Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanell Townsley.
Hi Shanell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Meet the Woman Behind Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge
I started Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge with one simple mission — to help women love and care for their natural hair through education, quality service, and consistency.
My journey began long before I ever stepped foot in a salon. I was only seven when my mother first taught me how to braid hair. She wasn’t a hairstylist, but she had a gift — and she passed that skill down to me. From there, I started doing my own hair and soon found myself styling friends and family. By high school, I was braiding my cousins’ and even some of my aunt’s college friends’ hair to earn extra money.
Even while working in the medical field years later, my love for hair never faded. As a mother of four, I wanted more flexibility — time to be present for my children while still pursuing something I was passionate about. That’s when I decided to earn my cosmetology license and turn my natural talent into a career.
After graduating from Regency Beauty Institute in Houston, TX in 2010, I discovered a deeper purpose: helping my community embrace and restore their natural hair. I noticed a lack of education and representation in the beauty industry when it came to textured hair, and I made it my mission to change that.
Today, my salon focuses on healthy hair care, growth, and repair, combining expertise with a relaxing, spa-like experience. I specialize in natural hair styling, microlinks, sew-ins, crochet styles, color, relaxers, and more — all while educating clients about their hair’s unique needs.
What sets Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge apart is the personalized, one-on-one service. I don’t double-book, and clients enjoy privacy, comfort, and an on-time appointment every visit.
I’ve built my business through hard work, continuous education, and an unwavering love for what I do. My goal is to continue empowering women — and future stylists — to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident from the inside out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every step of my journey has come with lessons, challenges, and growth. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to where I am today.
I started out with a business partner, but our goals and drive didn’t align, which led us to part ways and dissolve our shared salon. After that, I joined a chain salon for about a year — a great learning experience, but not where my heart truly was. I then tried sharing space with a barber, but quickly realized that many of my female clients felt uncomfortable receiving extension services in that environment. That taught me the importance of creating a space where my clients could feel completely relaxed and at ease.
Eventually, I moved into a private suite and began to build a steady clientele — until COVID hit. Like so many small business owners, I had to shut down and stay closed for nearly three years. During that time, I lost most of my clients, which was truly discouraging.
Still, I never gave up. I started over — again — and reopened in a new salon space, where I’ve been for almost a year now. My journey has had its bumps, but each time I rebuilt, I came back stronger and more focused.
What I want future stylists to know is that it’s okay to start over — as many times as it takes to get it right. Some of my clients have been with me for over a decade, and the one thing that’s never changed is the way I show up: with five-star energy, professionalism, and passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a natural hair stylist who believes healthy hair is the foundation of true beauty. While I’m skilled in many areas of hairstyling, I’ve chosen to focus my expertise on hair growth, repair, and the overall health of natural textures.
At Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge, I specialize in services such as Loc maintenance, twist-outs, silk presses, protective styles with extensions, scalp treatments, and various braid styles. I also offer select color and relaxer services for clients who want to explore versatility without compromising hair health.
I’m best known for my silk press, which leaves hair smooth, shiny, and full of movement — without heat damage or loss of the natural curl pattern. I take pride in using only professional-grade products, high-quality heat protectants, and texture-appropriate techniques to ensure every style promotes longevity and strength.
What makes me most proud is my commitment to education and client connection. Every appointment begins with an in-depth consultation where I assess the hair’s condition, listen to my client’s goals, and create a customized plan. I believe in teaching clients about their hair — not just styling it — so they leave with both results and knowledge.
What truly sets me apart is my approach to client care. I don’t overbook or rush services. Each client receives one-on-one attention in a relaxing, spa-like environment with good music, light refreshments, and a complimentary conditioning treatment. From greeting clients personally at the door to offering scalp massages during services, I focus on making every visit a personalized experience.
At Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge, my clients aren’t just appointments — they’re family. My goal is simple: to provide exceptional service with professionalism, warmth, and care, helping every person who sits in my chair feel valued, confident, and beautiful.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to connect and collaborate with me at Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge. Whether you’re a client, fellow stylist, brand, or beauty professional, I’m always open to building meaningful relationships that support healthy hair care and community growth.
Those interested in working with me or supporting the salon can easily reach out by visiting our location at Sola Salon Suites in Cypress, TX, or by sending a direct message on Instagram at @hhbl_2014. I love engaging with my online community and sharing healthy hair tips, transformations, and behind-the-scenes moments from the salon.
For business collaborations, educational opportunities, or professional partnerships, the best way to connect is via email at hhblsalon@gmail.com. I welcome inquiries from other stylists, product lines, educators, and entrepreneurs who share a passion for natural hair, education, and wellness.
I value professionalism and communication, so every message is read and responded to promptly. Whether you’re looking to collaborate on an event, feature healthy hair education, or simply experience our salon services firsthand, I’d love to hear from you.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create connections that inspire — helping others grow, glow, and embrace the beauty of natural hair together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houstonhairbeautylounge.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: hhbl_2014
