I stopped by Diaspora Salon to pick up some hair products on this trip, the Deva products. A few months ago treated myself and I got a Deva Cut and I loved it! I came in with my wash-and-go hair. LOL because it was the 1st time I did a wash-and-go, ever! I liked the challenge though, me experimenting with my own wild and big hair, did I mention wild?? :)) But that's how you have to show up for your appointment...Same thing in NYC on Broome St. (** I did look on Pinterest and Google images to make sure my hair looked like the other Pins'/girls' hair, I wanted to be sure I was doing it right because I had made the appt. the day before my graduation so my hair could be super fresh). I'd run low on the cleanser and conditioner so I gave Yasmine a call and swung by. She got me to make the big switch from "regular" products a while ago. She demonstrated how certain products, most actually, put a coating a hard-to-get-rid of film on each strand of hair; she whipped out a Slim Jim to show me what she meant and everything, LOL. Made a lot of sense though! I really like the vibe and environment of the salon. The music is always great too. If you've never been to Diaspora make sure to check out its website and read the FAQs and policies too!! These stylists don't operate like traditional salons. You have to keep in mind that natural hair is a completely different SCIENCE than chemically-treated hair, so the processes are completely different. All of which means, your experience will more than likely be different from what you are currently used to. I learned this after my big chop 3 years ago. Us clients have to do our part and do a little research, or better research, before we walk into an unknown environment. Yasmine has taught me how to really care for my hair, and to take pride in my kinky and sometimes frizzy curls. I used to be OBSESSED with the length...I had long hair but I also had split ends that ran up like 2" AND the hair at the crown of my head was much shorter than the rest of my hair :(( It was a mess. I forced myself into doing the big chop with a co-worker and I'm glad I did. Well, after I stopped whining and crying about it I was glad, hahaha. So, I use the Deva cleanser, conditioner, the gel, and I do a deep conditioning treatment once a week, and that's about it. I also like to use some or leave some of the conditioner in my hair at the end to keep the fly-aways tamed. I love doing up-dos because it keeps me from having to brush and comb so often, I don't like all that pulling on my head everyday. To be completely honest, I look forward to my trims. I can feel when it is time to get one...my ends start to tangle more often and feel dry and crunchy. Now I'm used to having healthy hair so when I notice I need a trim, my hair won't be right until I get it. Even if I wear a bun all week, I can definitely feel the difference. I've come a long way :) I used to believed in the whole "good hair, bad hair" nonsense, but I learned that there is no such thing. Just like everyone has a certain skin type, dry, oily, and everything in between, there are many different types of hair. The key is to find the product(s) and styling "procedure" that works for you. Hair is so subjective, so what may work well for you may be a bad hair day for someone else, yikes, hahaha. Really, it's about trial and error. Having a good Natural Hair Stylist and some great products will make all the difference, believe me!! ;) read more

I found this salon through a friend and co- worker. I loved everything about my experience. I got the best haircut I have ever had, and received tons of help on how to manage my hair at home. I got a curly cut aka a deva cut. I've had 2 before at a popular salon in DC, but I felt more comfortable with Yasmine becuase she specializes in MY hair type (4a). Yasmine was professional, funny, and down to earth. I also loved her style, and especially her hair. The other stylist in the salon was great as well. I really like the atmosphere there, and I've never been one to go to salons much. Mainly because no stylist understood my coily hair, or it was an all day thing and no one could offer me and my natural hair anything but twists or a blow-out, and I never wear my hair that way. Hmph. I made an appointment very easily on the website, which holds TONS of information. And to take a pause- regarding the information on the website, yeah it's a lot, but it's very clear cut on how you should arrive. No products with heavy butters or oils (I had been using shea moisture). I listened to the instructiions online and I'm glad I did. Yasmine explained how those heavy products act just like petroleum and sit on the hair and repel moisture. That's why my hair has been so dry for the last 2 years. I had no idea. I mean, really, how would I know unless I saw a stylist that knows this stuff... She used 4 products on my hair, 5 if you include the finishing spray. Actually 6 because she did a detox because I STILL had the shea moisture residue on my hair after clarifying at home. She recommended I take home the essentials and I did. So 2 products- the No Poo and One Conditioner. I do like them better than what I had been using. I changed my styling products from Shea Moisture to Miss Jessies. The Curly Pudding works very well now that she removed the product build up from the Shea Moisture. All in all, I really appreciate this salon and Yasmine! And my mother and 2 cousins have already made appointments. I am glad I listened to myself and made the trip from DC, and will be returning 3 times a year to keep my hair healthy (maybe I'll make a color appointment too :) All in all, I highly recommend this salon. Great vibe, service and skill do they possess. read more

