I receive countless emails from readers who want advice on finding a great salon in the NYC area; well I’m finally able to share that I have found one that I HIGHLY recommend – Wellington Hair Spa located 119 W. 23rd Street in Chelsea.
Last week I had the pleasure of having my hair done at the salon, which was unpretentious and quaint. Since I hadn’t had my hair done professionally in months, Patrick Wellington (owner/stylist) and his assistant Joanne Laguerre definitely had their work cut out for them. I opted to forgo their offer of a relaxer and had my hair simply blow-dried and flat ironed. I know the heat isn’t ideal for our hair, but I wanted a straight style without the chemicals.
For anyone who knows me, I am hardly ever pleased when I leave a salon so this was one of those rare occasions where I was actually satisfied! My only regret is not taking a before and after picture at the salon to share with you!
So for anyone in the NYC-area who wants to go to a stylist who is incredibly professional and knowledgeable about all hair textures: from processed strands, to lovely au naturel locs, Wellington Hair Spa is the salon for you!
How often do you visit a salon? What do you love/hate about them? Speaking of hair, I just received the trailer for Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. Are you looking forward to seeing the movie when it’s released in October? For those who haven’t seen the trailer. Here it is! Share your thoughts.
**The winner of the Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon is Mimieyes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info.
Please take a moment to check out my documentary film BLACK HAIR
It is free at youtube. 6 parts including an update from London, England.
It explores the Korean Take-over of the Black Beauty Supply and Hair biz..
The current situation makes it hard to believe that Madame C.J. Walker once ran the whole thing.
I am not a hater, I am a motivator.
Plus I am a White guy who stumbled upon this, and felt it was so wrong I had to make a film about it.
self-funded film, made from the heart.
Can it be taken back?
Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p96aaTSdrAE
I can’t wait to see Rock’s movie. I saw the trailer and it looks likes it’s going to be good. I don’t use the term “good hair” as applied to people with soft, wavy, straight, European, etc hair (ie. Chilli from TLC). It’s a slap in the face to every person who’s hair doesn’t look like that and it says their hair is bad. I have locs and my hair is fabulous because that’s how rock it, not because it’s silky.
Including shampoo and conditioner I use 4 products on my hair and I get my hair done maybe once a year. Other than that I do it myself. I don’t spend paychecks on hair peices and products, because I don’t want to be a slave to my hair.
I haven’t had my hair done now in probably 4 months. I can maintain my own hair. Whenever we come to visit, I’ll have somewhere to get my hair done. Thanks. I’m really looking forward to Chris Rock’s movie.
BGG, I hate going to the salon even though I only go about every 3 months! I love the final result but sitting in there for hours on end, just burns me! I hope to visit NYC one day and when I do, I’ll definitely stop in that shop to see if they can make me happy. I’m a tough customer when it comes to my hair…just like you! I’m so happy you found them!!
i was interested in black hair since i first heard about it around a year ago. im glad the movie is being made but at the same time, the issue has been discussed over and over. i think the comedic spin would make it worth watching for me.
I haven’t been to a professional salon in over a year. Having to wait hours on top of hours for something as simple as a wash and flat iron, or getting a hair cut rather than the trim you ask for, and paying an arm and a leg for it no longer appeals to me. Being a natural, the sense of urgency I once had to go to a professional is no longer there. I am able to do my own hair. If there is ever a time I don’t feel like doing it, I can simply go to my sister, who is a braider.
I can’t wait to see Chris Rock’s new film. I’ve heard a lot of great things about it.
RealitySurfer your piece on black hair business was quite amazing and very
well done.
BGG, I saw you last week at an event and your hair looked fabulous! Sorry I
didn’t have the time to tell you in person I had to run.
Thanks Gina for helping me fit the trailer into the space! 🙂
You’re very welcome. Looks great. And thank you 😉
i want to see a picture BGG! 🙂
i am pretty inconsistent with making hair appointments. it’s something i need to work on.
@ Realitysurfer – The documentary was good. I stopped shopping at Korean Beauty Supply stores about a year ago. I think we, BGG, all should! I support a local black owned beauty supply store. They get me whatever I need that they may not have. If we all stop then they have no other choice but to move on!
I go every two weeks for a press. I have a love-hate relationship with salons. I grew up going to them every two weeks, but I didn’t have anything to do when I was a child. As an adult, I like to be in and out, so when that doesn’t happen I get VERY irritated. I stopped going to my last stylist after being a loyal client for 4 years because my waiting time had just gotten way out of hand and she kept moving farther and farther away from what’s convenient. I stopped getting relaxers in 05, so I took a break from going to the salon on a regular basis for a couple of years, but I’m back in a straight mood, so as long as I feel this way, I’ll be going back and forth because I really don’t want to be handling a straight comb!
Ok, sorry for the monologue. I could talk about black hair all day. I wrote a short post in my blog a while back on it. Check check it out. http://dejoi.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/the-souls-of-black-girls/
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAH
DONT TOUCH MY WEAVE!!!!!!
HAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHHAHHAHA
YES!!!!!!!!!
@Realitysurfer – Thanks so much for sharing your video! Great job. We BGs should try to support our local black-owned beauty supplies, etc.
Oh and that’s why I love Carol’s Daughter and Miss Jessie’s products too! 😉
Good Hair is actually a book by Benilda Little…and I think Halle is going to star in the movie sometime next year..she will supposedly shave her head like the main character (at least I think -I read this in the late 90’s).
TIP! For those who have natural hair…my boss like’s a product called Unkle Funky’s Daughter….you can even purchase online!
Thanks so much for the salon recommendation. It sounds great. My pet peeve is spending all day in the salon. A nightmare.
I can’t wait to see Chris’ movie!
can’t wait to see the movie!!
thanks for this salon tip, but what did the price this look like? it would be great to have celebrity hair without paying celebrity prices
I hate the salon and usually only get haircuts. I just hate sitting in that chair for so long and hearing how thick my hair is and telling me I have enough hair for 3 people. Just straighten it, I’m paying them and would give them a bigger tip if they keep those comments to themselves. Lol, sorry for the complaining.
I can’t wait for this movie, saw a clip of it on Wendy Williams, I’m going to be the first in line.
@spitfire – for a deep conditioner, blow-dry and flat iron it was $115. The deep conditioner was $30! It had been a loooong time since I had been in a salon, but is that the going rate? I thought it was a bit pricey for a conditioner.
Any thoughts?
I do plan on seeing Good Hair.
I go to the hair salon every two weeks. I love going. For the most part, I love everything about it…even sitting under the ‘dreaded’ hood dryer. I love sitting under the dryer because it’s nice & warm. I get cozy & either sleep, read, write or text. Going to the hair salon is important to me because it’s one of the ways I pamper myself. I love having my scalp scratched & massaged.