Hair, Nails, & Tension
One of the most frustrating things about moving to a new town is finding a good barber shop or salon. The last thing you need when you’re trying to make new friends is an ugly mop, and it can take a long time to recover from a bad hair cut. Because hair types differ, I’ve relied heavily on friends to help me with this section. (Paul’s and Apollo are the only places on the list I’ve had my hair cut.) My criterion for a salon to be included in this list was that at least two friends with good hair had to recommend it. Most of these shops earned kudos by the handful.
WARNING: Getting your hair cut by “the new guy” anywhere is dangerous! It is not rude to ask for someone who’s been at it for a while—so long as you ask tactfully. If you know what look you’re going for, it’s usually a good idea to ask for the person who’s best with that cut/style. A barber/stylist won’t tell you he “can’t” do something, but he might be willing to say someone else is more skilled at a certain cut. BE SURE THIS CONVERSATION TAKES PLACE BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN!
BUDGET
Texas College of Cosmetology (677-0532) 117 Sayles Blvd
$5 hair cuts. I’ve never been, but if you’re strapped for cash, feeling adventurous, and needing a facial/haircut/fake nails, it might be worth a shot. Services are provided by Senior Students under supervision. (That said, bear in mind that these are students.)
BLACK MEN / WOMEN
Agape Hair Design (o: 690-0211 / c: 864-1320) 750 S. Leggett
I’ve been hearing about Lisa Noble at Agape Hair Designs in casual conversations for a few years now. Three friends, independent of one another, have told me within a week of writing this section that she is “the best.”
Agape specializes in extensions and weaves.
Dona Mari (692-9680) 4102 Buffalo Gap Rd
This salon (and cosmetologist Tara Wall in particular) comes extremely highly recommended from several female friends of mine. Check out the website for a full list of services and prices—they do it all! (The massages come highly recommended as well.)
Katrina Mallard’s Hair Design (695-1810) 4090 S Danville Dr.
“Another really good place.”
Wilkerson’s Barber Shop (672-1007) 4201 N 1st
This is a cult favorite among ACU students. As a matter of fact, every African-American guy I asked recommended it!
Fresh Cuts (673-7467) 2433 S. 7th
The men working the chairs here have great skills at tracing designs into your hair with their electric clippers. If that’s your look, this is your place.
HISPANIC MEN / WOMEN
Paul’s Barber Shop (677-0721) 1349 Ambler, across the street from Hardin-Simmons
Paul Hernandez’s shop is arguably the single most popular hair cutting destination among ACU and HSU men. They cut Hispanic and Caucasian hair equally well. Paul is also involved in the local sports community. If you want to talk about softball, local sports, or the Dallas Cowboys, this is the place to go. $10 covers the haircut and tip.
Tiffany’s Hair Salon (672-8312) 1013 Butternut St
Tiffany’s offers hair styling, as well as manicure, pedicure, and waxing treatments in a decidedly Christian atmosphere. The shop has a pleasant ambiance, and several magazines you can look through for ideas on hair styles you may like to try. Deborah Wadley has owned and operated this salon for 30 years and has three other stylists working along side her.
WHITE MEN / WOMEN
Apollo For Men (795-2361) 5309 Buffalo Gap Rd
This is a shop you don’t expect to find in Abilene—a full-on spa, expressly for men. It is a cool idea, and offers a wide array of services (haircuts, facials, massage, shave, etc). Reservations are recommended, but not always necessary. They offer complementary top-shelf drinks while you wait. They also have a great gift shop chock full of men’s health & beauty products at reasonable prices. Mondays are Military discount days and Tuesdays offer discounts for college students/faculty (30% off with valid ID). Apollo opens early on Wednesdays, and all services are half-price from 6 to 9 am.
Avanti (695-4247) 2625 Barrow
I’ve never seen an Avanti hair cut. They made this list for their amazing spa services. I went in with my girlfriend one Valentines Day so she could get a manicure. As I waited, a man’s wife came to pick him up after a day of pampering. I’ve never seen a sober man look so relaxed! The image stuck has stuck with me.
I paid for my girlfriend’s manicure and included a generous tip, but then Cara got out her own wallet and doubled the gratuity! She said it was the best manicure she’d ever had. We wound up paying as much in tip as I had for the service itself.
Vendetta’s (692-6675) 4526 S 14th
I am friends with a former Miss Abilene whose long, full, red hair has never seen a bad day. She blames Vendetta’s. They also provides hair styling to the local KRBC-TV news team, and recently won the newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards for best salon.
Backstage (677-2944) 1110 Ruswood
This salon was recently named first runner up in an ACU student poll for “Best Hair Salon.”
TANNING SALONS
Hot Spot Tanning Resort and Day Spa (672-1016) 3110 N 1st
These guys won the ACU student poll for best tanning salon, the 2003 Reader’s Choice Award for best tanning salon, and come highly recommended from several friends for their massages.
Perfect Tan & Nails (670-9353) 1405 Sayles Blvd
This was the ACU student poll runner up for best tanning salon.