Inside the New Tribeca Salon That Caters to Curly Hair

Akili King

Walking into Spiral (x,y,z), the “industrial-romantic” salon that caters to curls, is like immediately being transported to a state of zen. The Tribeca salon founded by Lorraine Massey, also the creator of Curly World hair products, evokes a sense of warmth even in the coldest of months, thanks to its elegant, wood-adorned interiors that Kazem Naderi, of Nad Projects Inc, helped Massey create. “We’re offering a quiet and safe oasis that creates a sense of peace and relaxation,” Massey says of her vision for the space—her first since founding New York’s DevaChan salon in 1993.

Curly hair styling seats inside Spiral (x,y,z).
Curly hair styling seats inside Spiral (x,y,z).
Photo: Courtesy of Karolina Wojtasik

But a dreamy escape isn’t the only thing that Massey is accomplishing with Spiral (x,y,z). Growing up in Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England, Massey didn’t see many people that had her hair type, and she always wished someone would know exactly how to nurture her curls. “As I grew older, I realized the person I was waiting for, was me,” Massey says. “I want to help others embrace their curls, too.” The new salon is an essential extension of the work she’s already doing through her curl-by-curl cutting method (a now-popular way to cut coils that Massey created), imparted in classes she teaches around the world, from Egypt to Australia. “I constantly hear curly people complaining that they don’t like their hair… there’s a frustration they face when they go to blowout bars: not liking it when it’s straight because it’s frizzy and not liking it when it’s curly because it’s damaged,” Massey explains. “I’m helping people liberate themselves from this cycle, and embrace their curls as best I can.”

Spiral (x,y,z), cleansing stations come with a sort of mattress attachment, which means customers can lie down and opt in to Reiki during their treatments, given by in-house healer Dana Guerrero. Steamers are built into the sinks, which Massey explains are “perfect for detoxifying the scalp from product and silicone build up. It’s like a facial for your scalp.” The curtained—not hooded—dryers are nestled inside private cubbies with hole-in-the-wall shelves, offering a space to put drinks and charge phones while curls dry into perfect spirals, thanks in part to hair picks which are placed at the root for extra volume. Curl-by-curl cutting method trims and cuts are offered as well.

Cleansing stations equipped with built-in steamers. Cushions are placed at each station, and customers are invited to lie down while their hair is washed.
Cleansing stations equipped with built-in steamers. Cushions are placed at each station, and customers are invited to lie down while their hair is washed.
Photo: Courtesy of Karolina Wojtasik

As for what to expect next from Massey and the Spiral (x,y,z) space? She wants to eventually start a “Sunday school” once a month in the space. “I want to show curly girls how to look after their hair,” she says. “Parents will be given a voucher to go have brunch somewhere, or they can stay and learn how to care for their child’s curls.” To the same end, she’s working on a children’s book, which will be published in August 2020, to help kids embrace their curls from a young age. Massey also has plans to host monthly gallery nights in the space so that artists can showcase and sell their pieces. “Spiral (x,y,z) is all about community and having a sanctuary in the middle of New York City.”

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Originally Appeared on Vogue