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By Thean Sargeant
When we think of hair salons, we might think of getting our hair cut, styled, dyed, etc. While those are the fundamental services of a salon, other features feel more specific to the Black community. For years, many have used these salons as a third space. A third space is a social surrounding outside of the home (first place) and the workplace (second place). To understand why these salons are now a valuable third place for Black people, we must comprehend why they were created in the first place.
Many professional stylists don’t know how to do Black hair (Black hair refers to curly and coily/kinky hair). As Elle Canada explains, “It’s ignoring a whole entire demographic of women and acting like they don’t exist.” In Ontario, the Red Seal Program offers acourse that deals with hair relaxing and haircuts, but nothing on styling Black hair. OneRefinery29articleputs it this way: “Ontario’s curriculum includes how to chemically relax hair (a Eurocentric standard of beauty), but not how to do styles, like locs, box braids, or twists.”
European hair – straight and thin hair – is the standard subject for hairstylists who are educated to adapt Black hair to that style, instead of styling the hair as it is. On cutting Black hair, the sameRefinery29articlesays, “the theory of cutting textured hair may be taught in a single day, and students might never actually touch coils before they go to work in a salon.” Some stylists never work with afros, which results in them having no experience working with Black hair. All of this to say, when a Black person needs their hair done, relying on just any type of salon to style them isn’t an option. Enter, Black hair salons. Many of the head stylists in these salons are self-taught and work to teach other women, Black or not, how to work with Black hair.
When Black people (Black women, the majority of the time) have a salon, the Black customers automatically assume that they have found someone who can style their hair. According to a blog post from skincare brand Faace, “Our hair is the default. The standard.” There’s no need to call to verify ahead of time – all you need is to know the price and available times for them to do your desired hairstyle. In a way, it humanizes us as Black people. As the same article mentions, these salons serve as a place where Black hair is enshrined, whether intentionally or not, making them a valuable third space for Black people.
American sociologist Ray Oldenburg outlineseight characteristics that make up a third place. Here’s how they work in the context of a Black hair salon:
Neutral ground
The space should allow visitors to be free to visit as they please. This is exactly how the Black hair salon is. No visitor is forced to be in the space.
Leveler
Your status in society should not matter. No rules should prevent you from entering. While hair salons do charge for hairstyles, people popping in to chat with everyone without paying is very common.
Conversation is the main activity
Light-hearted and funny conversations are valued. In hair salons, topics revolving around hair and life are extremely common. Many of the women who go to salons are working mothers with many stories to share. On their website, Faace referred to the experience of someone whose mom would have deep conversations with her stylist. Later, she became someone who sharesimportant moments in her life with her stylist.
Accessibility and accommodation
Visitors should beattendedto and have their needs fulfilled. Salons, especially those in Ontario, are low-level andare easilyaccessible to anyone. Salons also anticipate that visitors plan to stay a while and should have light snacks for purchase.
The regulars
The regulars populate the space and encourage others to come. This happens so often that it’s almost the reason why Black hair salons stay open. Regulars know who styles them best and, either by word of mouth or social media, they get others to come to their salon.
A low profile
A cozy place that isn’t snobby. Again, this is what hair salons are at their core. They havethe equipment to style hair, a place to relaxwhen it isn’t your turn, an area for snacks, and a washroom. Nothing too showy.
The mood is playful
Third places value a light mood. One minute,the salon’s air is filled with laughter and another minute,there is a discussion that the visitors deem necessary.Voguesays, “Barriers are erased and Black women – friends, strangers, sisters – can share, bond, laugh and express themselves freely without restraint or explanation.”
A home away from home
The space feels warmand makes visitors feel like they’re at home. Jasmine Wicks Stephens for Faaceexplainsin a Black History Month article “It’s still a place I look forward to visiting and enjoy attending as a busy working mum when I’m in need of that all-important ‘me time.’”Instead of a self-care day at home, the author knows she can findpeace at the salon.
Unfortunately, not all Black people will always feel the most welcomed at the salon – especially those outside of the “norm” as Refinery29 describes it. The third space can experience an invasion of negativity towards certain groups, which can cause discomfort to those who are a part of or are allied with those groups. Hopefully, more salons realize that certain topics and beliefs don’t always have to be voiced. The ultimate hope is that these salons, these third spaces, continue to remain as places where Black people can go and be their authentic, relaxed selves – and also make changes where they can.
Thean Sargeant
Thean Sargeant is a first-time writer for Black Voice. She likes to create interesting stories that others will enjoy.