Curly Hair Austin

Curly Hair Austin was founded by Ethan Shaw, who built the salon over years of work and now serves as owner and artistic director, stepping back from hands-on hairdressing to lead the team. The salon grew from a waiting list of more than 200 people, and when it expanded it took on its first apprentice. The salon describes itself as the original curly hair specialty salon in Central Texas and as the top curly hair salon in Austin.

The salon builds each appointment around the client's curl type and how their hair grows. Stylists decide whether to cut hair wet or dry based on hair type and the result the client wants. After cutting, hair is dried under a hood dryer, which gives a preview of how it will settle when air-dried at home. Stylists also walk clients through styling their hair at home during the visit. Color is not booked for first-time clients and becomes available from the second appointment onward. Most color work is referred out, mainly to Hector at Buena Vibra Hair Club or Carol Brown at Vitali Salon. The salon does not offer color corrections, lightening on dark hair, fantasy colors, or highlights on naturally brown or black hair. Perms, relaxers, straightening, blowouts, keratin treatments, clipper cuts and fades are also not offered.

Booking details: new appointments open 60 days in advance, and returning clients who want to book further out email the salon. Please detangle hair before the appointment, since combing out knots is not part of the service. Guest seating is limited, so arrange child or pet care for visits. Children under 12 are cut only if they have been seen by the salon before. Missed appointments and cancellations made within 48 hours carry a $45 fee, and arriving more than 15 minutes late results in the same fee and a rescheduled appointment. Haircut adjustments are free if the client gets in touch within one week; the salon has a no-refund policy. The phone number 512-993-5043 is for text only, and new appointments are not booked by phone. Electronic gift cards are available from $10 to $250.

Find the salon at 9333 Research Blvd Suite 280 inside SOLA, Salon #5, Austin, TX 78759, at the northwest corner of Mopac and 183. Look for the Curly Hair Austin sign inside SOLA.

Works with each client's natural texture and growth pattern rather than diffusing or changing it, using wet and dry cutting as the hair and the desired style call for.