Black Hair in Paris
When I first arrived at AUP, I did not realize how hard it would be to figure out how to manage my curly hair here. For me, changing my hair and having fun hairstyles are part of how I express myself, but the lack of diverse products in grocery stores or pharmacies proved difficult during my first year here. Upon my arrival, Klorane hair products were recommended to me, which left my hair feeling dehydrated and lacking the fullness it had in the states. Even as I asked other students with similar hair to mine, they ended up shipping their products from home or ordering them online. While that may seem like a solution, it is not an affordable one given the high shipping costs. Now, in my last year here, I would like to share what I've learned on where to find affordable Black hair products in Paris.
The Rookie Mistakes
First, the most recommended areas are the 18th arrondissement or Strasbourg-Saint-Denis, but it is not always the most comfortable option because merchants approach people coming off the metro. As they try to badger you into going to their stores, it makes the experience a little nerve-racking. However, there are alternative stores such as Crazy Pouss in the 1st arrondissement, which not only provide an array of Black hair products but also other types of hair for braiding, weaves, wigs, etc.
The experience is a lot calmer because the employees ask if you need help without necessarily hovering. The layout of the store also helps with the shopping experience, as products in other stores tend to all be grouped together and make it quite difficult just to find simple brands like Eco Styler Gel. However, the layout at Crazy Pouss has a wide layout with specific sections, making it even easier for non-French speakers. We all know how intimidating it can be to ask for help when we don't understand what's being said.
Black Hair on a Student Budget
There are alternatives for Black hair, and the rainy Paris weather does not have to control your hair routine. Although these stores are a helpful alternative, they are not always financially sustainable, as the pricing for certain styles is quite expensive. I have met students at AUP who know how to braid their hair but just don’t know where to buy it and aren’t informed about the cost-efficient options. Average pricing for braids costs roughly €100 to €200, when a pack of hair costs less than €5. Students should be taught these alternatives, as it could help them maintain their identities without feeling pressured to fully conform to French culture. Providing resources like these can open the discussion about the lack of cultural inclusion within French culture and provide more support within the AUP community.
