A Guide to Natural Hair in Florence

by Aishah Bashir

The summer before my first year of college, I went for a final haircut at my curly-hair salon in New York City before moving to Florence for nine months. I asked my stylist if she knew of any curly-friendly salons in Italy. She told me that one of her clients visiting from Italy had said they’re almost nonexistent, surprising considering how many Italians have gorgeous waves and spirals.

I have 3B–3C hair, but anyone with curls knows they’re unpredictable. Some days they spring up into tight coils; other days they loosen up. Still, I knew before leaving for Italy that finding the right products would be a challenge. So, during that summer, I carved out nearly five pounds of suitcase space just for full-size products—enough to keep me stocked through the entire year, since I wasn’t planning on flying home for winter break.

Thankfully, once I arrived, I did discover a few curly-friendly spots in Florence’s city center. Places where I could replenish some staples I naïvely assumed I’d find at stores like Caddy’s.

Here are the places I frequent:

Black Queen

Address: Via Panicale 14R
Why I like it: Just steps away from the Central Market; affordable leave-ins and curl creams, plus multiple product lines from favorites like Skala and Aunt Jackie’s. They also carry Shea Moisture, Shine ’n Jam, and braiding hair, and the owner braids hair as well.

African Bazaar 

Address: Via Panicale, 22 or 39/R
Why I like it: It’s very close to Black Queen (same street), and they also sell similar products, including Miele. There are two locations on the same street, so be sure to check out both and see the different offerings.

Black Beauty

Address: Via de’ Ginori 44R
Why I like it: Down the road from PLM Marist Housing. Technically a salon, but you can shop for products freely. I bought ORS moisturizer here when I first arrived. They also specialize in wigs, braiding, and straightening services.

Contrasto Aveda

Address: Multiple locations
Why I like it: My NYC salon uses Aveda products, so I was already familiar with the brand. I recommend the Nutri Plenish (pink bottles) shampoo and conditioner, and the green Be Curly line for high-definition styling.

I haven’t received stylist service from a salon in Florence yet, but if I were to go anywhere, it would probably be at an Aveda salon. Their color prices are shockingly affordable, and a few stylists I’ve seen through the window have curly or coily hair, which would definitely influence who I’d request.

ZionFade Beauty Salon / Barber Shop

Address: Via Palazzuolo 74/R
For the fellas!! This is a black-owned barbershop/beauty salon. I have not been there personally, but I have heard good reviews, especially for haircuts and fades, 5-star ratings, and the owner speaks English!

Outside of Florence

Italy may not be the easiest place for curly hair maintenance, but other European cities are far more equipped. Larger, more diverse cities offer a wider range of beauty supply stores and salons—often comparable in quality and scale to Ulta. If you’re planning weekend trips, keep an eye out for better product selections in cities like:

• Paris
• Milan
• London
• Rome
• and more

Final Tips

My biggest advice? Bring more than enough of the products you love every time you return from home or prepare for a new semester. And if you find great products while traveling but don’t have a checked bag, pick up a few travel-size empty bottles from the dollar store. Fill them up with your new finds, toss them in your personal item, and breeze through TSA with your one allotted backpack.