I've been prepping for this cut for months. I read the instructions on the website and am finally ready to wear my hair in wash and gos aka curly. Yasmine has done my hair before in protective styles and I've always loved them, now, I'm ready to move on to what I consider the next chapter in my hair journey. In preparation for this service, Yasmine requires a 2 week detox from all butter and oils, but I detoxed from the oils and butters for almost a month and I have seen a dramatic difference in my hair. The service also requires you to come in with a wash and go. It makes sense. The cut is a based on how your curls fall and the stylist would have to see your hair curly and down for it to be shaped. Regarding the detox from the heavy products, my hair is so much lighter and fluffier. At first it was hard, because I've been using Qhemet Biologics for years, a line with a ton of butter and oils, and because I'm used to the styles I did with those products. I came in before my appointment to get the products she recommends to detox with, Malibu build up removing shampoo, the Deva Curl No Poo and conditioner, and the Supercream and Set It Free. So, I'm excited to wear my hair curly and to finally have a correct shape. Also, the salon itself is very peaceful, clean and immaculately designed. It feels fresh. Yasmine herself is professional, but at the same time she's real, pretty much an expert in natural hair and I feel I can trust her when it comes to my hair. This is my fifth time here and I love the energy and passion she has for natural hair. Me personally, even when she did protective styles for me, she always did a consultation at the beginning of the appointment, even when I was getting something simple like two strand twists. She is serious about how the salon is ran and the policies being followed, which as a customer, I respect and appreciate. There's no point to having policies if you're not going to stick to them. And I don't want to be in a place that ha no standards. I would highly recommend her and this salon. 5 stars all the way, and every time I've gotten my hair done. read more

Recently went back for a Deva Cut and a treatment and had a great time! Some of these reviews are brutal, and have never been my experience. Ion know what kind of tricky this is here!! I've only had great experiences with this salon and their whole staff (Yasmine, the owner does my hair). Anyway, for all of the times I loved my hair when she did it, this time I really loved it because they used something new to get the product buildup off of my hair (I thought I didn't have any buildup... WRONG) It made a yuge difference, and now I know why my hair hasn't been poppin' lately... Somebody please keep me away from coconut oil... At the end of the service, my hair looked moisturized, defined and fluffy as usual. Slay! Oh how I wish I could take them home to do my hair every morning... I've been to this business a bunch of times and left a few reviews for this place, so let me say this: the owner is passionate about her business and how she services her clients. Standards. 3 of my friends, a few co- workers, church members, and my sister and mother come to Yasmine to have their hair done. All. Of. Them. Slay. I've been here more than a few times since 2016 and I've seen how people don't follow directions, try to get over, and are rude and disrespectful toward her. I myself have never seen her fly off the handle or match disrespect with disrespect. I witnessed some foolery from one of the clients at my last appointment and she handled it well, and put the lady (who was dead wrong) in her place, in a professional way, and the lady apologized. Last year she colored my hair red, and after a month it faded to a rosy pink color, which made me look like a lost soul. I called and she had me come in the next day, toned it free of charge, and had me switch from my Shea Moisture shampoo (don't judge me) to one from Deva Curl for colored hair (which the company discontinued and I'm still fuming about!) and the problem was taken care of. I rock with these ladies; they always make me look fly and my experience is always a good one. read more

