Cardiff's Destination Salon for Afro and Textured Hair
We're proud to be the salon Cardiff clients turn to for afro and textured hair but "destination salon" isn't a title you give yourself. So before we tell you why we've earned it, here's what to actually look for when you're searching for an afro hair salon in Cardiff or a curly hair specialist near you.
What to look for in a textured hair specialist
- Social proof that reflects your hair. Scroll their Instagram, tik tok and website. Are you seeing type 2 waves only, or a real spread of textures on type 3 hair across through to type 4, all lengths, all shapes? If afro hair is only in the "before" photos, that tells you something.
- Reviews from clients like you. Not just star ratings read what people with your hair type actually experienced.
- Experience and training history. How long have they worked with textured hair specifically, and where did they train? General hairdressing experience doesn't automatically translate to afro expertise.
- Ongoing education. Techniques evolve fast in the curl and coil world. A stylist who took one course five years ago isn't the same as one investing in their craft every year and if they've done the work, they'll usually have it proudly on their website or socials.
Why Thriv is that salon
Our co-founders, Jade and Tiffany, trained at Vidal Sassoon one of the most respected names in the industry worldwide, across the Manchester and London academies before settling in Cardiff. That foundation covered all hair textures, including afro, giving them the grounding to serve every client who walks through our doors, not just the easiest ones to style.
Jade, our cutting specialist, took that further. Before lockdown, she made a deliberate decision to focus on the curly and afro community, and since then she's trained under some of the most influential names in textured hair education:
Reema Jaber, learning the widely respected Cadō Curly Method
Jennie Roberts, on afro hair styling and precision cutting at the Jennie Roberts Hair Academy
Aeleise Ollarvia of Cut It Kinky, on precision cutting for tight curls and coils
Most recently, Rëzo Level 1 & 2 certification under Nubia Suarez at the Rëzo Academy
Learning directly from the women shaping how curly and afro hair is cut and cared for is what allows us to genuinely call ourselves a specialist, inclusive salon not just say it. No one should walk into a salon feeling like their hair is too big, too frizzy, or too much to handle. That's the standard we train to.
What that means for your appointment
Every member of our team is trained in curl and coil work, though experience levels vary which is reflected honestly in our pricing structure, so you always know what you're booking. Textured hair also needs time and so you leave with your hair 101% dry. Cutting, drying and styling curls takes patience, which is why our appointment lengths are built around the service, not the clock.
Not sure what to book?
Take a look at our curl service menu or book a cutting consultation below, we'll talk through your hair, manage expectations, and get you into the right service from the start.
Your consultation fee will come off your future appointment if you choose to book with us.
Thriv Salon Wellness — Cardiff's home for afro and textured hair.