance, these gatherings occurred in homes, courtyards, or even under large trees in the village centre. Women would meet to braid hair and share beauty secrets. These sessions often lasted all day and were filled with storytelling, singing, and laughter. They served as informal schools where younger women learned the art of grooming and the secrets of womanhood from their elders. Alli, a hairstylist in Lagos, who has been in the business for decades shared how economic instability has changed salon culture.
The economy is very unstable, too … and service prices have increased, too. This results in more women opting to cut their hair and maintain a low cut…
How it’s going
As society modernised, the traditional settings for these communal grooming sessions evolved into more formal establishments. Many African salons moved to urban areas, offering a wider range of services and attracting the same clientele: women. The essence of community remained, but the environment changed to accommodate the pace and demands of modern life. Salons became safe havens where women could escape, even for a few hours, the pressures of daily life and find solace in each other’s company, especially during the weekends. My friend Orezi sometimes has to leave her office in between lunch break to get a few things prepped for a major hair day because she does not like to spend her entire weekends at the salon. 1 hour breaks often extend slightly because there’s always spicy story time at the salon.
It’s a bitter sweet feeling having to leave the salon beause while I have work waiting, there’s always good tea. Tea so good, it’s distracting to the point that simple hair will take longer to finish.
Modern Reality – DIY haircare and Internet connections
Today, salons still exist, but they face a new challenge: the rise of social media and DIY hair care. This trend has transformed how we approach beauty rituals; many women now turn to online tutorials and home kits, potentially losing the crucial face-to-face interactions that salons foster. I recently cut my hair, so I won’t be visiting the salon anytime soon. Still, this shift raises an important question: How does this change impact the sense of community that salons traditionally provided?
I strongly believe in the power of face-to-face conversations over digital interactions. At the salon, shared experiences create connections and forge empathy. Here, laughter mixes with heartfelt discussions, and we learn from each other’s stories, finding comfort in our similarities and differences. By cherishing these moments, we uphold the value of genuine human connection in a world dominated by screens and trends.
