NAPPS! Photography: Lawrence Bryant Writtern by: De’Marja Patrick
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Facebook: Napps Natural Hair
ooking for a black owned business that has stayed true to its integrity, location and services for 18 years, then you are looking for Napps. As soon as you walk up to the salon, you see and feel the culture of Napps as you see stylist working on their clients from the window. Napps is a hair salon located in University City right in the Loop at 6267 Delmar. Napps specializes in servicing customers with natural hair styles, and the entire up-keep of the African-American texture of hair without using chemicals. Everyone that works in the salon has been trained by the owner, Mekhat and this is how it has been for 18 years, working to protect and preserve natural hair. Back in 1992 when the salon opened, Napps was the only salon around that was specializing in natural hair and dreads, long before dreads were trendy and a part of the current fashionable natural hair styles. “I decided to stop wearing my hair relaxed years ago,” said Mekhat. Mekhat says she has always been a part of the conscience culture way before 2010, and along with the culture of the hair salon, the location has also been perfect. In Mekhat’s opinion, “The Loop is the most cultured area.” With the close proximity of Washington University, Napps is always receiving new clients and because of this the location continues to a part of the success at Napps. Mekhat says the entire experience of Napps, is to provide a professional atmosphere that is warm. Mekhat is also a
Twitter: @NappsHairSalon
commission salon, so there is always a team atmosphere. We only promote Napps, instead of individuals,” said Mekhat. Because of the team atmosphere and special services provided by Napps has been a “recession proof business.” Mekhat says this is why the salon has lasted this long, because the entire staff has been trained with the same “Napps techniques.” With the success at the salon over the last 18 years, Mekhat does not work regularly in the salon and has moved on, well actually right next door from the salon, to open her boutique Sexy Buddha. “I always wanted to do hair and make my own clothes,” said Mekhat. Mekhat still works as a hair stylist, but only for “special clients,” because she is spending more time on her boutique. At the Sexy Buddha, Mekhat says you will find “sexy sophisticated and up-scaled pieces.” But this is not the last stop for the businesswoman. Along with the salon, boutique and Napps hair care line, Mehkat is looking for more. “I am never satisfied,” said Mehkat. Mehkat looks to expand Napps salon throughout the country as well as the hair care line, while training future stylist in a school, just for natural hair training. “I want to be the black Paul Mitchell,” said Mekhat. “I always want to do better…we’re doing great but can I do better,” said Mekhat.
DELUX MAGAZINE WINTER 2010/11 99 NAPPS! • 6267 Delmar Blvd • 314.727.0312 • www.myspace.com/nappsworldwide