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For years I’ve kept my hair incredibly short to avoid having to do any major upkeep, always inclined to cut it all off at the first sign of damage. Having my daughter, Madison, changed all of that. When it came time to care for my child’s hair, and mine, we chose The Shop in Conway, Arkansas.
Getting Started
I wasn’t willing to compromise when it came to natural, healthy hair. Before settling on stylists at this central Arkansas hair shop, I tried my best to take care of her hair on my own. As for Maddie, the book “I Love My Hair” by Natasha Tarpley, depicts accurately what the first few years looked like. “When mama gets to especially tangled places, I try my hardest not to cry…” My dear child ended up with a mama who had no clue how to maintain strong natural hair.
Despite that, I continued to encourage my daughter to love her beautiful hair and made a commitment to avoid harsh chemicals. Such commitment means a deal of effort to keep it healthy and manageable.
I first managed by asking lots of questions and watching YouTube tutorials to learn the basics. I researched what products to put in my daughter’s hair and how to do two-strand twists (which are way easier than you might think! Click here to learn more).
Once her hair bypassed shoulder-length, though, it was time to consult the professionals.
Finding a great stylist
We weren’t willing to compromise when it came to healthy hair. We considered whether the stylist:
- Enjoyed working with or specialized in children’s haircare
- Provided appointment times in the evenings and on weekends
- Had a proven track record, including reviews and updated online portfolio of his/her work
Checking Out the Local Stylists
The stylists at The Shop in Conway do an incredible job of caring for my daughter’s hair. Madison and her stylist, Yolonda “Yogi,” have formed such a sweet bond. I watch in awe as she detangles her long hair with hardly any fuss and blow dries it in what feels like half the time it takes me.
Protective Styles are a Must
During the summer, we opt for more protective styles that require minimal upkeep and help keep hair moisturized. These kinds of styles are important when it comes to maintaining natural hair, especially for children on the go.
Latrice Flakes, from The Shop, and SeSe Wilson, of SeSe’s Protective Styling in Maumelle, are experienced braiders and stylists who help keep us non-braiding mamas moving with little to no maintenance styles for the kiddos. Many of their clients travel from locations throughout Arkansas for twists, cornrows and braids.
Loving Our (Locally-Styled) Natural Hair
Madison wears her natural hair with pride. Having a patient and experienced stylist results in fewer tears and way more smiles.
We’ve asked around a bit to collect a short list of Arkansas stylists who specialize in natural healthy hair for children. You’ll see a few of those listed below.
Central Arkansas Salons
Adrienne’s Ultimate U
2455 Washington Ave., Suite 103
Conway, AR 72032
Mazique Hair Styles
865 Walnut St., Suite B
Conway, Arkansas 72032
Real Natural Hair Salon
12111 W Markham, Suite 420
Little Rock, AR 72211
SeSe’s Royal Palace
9203 Maumelle Blvd.
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The Shop
1050 Bob Courtway Drive
Conway, Arkansas (501) 327-7712
Who are your favorite Arkansas stylists and why? Are they incredible with children?
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4 responses to “Natural Hair Care in Central Arkansas”
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I love to see us embracing our natural hair. Especially children. I remember getting a curl and a relaxer later in life. The major issue was managing my tresses. I’m glad we’ve become culturally accepting of our roots. My favorite stylist is Mary Jane of Mary Jane and Company Hair Studio 801 E. 6th street Little Rock, Ar 72202. Call her MJ. She is My choice not just because she’s my daughter, but because she continues the legacy of healthy hair. One of her clients has suffered from alopecia since age 11. I believe she’s about 19 now. MJ is a wig designer and makes custom units. Her most attractive skill set is the ability to maintain healthy growing hair for her clients who wear wigs. As a licensed cosmetologist of over 17 years I trained her to always focus on hair care. People are surprised that her clients have edges and long growing hair! To me it just proves that more education needs to come to the black hair care industry. I understand the convenience of wigs and weave as style choices. It’s not uncommon to have healthy natural hair and utilize extension services. Now, she does have some children as clients, but very few.
Awesome Read… Finding a great Salon with a good environment and stylist who are serious about their trade is what it is all about. Love reading about our Faulkner County Salons doing great things and catering to the natural needs of the clients. We love clients who respect out craft and allow us to bring out the Best in hair needs..
I have known Jasmine for years and I love watching her and Maddie’s stories. The Wilson’s do a awesome job in training Madison to love herself. In turn, Maddison always has an encouraging word for others. Keep shining, Madison!
I have known Jasmine for years and I love watching her and Maddie’s stories. The Wilson’s are doing an incredible job in raising Madison to love herself and all of her natural beauty. In turn, Madison always has an encouraging word for others. Keep shining, Madison!