Where can I get my hair done as a Black Student?

We've got you covered!

The topic of hair within and outside the black community has been discussed for many decades. From black women having to flat comb their hair in order for it to be 'acceptable' to having to explain why I don't want a random stranger to touch my hair👀.

It's safe to say hair is an important part of black culture. So much so that one of the first things I did when I came to study at Queen Mary was find hair salons near the University⏰.

Whilst I was also lucky enough during my time at Queen Mary to have a sister who was willing and available to do my hair👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏾. Many black students, are miles away from home and don't have this luxury😪. This is why it's so important to get involved in societies like the African and Caribbean Society (ACS); where you can have discussions about hair and get recommendations from other black students. 

If you are interested in learning more about black culture or joining the ACS, visit their QMSU Page for more information.

I have created a very short list of hair salons that I (and some friends) have personally been to for you to consider. If you do try these salons and like their service, why don't you recommend the salons to your friends?

1. Supergrows Cosmetics

Many people are unaware that there is a hair salon below Supergrows. Well, now you know!

Location🏚: 249 - 251 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4BJ (4 min walk from the Mile End Campus)

Contact☎: You will need to visit the store for an appointment

Price💲: From £30

Hair Style Requested: Cornrows

2.  BonittaBeautyStudio

Location🏚: 845 Romford Road, Manor Park, London (35 mins - 1 hour journey from the Mile End Campus depending on your mode of transport)

Contact☎: Instagram @bonittastudio

Price💲: From £50

Hair Style Requested: Cornrows

3. HeautyLdn

Location🏚: East London (50 mins journey from the Mile End Campus)

Contact☎: Instagram @heautyldn

Price💲: From £50

Hairstyle Requested: Mini Frontal Install

4. Slidercutsstudios

Gents, don't think I have forgotten about you! I know you are not supposed to cheat on your barber. But seriously, if you are a long way from home and have an important event to attend, you will need to cheat on your barber😬!

One of my close friends, Abdul, who is currently a Queen Mary student has recommended a Barber Studio in Bethnal Green where he goes to get his hair cut.

Location🏚: 176 Hackney Road, Bethnal Green, London (35 mins journey from the Mile End Campus)

Contact☎: Instagram @slidercutsstudios

Price💲: Check out their booking page for more information. 

If you would like to know more about black hair, its significance in black culture or just want something new to watch. I would recommend watching the following short series on Disney+: The Hair Tales featuring stars such as Issa Rae, Chloe Bailey and Tracee Ellis Ross. 

Hope you find this useful!