Coastal Curl

Coastal Curl was started in 2020 by Roxy Reaves, who moved into hair after working in tech jobs. The salon describes itself as education-focused, offering in-depth consultations and personalized product recommendations. Its services cover textured hair in curly, wavy, coily and afro-textured forms, including locs, as well as straight or wet-cut hair for clients who are not seeking curl work.

The studio is intimate, bright and filled with plants, with books to read before or during a visit. Complimentary snacks and drinks are offered, and the music is usually upbeat global music, often oldies. Curly cuts are always done dry. The salon approaches them at the hair's most natural state, so clients are asked to come in with hair down and unstretched, ideally on the first day of a wash-and-go. Clients should arrive with hair dry, recently washed and styled down, without buns, braids or ponytails, and with excess oil and tangles avoided. Clients are also encouraged to clear buildup from harsh products at home before the appointment.

Booking is done online through the website or the Vagaro app only. The calendar opens up to 30 days ahead, and a Vagaro waitlist is available when nothing is open. Walk-ins are not accepted, and the salon does not book by phone, text or email. A credit card is required to reserve, with no deposit taken, but missed appointments are charged. Cancellations need at least 48 hours' notice by call or text. New clients book one of three introductory services, and color appointments are the only ones that include a consultation. Other clients can email photos and their goals to ask which service suits them. Clients choose a stylist when booking, and each stylist is an independent provider who sets their own prices. Payment is by major credit card, cash or Venmo.

The salon does not offer beard services or specialize in precision straight-hair cuts. Children are not served through dedicated services; those ages 10 and up can book adult services with a caregiver present. The salon says it is committed to a gender-inclusive, safe space and will work with clients on accommodations.

The salon is a certified Green Circle salon, part of an international effort to reduce and recycle beauty waste, and says it aims to offer eco-friendly products. It partners with small, local and BIPOC-owned businesses. Each year around the holidays it runs a Give Back and Kickback event, swapping unused hair products and donating leftover products and a share of proceeds to the East Oakland Youth Development Center. In January 2024, representatives spoke to youth there about careers in beauty.

The salon describes itself as education-focused and cuts curly hair dry at its most natural state, asking clients to come in with hair down and unstretched.

An intimate, bright studio with plants, books and usually upbeat global or oldies music.