How do you want your hair done? Lineups, braids, locks, and more? You might want to visit the new hair shop at the University of New Mexico (UNM).
On February 12, African American Student Services (AFRO) held a panel discussion. The group also celebrated the grand opening of the AFRO Hair Shop in Mesa Vista Hall. More than a hair shop, it honors Black New Mexicans’ legacy by dedicating space for culture, care, and connection.
“This shop is not just a student-led initiative—it’s a gift of love from our community,” said AFRO Director Brandi Wells-Stone during the panel. “It has been dreamed of by students, staff, faculty and alumni. It has been imagined in meetings, passing conversations, in our hallways, and jokes turned into a serious proposal.”
Students who want to get their hair done or offer hair services can contact the AFRO office to reserve space.
The Inspiration Behind AFRO Hair Shop
For decades, UNM students have met in dorms or offices, where fellow students worked on each other’s hair in various styles. “All of these moments tell a deeper story of the way Black students have always been intentional about building community,” Wells-Stone told UNM News.
Wells-Stone credits decades of progress to two state bills paving the way: the CROWN Act and Braiding and Licensure Bill. “The passing of New Mexico’s version of the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) affirms that our hair, our natural textures, our locks, our braids, our protective styles cannot be grounds for discrimination, particularly in education spaces,” she said.
House Bill 281, the “Braiding and Licensure Bill,” exempts barbers and cosmetologists from discipline when braiding hair without a license. “The Braiding and Licensure Bill expands pathways and legitimizes the cultural labor that has always existed in our communities,” said Wells-Stone.
Both bills link legislation, wellness, and student retention, prioritizing support—not just enrolling—for students who use AFRO services.
“This is such a special occasion, genuinely,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Scott. “It’s a pivotal moment for the evolution of the student experience here at the University of New Mexico.”
What’s Inside AFRO Hair Shop?
During the grand opening, AFRO welcomed the community to undo a large braid instead of cutting a ribbon. The unique gesture invited everyone into the hair shop.
The shop features two salon chairs, two ring lights, mirrors, matts, a guest chair, and a moveable tray for hair products. A neon “The Fro” sign glows on a gallery wall containing posters celebrating Black hair styling history through the ages.
The room is a converted storage space. Wells-Stone pitched the idea of a shop to the New Mexico Black Central Organizing Committee. The group, together with AFRO alumni, donated funds to bring the shop to life.
This space intentionally contains no televisions. Wells-Stone and her team wanted to prioritize building community. They aim to encourage shop visitors to build friendships, challenge one another, plan together, and communicate with each other.
“Black hair shops, salons, barbershops, were more than conversation. They were about checking in, laughing, debating, organizing, mentoring, mobilizing, and dreaming,” Wells-Stone said.