Black Hair Rules & Salon Etiquette with Julee Wilson, Marsai Martin, and Yene Damtew

Unsolicited Hair Opinions

• 💡 People should stay out of other people's hair and avoid having opinions or trying to control someone else's style, unless offering a compliment.
• ⚠️ There's a strong dislike for elaborate baby hair designs (swirls, origami-like edges) due to their appearance and the potential for skin breakouts from excessive product use.

The Wash Day Experience

• ✨ Wash day can be transformed from a chore into a glorious self-care ritual, allowing for hours of personal indulgence and relaxation.
• 🛀 This time can be used for loving on oneself, enjoying preferred entertainment, snacks, and drinks, free from interruptions.

Braiding & Salon Time

• ⏰ While micro braids can legitimately take a full day, other regular braids should ideally not exceed five to six hours.
• 🚫 Partners should avoid repeatedly asking "Are you still braiding?" during long hair appointments, as it can be frustrating.
• ❓ Clients should refrain from asking stylists "How long will this take?" without considering factors like hair length, texture, desired style complexity, and client sensitivity.

Professional Salon Practices

• ✅ Professional licensed hairstylists are legally required to wash clients' hair; if a salon demands clients arrive pre-washed and blow-dried, they may not be operating legally.
• 🤝 The salon experience traditionally offers a sense of community, but clients should not be left waiting all day, especially trapped under a dryer.
• 🌬️ Ideally, a hairstylist should be able to blow dry a client's hair from start to finish without solely relying on a hooded dryer.