Black hair salon opening in downtown SLO. Here’s why nonprofit got into the beauty business
For Black folks who have recently moved to the San Luis Obispo area, finding a salon that specializes in textured hair can feel impossible, according to R.A.C.E. Matters SLO founder Courtney Haile.
“If you move to a new town and you don’t know anyone, and you’re trying to find out ‘Where are the Black folks?’ or ‘Where can I get my hair done?’ It’s hard to Google for that,” Haile said.
Stylists who specialize in Black hair typically work out of their homes in San Luis Obispo, she explained, and it can be difficult for newcomers to access that “tight-knit community.”
That’s why R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is opening Texture, a salon in downtown San Luis Obispo that specializes in Black hair care.
The salon will also serve as a center for community events and a meeting place for R.A.C.E. Matters SLO, a local nonprofit organization that advocates for racial justice.
“Historically, Black salons and barber shops have been much more than just places to get hair services,” Haile said. “They’re sanctuaries, safe spaces, hubs for storytelling, organizing, community dialogue.”
Along with offering hair styling, the salon will sell Afrocentric beauty products, accessories and books, according to Haile.
“I want people to walk in and be like, ‘Wow, this was intended for me,’ ” Haile said. “I want someone to not just get their hair done, but pick up a book or have their child see art that reflects them. (We’re) definitely looking to provide that extra cultural experience on top of the practical care.”
Why did R.A.C.E. Matters start a hair salon?
Three years ago, R.A.C.E. Matters SLO organized a rally in Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo to protest the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Thousands of people took to the streets to march after the rally.
“There was an emphasis from the young folks that there are no real Black spaces — cultural places that are intended specifically for Black people” in San Luis Obispo County, Haile said. “There’s a difference between ‘Welcome to all’ and ‘We had you in mind when we designed this.’ ”
R.A.C.E. Matters SLO designed the salon to fulfill the request for a Black-centered space, Haile said.
Historically, shops designed to serve the Black community have had a difficult time surviving in SLO County due to a limited clientele, Haile said.
According to the U.S. Census, only 2.2% of San Luis Obispo County’s population is Black.
Because of this, R.A.C.E Matters SLO plans to fund Texture through grants and donations along with the salon’s income, Haile said.
“Our programs that are of a community benefit will be housed in the salon,” Haile said. “It’s very different from a business-only model. I’m in a way creating a new model, which is intimidating, but we’re a unique community with unique diversity, equity, and inclusion needs, so it takes creative, unique approaches.”
Salon to offer hair care, community events
Texture will offer a rotation of local and visiting hairstylists who specialize in textured hair, Haile said.
According to Haile, textured hair lands anywhere between curly and tightly coiled, and often belongs to folks of African descent.
Caring for textured hair “takes a whole toolbox,” she said. “Methods that have been in our culture for hundreds if not thousands of years.”
When folks get a haircut, Haile hopes they feel “taken care of, seen, heard,” she said.
“Traditionally in the Black community, hair has been done in the home and by acquaintances, church folks, aunties,” said Haile, who hopes the salon can share that cultural knowledge with the community, she said.
R.A.C.E. Matters plans to hire hairstylists to teach classes on how to care for textured hair, including detangling tips and braiding techniques.
These classes will serve as an opportunity to share generational knowledge in the Black community, and a resource for interracial families learning to do their children’s hair, Haile said.
The salon will also serve as a co-working space for R.A.C.E. Matters SLO staff and volunteers, along with a location for public and private events, Haile said.
Haile was inspired by Black-centered multi-use spaces she’s seen around the country that combine community services with art, education, and culture, she said.
“(Texture is) designed as a salon, but also a space that is Black-centered and welcoming to all,” Haile said. “A physical sense of place where anyone historically excluded or underrepresented feel seen, particularly the Black population.”
Salon to host party for grand opening
R.A.C.E. Matters SLO will host the grand opening for Texture at 474 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo on Friday, starting at at 5:30 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a DJ and taste wine made by Black-owned winery Ward Four Wines, founded by Cal Poly alumnus Justin Michelle Ward Trabue.
“She’s been making waves in the wine industry,” Haile said of Ward.
In 2020, Ward organized a fundraiser for R.A.C.E. Matters SLO — and it made a significant impact on the organization.
“They called on their peers in the predominantly white wine industry to support R.A.C.E Matters and raise a lot of money,” Haile said. “So it’s a great full circle moment to have her back pouring her own wines at the opening.”
This story was originally published June 1, 2023 at 1:24 PM.
