Choosing a Natural-Hair Stylist
Look for someone with experience in your specific style and hair texture. Braiding work, twist-outs, and loc maintenance each have their own technique. Ask to see before-and-after photos, and don't hesitate to ask about their experience with your curl pattern. A good stylist will talk through what the style demands of your hair and how long it can safely stay in.
Reviews can tell you a lot. All the salons here have ratings on file, so read what people say about durability, tension (protective styles should never pull so hard they hurt), and whether the stylist listened to what you wanted.
The Salon Landscape Here
Buffalo's protective-style salons average 4.34 stars. Half of them take online booking, so you can check availability and reserve a spot without a phone call. The salons listed here range from single-location studios to larger shops, and many have portfolios on Instagram—follow a few and see whose work speaks to you before you book.