In the heart of Fullerton, California, a groundbreaking salon has emerged, solely dedicated to providing expert-level curly haircuts. Curly Hair Salon, founded by seasoned curl specialist Dusty Schlabach, offers a refreshing alternative for individuals with curly hair who often face the frustrating challenge of finding the right stylist. This expansive 2,000-plus-square-foot facility features a team of seven hairstylists, all of whom have undergone an intensive four-week training bootcamp focused entirely on the intricacies of curly cuts.
Schlabach’s journey in the world of curly hair began in 2012 with the launch of Thairapy Salon in South Pasadena, where he not only provided specialized haircuts but also offered coloring and styling options for customers with curls. His innovative approach included creating CurlMaps, an online tool that helps curly-haired individuals locate stylists experienced in managing their unique hair types. Despite these ventures, the salon industry remains rife with challenges, particularly when it comes to securing an ideal haircut for curly hair. “There’s this big disconnect from an accessibility standpoint… not a cut that you have to grow into, but one that works out of the gate,” Schlabach points out, a sentiment echoed by countless frustrated clients.
Navigating the world of curly haircuts can often feel like a game of roulette. Clients may struggle to find an available stylist or face lengthy waitlists due to high demand. According to Schlabach, many clients are left pondering, “Should I wait for my dream stylist, who isn’t accepting new clients? Or should I chance it and book with a salon that charges hundreds?” To tackle this pervasive issue, Curly Hair Salon offers not just accessibility but also transparency in pricing and service options. Each haircut is uniformly priced at $75, with appointments lasting 45 minutes, allowing clients to easily budget for their visit.
The salon provides four distinct types of curly haircuts: “Just a Trim” for a minor refresh, “Shape Up” for layers that’ll add volume, face-framing options, and the dramatic “Big Chop” for a significant change. Importantly, each cut is performed on dry hair, with clients encouraged to come in sporting their usual styles. “We want to see what your curl pattern looks like when you style it with what you style it with,” Schlabach emphasizes, ensuring that every haircut reflects how clients will wear their curls daily.
Curly Hair Salon is poised to make a considerable impact in its first year, aiming to serve approximately 13,000 clients. For context, Schlabach’s first salon, Thairapy, successfully caters to nearly 20,000 clients annually. The Fullerton location operates on a bootstrap model, but Schlabach has plans to expand beyond California, with Texas already in his sights for potential new salons. His vision extends beyond mere expansion; he hopes to reshape the curly hair discourse. “So many curly girls don’t know what they’re capable of in terms of what they can ask for from a haircut,” he says, highlighting the salon’s mission to empower clients and make quality curly haircuts accessible in both availability and price.
Curly Hair Salon isn’t just another trendy salon; it symbolizes a shift towards inclusivity and specialization in haircare, particularly for those often overlooked by traditional styling establishments. By fostering an environment where expert advice is paired with practical services, Schlabach aims to redefine the experience for curly-haired individuals everywhere. As the conversation around curly hair continues to evolve, this salon stands as a testament to the importance of accessibility, expertise, and community within the hairstyling industry.