For many Black women across the country, hair embodies a lot; from culture to personal identity and even memories, our hair holds intrinsic value in all its forms. The care put into Black hair also plays a vital role in this experience, from maintaining and retaining healthy fros to finding licensed beauticians who can handle textured hair types. But what happens when there are few resources available to maintain your hair? Where do you go when there are no capable hairdressers in your community?

How far would you be willing to travel to find them? 

“Hair deserts,” similar to “food deserts,” are communities that provide limited resources and services to more textured hair types. Many times, these deserts are in rural areas—but not always. However,  rural areas will have notably few –or no– hair care supplies and salons formulated for the unique needs of afro-centric hair. Many salons in rural areas have little experience with Black hair, which can often lead to hair damage. 

Murray did not have any Black-owned hair salons in the community, although there was a Black-owned barbershop named Kampus Kutz that operated just off campus. Then came Michele Jones, who opened Kampus Beauty in the back half of the building in 2021.

“No one in this area was doing hair,” Jones said. “Stylists were driving from Nashville or Paducah to come borrow a space in some of the existing salons just so they could take care of the African-Americans here in the community.” 

“It was a challenge at first,” Jones said. “Most men [barbers] don’t want to work around women because some men come in just to escape the female atmosphere.” 

Jones said her clients have come from many areas, from Murray State students to out-of-state folks visiting family in Kentucky.

“I’ve helped some of the athletes that don’t have a lot of time to get their hair done. For them, they may say ‘Oh, I have a television special’ or ‘My game is going to be aired live, can you get me assistance with my braids or my locs?’ For women, they may say ‘Hey, there’s a pageant, there’s dance, there’s a date.’ I get a lot of first dates.” 

To Jones, being a hairdresser is more than just an occupation — it’s a community-building experience. 

“If I get to see someone’s forever smile, then I’ve accomplished my goal,” Jones said. “Because if you do a person’s hair right, and you have good people-person skills, then you’ve touched their heart forever because they remember you as someone who made them feel better about themselves.” 

Because of the sheer lack of resources, Jones also doubles as a business owner who supplies hair extensions and products — many of which cannot be found at other outlets such as Sally Beauty or Walmart. 

While it’s good to have products, Jones said it can be difficult to cater to the newest hair trends. 

“Not only do you have to put yourself out there [on social media], you have to follow the top trends, not to mimic but to be aware of what resources you need to have available for what trending styles exist. Back then we didn’t name a style; we just said what we wanted.” 

That being said, Jones has created a unique oasis where once there once was none — a space for Black folk to find a piece of home and hair care by a licensed cosmetologist.