Stop. Limerick time:
The ‘fro’-hawk may look cooler if highlighted with blonde tips,
And curls deep conditioned bounce with every twirl and dip,
Etch designs in flat tops,
Advised by the barber’s shop,
Next, word of a Tucson hair renaissance will come from your lips.
It may be tough for incoming Wildcats to find the hair products and care that satisfy their needs. Tucson has many offerings from natural products (e.g., pure vitamin E oil at Trader Joe’s) to “”unbeweaveable”” amounts of hair extension for braids at Lee’s Store (22nd Street and Columbus Avenue), to professional colors and cuts on campus at Aveda Institute (845 N. Park Ave.). But let the following selections for a diversity of hair types be a start. Explore Tucson while you’re at it. During your tenure here at the UA, you just may find the stylist that’s “”the one.””
Spiral’s Salon
3449 E. Speedway Blvd.
(520) 409-5414
Frizzy hair will be zapped when you go this salon. Hell hath no fury like curly hair combed. If you have the type of hair that would take hours to straighten (CHI or not) and about the same time to detangle, Tucson actually has a salon that specializes in making your ringlets perfect to wear sans the heat and the pain. The stylists here know how to work that curl, and can give expert advice for curly hair products and maintenance of spiral definition.
Chrome Salon
4444 E. Grant Rd. #108
(520) 622-2550
A salon with a modern feel to it, Chrome exudes a likable, professional, no-drama-for-your-mama vibe. In fact, a friend that’s a regular customer loves that she can get a high quality haircut for a good price. Straight hair can be transformed into a sassy bob, and thick wavy hair can be tamed. Depending on the stylist, prices can vary, but averages out to $50.
Al’s Barber Shop
861 E. Grant Rd.
(520) 622-2276
Tucson has its own version of the “”Barbershop”” that’s been on the block for years. Fathers, sons, boyfriends and your average “”playa-playa,”” Al has seated many men (and women) who want their afro perfectly shaped, or cut off into a smooth “”fade.”” The camaraderie is there and always has been. It would be a shame if you never visit this Tucson gem, if not just to say, “”Hey Al, what’s up?”” FYI: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.- 5:45 p.m. Average $12 for a cut.
Nueva Imagen
244 W. Irvington Rd.
(520) 573-9134
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Wait. It’s a superhero hair stylist by the name of Lupita who saved a friend’s hair from the archenemy “”stylist”” somewhere near Fourth Avenue! In one fell swoop, Lupita reversed the skunk-like bob that wasn’t supposed to be and miraculously converted the hair into a shimmering sea of brunette waves. Latin, hip-hop, and reggaeton music fills the space, while customers of all ages leave perfectly coiffed and satisfied.
Posse’s Styling Emporium
3266 E. Speedway Blvd.
(520) 882-5004
Ethnic Beauty Salon
1645 N. Craycroft Rd.
(520) 319-8371
The freedom of choice can sometimes be a dangerous thing. If you have a more tightly coiled hair type, you may be faced with choosing between getting a perm, getting your hair braided, or getting a weave. Both Posse’s and Ethnic Beauty Salon are full service beauty salons that can help style the flyest of the fly. Cellisa at Posse’s and Crystal at Ethnic Beauty can work with your natural hair if you simply want a nice trim and deep condition. The sky is the limit.
Honorable Mention:
4th Avenue Hair
402 E. 4th St.
(520) 670-1523
www.4thavenuehair.com/
Ask for Bill (520) 977-5747 or Andrea (520) 444-6317.
