We have curly hair, just like you
The Curly Hair Salon came to life because I, Luvena, struggled with my hair growing up and struggled even more to find a salon that understood my frustration. Even hair salons that claimed to specialize in curly hair didn’t look at my unique curls and just classified my hair as curly.
So, The Curly Hair Salon was born. Our team treats every one of our curlfriends as unique. No curls are the same.
A safe space for your curls
We are a salon, educational resource, and community here to help you love, care, and embrace your natural curls. Unlike other beauty salons, you won’t find any hot tools, flat irons, or straightening tools because we do things the way curls thrive best – the natural way.
Embrace your natural curls
Meet our talented curlfriends
Luvena Leslie
SALON OWNER & FOUNDER
Luvena, a New Haven native, is the owner of the Curly Hair Salon. Growing up biracial (black dad, white mom), she had a constant struggle with her hair.
There weren’t any salons in her area that specialized in curls, so she had to either go to a salon that would straighten her hair, or go to a salon that had no idea how to straighten her hair.
Being the oldest of two sisters, she became the hairstylist of the family. After finally giving into destiny, she became a licensed hairstylist in 2007. A few years into her career, she was introduced to cutting curly hair. When she saw clients’ reactions, and the way lives were changed with helping people accept their natural hair, she knew she had to do it ALL THE TIME!
When the opportunity came in 2011, she opened The Curly Hair Salon. She is grateful to provide a space for women to be embraced, and to be able to embrace their true selves. She leads a team of amazingly talented women! She considers herself extremely blessed to be part of the curly hair movement.
Curl Type: 3c
Daysha Bonet
STYLIST
Growing up, Daysha also struggled to manage her own curly hair — she even had to have it all chopped off as a toddler because it was so tangled! But now as a professional hairdresser, she recognizes the importance of caring for her natural curls, and wants to share that recognition with others.
Daysha graduated from hairdressing/cosmetology school in 2013 and now continues to practise her craft at The Curly Hair Salon while raising two beautiful children.
Curl type: Mix of 2c and 3a
Crystal Ruiz
STYLIST
Crystal was born in New Haven, CT and raised in Erie, PA before moving back to New Haven at the age of eleven. She attended Eli Whitney Technical High School and graduated in 2017 with her Cosmetology license. Crystal is Devacurl level two and Rezo Cut certified, and has taken many classes in color. At the Curly Hair Salon she specializes in both cuts and color — drastic color changes are her favorite!
In her free time, she loves being a mom to her daughter Aleena. She also enjoys art, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and taking her dog “Moo” on long walks.
Curl type: 2b
Thalia Gatison
STYLIST
Thalia Rose Gatison uses her spiritual energy to connect with her clients and their curls — Don’t be surprised if she whips out a crystal or two during your appointment! She’s very passionate about astrology, yoga, sound healing, and self discovery, and feels very blessed to have found a salon that celebrates natural beauty and individuality! She’s 100% relaxer free and loves working with transitioning clients, as hair often relates to one's spiritual journey as well.
Curl type: 4a
Susie Baez
STYLIST
Susie is trained and certified in multiple color and cutting techniques such as Devacurl, Rëzolites, Olaplex and more. She enjoys using her knowledge to cater to every type of curly individual that sits in her chair.
As a curly girl herself, she says she found her home to share and empower curly beauties. As her motto goes, “Your hair is your crown, you should wear it proudly!”
Curl type: 4a
Lindaysha
STYLIST/LOCTICIAN
Lindaysha, our resident loctician, has always had a passion for doing hair. Though she’s been a professional hairstylist for the past 5 years, it’s been a hobby of hers since she was a teenager!
After styling, starting, and retwisting other people’s locs for the past 8 years, she’s been on her own loc journey for about a year and a half. She’s an incredibly versatile stylist, and will slay absolutely any texture with ease. This hilarious mother of three will have you feeling at home as soon as you hit her chair!
Curl type: loc’d
Gabie
STYLIST
Nonna
SALON ASSISTANT
She’s the one and never the two.
Curl type: 2c
Gigi
ASSISTANT/LICENSED COSMETOLOGIST
Gianna grew up in the town of East Haven with her parents and five little, wild siblings. Growing up she struggled to embrace and love her curls like most people have at some point. However, during high school she started to adore her hair. She decided to embark on a career that would help teach others how to care for and love their curls as well. Gianna practiced her passion whether it was by giving her sister bangs, or even giving her little brother a fun mohawk! As soon as she could, she decided to jump right into the hair world, and join our Curly Salon just the day after graduating from hair school!
Gianna loves talking to new people and learning about their different experiences, culture, favorite songs and loves hearing about new foods to try!
Curl type: 2c
Jennifer
NAIL TECH
Hello, I'm Jenn, also known as J to the E NN. You might recognize me as the Curly Crew's top hair washer and project manager. But I'm thrilled to share that I'm now the salon's licensed nail technician. Over the years, I've honed my skills and perfected my craft by creating stunning nail sets for my friends and family.
During the pandemic, I further developed my techniques and experimented with different mediums. With the encouragement of my friends Luvena and Christopher, I decided to take the leap and share my talent with the world. I can't wait to meet new clients and reconnect with old ones at the Curly Hair Salon!
Your curls are ready
– are you?
Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or want to join our curlfriends community, we’re waiting to hear from you!