Dayton salon devoted to natural hair care shows signs of growth

Puff Apothecary, a Black-owned boutique and salon located at 605 E. Fifth St. in Dayton’s Oregon District, has recently expanded its services and hired a new stylist.

Asha Parson, Puff Apothecary’s new salon coordinator and stylist, specializes in locs, braiding and other protective styling. She will join a team of three who have worked hard to fill a gap that has existed in the local hair salon industry.

“As the oldest of five, I developed a passion for doing hair when I started helping my mother with my sibling’s hair,” Parson said.

✨PUFF ANNOUNCEMENT✨ Meet Asha Parson, our new Salon Coordinator and stylist!! We are so thrilled to have Asha and her...

Posted by Puff Apothecary on Friday, March 26, 2021

Along with hiring a new stylist, Puff Apothecary, specializing in natural hair, curls, braids and locs, will expand their services to meet the needs of all customers. The salon will now offer youth services specifically designed for families looking for help in styling and nurturing their child’s natural hair.

“We have families new to caring for natural hair,” said Jacqui Martin, advanced cosmetologist at Puff Apothecary. “Families from different cultural backgrounds (adoptive or foster) who have little to no education on caring for and styling natural hair. We offer enough time that parents and caregivers can engage with us and ask questions. And we have a semi-private space that can be comfortable for young people. We’re excited to be growing and that Asha has joined the Puff team. She and our entire staff enjoys and deeply cares about helping others see the beauty in their natural hair.”

After finding out her strengths were in the natural hair care field, Bethany Ramsey founded Puff Apothecary as a retail boutique. Eventually, she expanded the building to include a salon in 2019. What set the salon apart from the beginning is the stylists’ focus on using plant-based products from Black-owned businesses and providing a service to clientele who are often underserved in the Miami Valley.

“People come to us because we specialize in natural hair but also because we offer a special experience,” said Ramsey. “We are knowledgeable, personable and prioritize having a space where people can have a self-care moment. I think now more than ever people want to connect with someone they can trust and also do something nice for themselves. We’ve been fortunate we can provide both for our clients.”

First-time clients can schedule a consultation by visiting Puff Apothecary’s website. More information about Puff Apothecary can be found by visiting the boutique and salon’s website or by contacting them via email at salon@puffapothecary.com or phone at 937-630-4012.

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