I am a hairstylist, but why should I advertise on EthnicSalons.com? I already advertise on another website.
To increase the chances of reaching your target audience, you need to spread your message in as many places, as possible. Advertisers trying to reach consumers will typically advertise on multiple channels, and in various mediums (i.e., television, radio, print, etc.). Different websites will appeal to different types of customers. EthnicSalons.com is specifically targeting women who need a quick reference to point them to a black hair salon when they are away from home. We are also targeting women who may be new to communities that do not have very diverse populations struggling to find suitable hair practitioners.

Why do black women need a special directory for hair care?
A woman’s hair is one of the most intimate parts of her body that makes a statement to the world about who she is every day.  Each woman should feel comfortable and confident with the individual entrusted to handle this fundamental aspect of personal grooming knowing that she is in capable hands.  While there are thousands of hair salons around the United States, only a handful cater to the special needs of women of color.  Black women who travel frequently have difficulty finding salons with technicians who are skilled in processing, cutting and styling ethnic hair.  This directory will enable black women to find hair salons specializing in black hair when they are far from home, giving them the freedom to enjoy life on the go free from worries about their hair.

 What is so different about black hair?
Black hair is often associated with kinky, nappy or tightly curled natural hair.  While this depiction has some merit, natural black hair can run the gamut from coarse and tight, wooly curls to fine and silky with soft curls and everything in-between.  Keeping black hair healthy and properly groomed often requires the use of chemicals, products, tools and skills that are not commonly used by other cultures; therefore, black women often need salons that cater specifically to ethnic hair.

 Can non-blacks be included in the directory?
Yes, of course!  There are many capable and qualified ethnic hair practitioners who happen to not be black.  However, prospective directory advertisers should be truthful about their experience and qualifications prior to advertising in this directory.  Here are a few questions prospective clients will want to know of salons:

• Are you, your fellow salon employees and clientele comfortable dealing with diverse populations?  Will minorities likely feel at ease in your salon?
• Is at least one employee skilled in the use of Marcel iron sets with stoves (not electric)?
• Are you skilled with using a pressing (or hot) comb on non-processed black hair?
• Have you performed at least twenty chemical relaxers, texturizers and/or curls on ethnic hair types?
• Are you familiar with specialty hair products designed specifically for black hair?  Do you regularly keep these products stocked?
• Can you work with all ethnic hair types (long; short; course; kinky; curly; fine; dry; and natural/unprocessed)?
• Are you familiar with the latest cutting and styling techniques used for black hair?

This is not an absolute test, but if you and your salon cannot answer “yes” to most of these questions, this directory might not be the best place to advertise your salon.