Ever since I moved to Paris I had been on the hunt to find inexpensive salons. Back in the states, in particular New York, my friends and I enjoy the pleasures of going to Domincan salons. Granted, all are not created equal, but when you find the right one, it is magic. I had my spot I would go to in Queens. I loved them because they knew how to handle natural hair, as well as relaxed, and were still reasonable priced. In Paris, there are natural hair salons, however, they’re usually owned by an American and the prices are a bit high. No shade, but I wanted them DR prices. Well I was in luck, because I found one last year and they are not overpriced. The name of the salon is Institut Alcantara. Unfortunately they do not have a website, but they can be found at 19 Rue le Peletier in the 9th arrondissement, off metro Richelieu-Drouot. The service was great, fun staff, who genuinely care about hair health, which concluded with a successful blowout I so much love. All in all, I was very impressed with how they took on my natural hair without a problem. No questions, no shock and no hassle. I have to say, I wasn’t taking good care of my hair at the time. It had been dyed and I was not doing protein treatments or feeding it water. More on that later.
Intently listening as Sophia, my stylist, explained to me different products.
Applying the luxurious deep conditioner.
My favorite part, the rinse out.
Setting the hair under the hooded dryer…
Sophia styling my hair.
Final result: Mary J. Blige flips…I was pleased overall.
Outfit Deets:
Romper: Old Navy
Necklace: Monoprix
Espadrilles: Toms
thank you thank you thank you! i’ve been searching for someone i could relate to and stubbled upon your blog while searching for a salon. I’ve been in paris for 3 months and i’ve been on the hunt myself. I lived in NY before and just love those dominicans lol! i’m gonna check out your recommendation tomorrow. you are light!
Girl, I am so glad I could be of help!
Hey girl!
Thank you so much for writing this blog post! I live in Philly and will be visiting Paris next month to celebrate my birthday. I’ve been searching for a reasonably priced salon, more specifically a Dominican salon, to get my hair done while I’m there. I knew it would be a bit difficult but thanks to your blog and the fact that Dominicans are everywhere I am so hype to check this place out. Do you know if they are open on Sundays? Also, do you have any suggestions on make up artists?
Thank you !
Hey Christina, so glad I could be of help! As far as the days the salon is open, they are open daily except for Sunday. To be honest, most days things are closed in Paris on a Sunday in Paris. You’re best bet is to go during the week. As far as makeup artists, I have never gone to any in Paris to be quite honest. I hate to say it, but perhaps you could roll up into a Mac or dare I say Sephora and get your makeup done with an artist here. I will say this, Sephora back in the states has a bd rep for doing women of color and their makeup haphazardly, but in Paris they are really on point. I would suggest visiting the Sephora on Champs Elysees when you arrive. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me via e-mail at itsherword@gmail.com
Yaass!! Thanks for this ! Second time around in Paris for an extended period of time. Last time, I didn’t even bother looking for a place to do my hair. I’d just wash it and go. As a Dominican who has lived in DR and NY, I appreciated this blog. Now, I can go get my hair slayed. Graciiass!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Dominican hair salons are the best. Looking into it, since I’m goin on vacation and I was dreading not having my hair done.
Best!