afrodisiac: more than a salon

Afrodisiac is more than just a center for natural hair care; the salon was born out of a greater desire to return to the true root of our culture. Many women and men come to Afrodisiac because they are transitioning from relaxed or texturized styles to their natural hair. These transitions represent more than just a desire to be trendy or rock the latest natural hairstyle. For many, reclaiming their natural hair is symbolic of a higher evolution of self. Much like the mood of the civil rights era of the 60s and 70s, when African Americans traded their straightened, waved and coifed looks for afros to embody Black power and pride. Brothers and sisters today want to wear their natural hair as an affirmation of the natural beauty of African peoples and a rejection of European ideals of beauty.

We as a people have gotten so far away from who we truly are, from all that we are meant to be. In many ways, we have lost our sense of self, with nearly everything we see and do being controlled or dictated by European culture. But, we have also grown tired of being fed only the images of ourselves that white media want us to see—black women with straight, blond hair, colored contact lenses, and revealing clothing, and men who disrespect their women and don’t take care of their families. Unfortunately, these images go beyond just white media. They’re found, for instance, in the hip hop video culture as well—and these are the images that our children see and want to emulate. We desire so much more for them, for our families and ourselves.

Natural hair may be where it starts for many of us, or simply a part of who we are, but it’s about so much more. The head is our crown, our center; it’s where we create, dream and plan. But many of us are destroying it. We’re relaxing our hair with lye and burning our scalps, putting glue in it to attach weaves then ripping it out every few weeks, and braiding it with extensions so much to the point that our hairlines are gone.

The first chakra begins at the base of the spine and finishes with the seventh chakra at the top of the head. The seventh chakra is also known as the crown chakra and deals with the wisdom and guidance coming from the higher power. It’s where we develop thought and communication  and where we experience emotions. The crown is one of the most significant parts of our bodies and unfortunately one of the parts we torture the most. If the chakras are not balanced, the basic force of life slows down. A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well-being.

Through touching people—teaching them the best way to care for their hair, having open, meaningful dialogue, and giving them a look they can be proud of — Afrodisiac is like home, a comfortable environment where people can share and be themselves. In addition to a natural hair and wellness center, Afrodisiac is a gathering place, a community of people with shared goals and desires.