I found a gem!! Honestly, I absolutely loved this place. I am a newbie to being natural (2 years) and the first stylist I went to was okay, but she was working out of her home and was a bit on the rough side. After a falling out I went 2 months without getting my tresses taken care of. While at work, I saw my co- worker's new 'do and it was so beautiful!! I made an appointment with her stylist, Yasmine, but was I unable to make it, which was no problem because I gave 24 hour notice (whew!). I rescheduled for the next day and she obliged. Upon walking in I was warmly greeted by Yasmine. She took my jacket and walked me through the very clean, beautifully designed salon. We got started with a mini consultation, then right away with a good wash. Yasmine was great and the shampoo massage was just what I needed. I felt right at home. The music choices (lounge music, international-esque) were surprisingly on point. No Lil Wayne, radio, or today's nonsense, lol. She was on the fast side, but not hurried. The conversation was awesome, I definitely enjoyed talking about everything from racial politics in the D.R. to Martha Stewart's recipe for red velvet cake (I needed a good recipe for my brother's birthday in a few weeks :-). I hardly felt my hair being done, she was so gentle. I was under the dryer in no time and out soon after then. I spent maybe 2 1/2 hours all together. My price came out to $105 (HAWT flat twist pinup and super duper moisturizing steam treatment). I gave her $125 and would have given more if I had it, because I was so impressed. My hair looks absolutely stunning, it's soft and I have an appointment to go back there next month for Havana twists. I have gotten so many compliments on this hairstyle. Pros: Friendly, trendy, convenient location, clean and well maintained, great atmosphere and music, AND they sell QHEMET BIOLOGICS, which she used on my hair! I've been wanting to try their products for a good while. And there's a really nice tea station. Cons: None! read more

I had been following the salon on Instagram and after talking to someone who was a steady customer, instead of traveling all the way to New York I decided to make an appointment. The shop is small but very inviting and nicely decorated and I found Yasmine to be friendly and very professional. She asked me what I wanted and I was very specific that I wanted a shape but also wanted to to keep my length. She completely understood and gave me a great signature curly cut that gives my hair plenty of volume. I like how she doesn't overbook clients. I also liked how she explained all the products she used step by step, even giving me a mirror so I could watch what she was doing when she was washing my hair. In the past I always wore twistouts but because of the great cut she gave me and her instructions on how to replicate the style at home I will now be wearing my hair in a wash and go. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back and recommend her shop to anyone who is natural and looking for a natural stylist who is extremely knowledgeable. read more

I've had my hair colored, Deva-cut and most recently Havana-twisted by Yasmine and I have been pleased and highly-impressed with each service. She doesn't just do your hair, but she's knowledgeable about what products and services are actually good for the health of your natural hair. I don't mind driving from Va to Baltimore to my hair appointments with her because it's worth it and I luv the atmosphere of the shop. I recommend her to anyone that's struggling with their natural hair or just fed up with having their natural hair mistreated and mishandled. You won't be disappointed. read more

I have been seeing Toni Poole once a month since August. I like my hair fresh and tight. I searched a long time for a naturalista to style my hair so that I can grow it out. I tend to cut it short after 6 weeks of growth because I lack patience. I found Diaspora's website and fell in love with the mini twists and scheduled an appointment. When I arrived Toni and I had a discussion about what I wanted, if it was appropriate, and then she set to work. I love the salon, it is quiet, clean, and they have parking. My hair is in great shape and growing quickly. read more

Today, I visited the shop and felt mistreated for 2nd time. Therfore, I will not visit again. I gave Yasmine a 2nd chance my mistake. 1st time I was never told about private lot and had to ask ... poor customer service. 2nd time I was told no outside trash as if I was not a regular paying customer of 2 years. I felt offended and like a stranger. I have never heard of such a policy for a salon maybe at a federal building in fear of a bomb. Really it was only a Royal Farms coffee cup and fries box...too uptight loosen up girl ... bougie. read more

Not sure what happened to this place. Neighborhood is going to hell and looks bad --homeless, defecation on sidewalk, needles out front. They now have a triple deadbolt on the door. But it's more than that -- its really bad attitude and really poor business sense. I would ignore any positive reviews until you start hearing something new as this place has gone to hell and it doesn't appear they understand how to treat black peoples hair anyway. Did the original people sell and like leave it to amateurs who are pretending? read more

I'm absolutely in love with Diaspora Salon. It's quiet, clean, and relaxing. Yasmine can not only style your natural hair, but is knowledgeable about it too. She is personable and professional and I for one truly appreciate that. Your appointment time is your appointment time and you're not waiting 30+ minutes waiting to get started. If you are looking for a natural hair stylist Diaspora Salon is where you need to be! read more

I have been going to Yasmine since 2010 or 2011. I am pleased with all my hairstyles, she is very knowledgeable about hair and have grown over the years for the better! I have recommended several people that have gone to her and continue to go to her! If your looking for professional and courteous salon then Ase' is the salon to go to. read more

I experienced my first Deva cut and endlight service yesterday and let me just say Yasmine had my hair poppin!! My curls haven't looked like this in a long time. I already booked my next trim appointment and can't wait to go back. The salon is also so pretty, filled with greenery and very comfortable during this COVID-19 pandemic. read more