by Tammi Williamson
There was never a question about what Renee Flint would be when she grew up. After all, at 9 she was practicing her trade on her four sisters, cousins, friends and anyone else she could get her hands on.
Today, the TC alumna and owner/operator of The Hair Doctor, is doing what she enjoys and getting paid for it.
“I love braids,” she said. “I love wearing them and putting them on my customers. They’re an extension, excuse the pun, of the wearer’s personality.”
The Hair Doctor is a full service beauty salon; however, Flint’s specialties are extended braiding and weaving, which basically consist of putting more hair in the customer’s head to create a new style of length and fullness.
There are two types of braids, French and individual. The individual braids can be styled differently each day, while the French braids, unlike individual, can’t be styled differently each day.
“I prefer wearing long individuals because of the personality. I can change the style as often as I like. Plus, they last longer,” Flint said.
Depending on the style, maintenance, length and condition of the hair, braids can stay up for two to six months.
“Actually, braids can be less expensive than styles that require trips to the beauty shop every two to four weeks,” she said.
Braids for children range between $45 – $150 for adults and $35 – $95 for children. The price depends on the individual’s needs. Individuals cost more because they require more time. Sessions average two to five hours.
“The regular will remain,” Flint said. “It depends on how much you’re damaging it.”
For her job, Flint said, “It is like being a doctor. When you walk in, I have to assess your hair and make sure it looks good.”
She said, “I received a good education at The Hair Doctor because I learned a lot. If I didn’t know more about the mistakes I made when I first started, I’d be in a new box in this area, ‘Dr.’ Flint is the specialist.”