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Artist availability may vary. Please request via BBR Support PageULTA and the Silk Press Discussion Might Be Bigger than Hair
Walking Through the Corporate Salon Doors
After the recent discussion about independent stylists and their service rates, a new debate has sparked. The public conversation is now whether small business hairstylists or their counterparts at ULTA are better. From the wave of praise seen online, it seems many people are now booking appointments with the professionals at ULTA because the service is more affordable. This has created significant online discussion, with some hairstylists opposing this transition. Now that more clients are moving toward corporate salon doors, will this be the next takeover in beauty?
More Than a Moment
Did all of our algorithms change at the same time? The power of social media is real as stylists from ULTA content are now being pushed to the forefront of the masses. Not only is their audience aware of their artistry techniques, but the costs of all of it upfront. It doesn’t include any hidden add-on fees. As well, clients don't have to worry about late starts from their scheduled time; while conveniently purchasing the products used during their visit inside the store.
A stylist named Bianca A. Donahue-Dixon, went on her Threads @biancad.beauty to add to the conversation. She mentioned, “Yall as a Black stylist with Ulta for 9 years we have an entire, Texture category! I encourage you to go online and look at the services for yourself and pricing. Silk presses have their own category and they include more than $40 dollars or work and are categorized by stylist tiers…”.
And just like that, ULTA offers the Curls, Coils, and Waves service which provides a cleanse, condition, scalp massage, pre-stretch, custom hair wrap/blow dry and thermal press. The choice is yours in style to pick between a flat iron, pressing comb or curling iron all within an hour and half timeframe. Talk about the full treatment.
Another woman on Threads named Mrs. Roper, known by the username @knot_a_game chimed in, too. She wrote, “My Ulta said find somebody else to play with…STARTING at $91??”.
Even though this may be a hot topic right now, this is very well more than a trend; it’s an evolution.
The Power of Texture
The force behind the textured community’s voice is influential. And the dollar behind it is even more powerful. As more licensed cosmetologists begin or establish their careers, retail salons like ULTA provide ground for them to build clientele. Sure enough, individuals have shared their experience whether as the client or stylist online.
Here are a few testimonials and thoughts below.
@kae_thestylist Honey brown + silk press 🍂 #ultasalon #ultastylist #masterstylist #silkpress #honeybrown ♬ original sound - Arnell.armon
@ibreannaprice All about my salon experience with @damnsean__ at @Ulta Beauty 💇🏾♀️💆🏾♀️ spoiler: it was a 10/10. Shoutout @Samira | Model | Founder for posting the inspo! #dallas #ultabeauty #silkpress #dallashair ♬ original sound - T1ye
@thesashawhitney I’ve genuinely never understood how or why coming to the Internet to call your target demographic and potential clients broke crosses anyone’s mind as a business owner and entrepreneur. #ulta #silkpress #blackhair #blackhairtiktok #wagestagnation ♬ original sound - Sasha
The Standard of Care
All in all, the recognition has marked a new milestone within the beauty industry. Will this shift continue into permanence? Will more people continue to follow suit? The bottom line comes down to who’s bringing quality, professionalism, and transparency to your hair care services. Over 600,000 Black women this year have lost their jobs in the current economy; consequently, their budgets require more affordable haircare options.
For professional hairstylists who offer good customer service haven't been impacted by this. Their clients are provided comfort within a more intimate setting at a salon shop. However, at ULTA silk presses are one of many services offered to customers with textured hair. In addition, the back bar features leading products known for texture like Cécred.
All women, especially Black women, should have access to services in remote areas just as they do in busy areas. As the conversation continues, remember, no one wins when the family feuds. It’s important to understand where everyone is coming from. This is only the beginning, not the finish line within the beauty landscape.