Photograph by Scott Areman
Debra Shigley still remembers her sophomore year homecoming disaster. Two hours after getting a blowout at a local salon, she was in tears. “The stylist had no idea how to work with black hair, and it was a frizzy, poofy mess,” Shigley, 37, recalls. “It turned
out worse than if I’d done it myself.”
Twenty years later, experiences like these inspired Shigley (who was once an editor at this magazine) to cofound Colour, an Atlanta-based beauty app that connects experienced local stylists with women of color for at-home appointments. For as little as $65, customers can choose from six styles, including the Luxe (classic loose waves), the Sleek (a straight blowout), and the Gloss (a flat twist set), or request a custom look; unlimited visits run $200 per month.
“For years black women have been underserved in this space,” she says. “Even with the rise in popularity of on-demand beauty apps and [styling salons like] Drybar, women of color and multiracial backgrounds still have a hard time finding trusted stylists who know how to work with their hair.”
Four other beauty apps creating a buzz in Atlanta
Pretty in My Pocket
Shop for beauty, bath, and hair products based on user recommendations. You can also upload pics of the look you want—then tag the products you need.
Shaglam
Founded by Atlanta hair stylist Raina Gaon, this app dispatches hair stylists and makeup artists—or “GlamPros”—to you. Stylists upload portfolios of their work and set their own prices for services, so you can take your pick.
Soothe
Book at-home massages (therapists can arrive in as little as an hour), choosing among styles like Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal. Gratuity is built into the prices, which start at $99.
StyleSeat
Browse through an inspiration gallery, then book services ranging from haircuts to personal training. Easy navigation lets you search for appointments by location, service, or stylist.
This article originally appeared in our August 2016 issue.
