Tucked away from Baton Rouge’s busier areas is the Menkoi Hair Studio.
Owner Chris Pham offers a place that’s more than just a cut and color — the salon sells one-of-a-kind hair products as well. Pham opened Menkoi on Aug. 4 but started making the Menkoi hair and body products in 2013.
“My grandma used to make the majority of these products at her house. … After she passed away, I decided to turn her passion into a business,” Pham said.
The name Menkoi means being free and untrammeled, which is how Pham wants his customers to feel when using the products. Unlike other brands, the products work to preserve and protect the environment by creating items without artificial chemicals.
Pham said all of the Menkoi products are certified organic and 99 percent natural — the only additive is the fragrance. The line includes five hair products and one body product, but Pham wants to introduce more body products in the coming year.
Currently, the Menkoi line includes products named Matte Wax, Creative Clay, Healing Elixir, Hair Mist, Body Milk and Cooling Sensation Shampoo. Salon manager Shenikewa Ross said the Body Milk has taken off and is much better than lotions that include chemicals. She said after using Menkoi products on clients, they become repeat buyers.
“That speaks volumes itself,” Ross said.
Pham said he describes the Menkoi brand as multicultural, organic and natural.
“It’s not just for one type of hair, it’s for all types of hair,” Pham said.
The Menkoi products also are manufactured in the same building as the salon, keeping both businesses tightly knit. Pham said he hadn’t seen other salons doing this and feels his brand is doing something different.
The Menkoi salon is located at 223 Fernwood Drive. Inside, the salon takes on a minimalist design in white, black and red.
“I always wanted something modern … I wanted this place to be picture perfect,” Pham said.
Ross said the most important part of the customer experience is the openness.
“When they walk in, they feel welcomed,” Ross said.
Ross said she has a client that doesn’t even feel the need to make an appointment and just walks in because of the comfortable, welcoming environment.
“We have a lot of regulars and a lot of referrals,” Pham said.
Ross said the salon is full service except for body wax and facials. Currently, the salon is offering a haircut for $9 and a cut, color and style for $45, she said.
You can reach Meg Ryan on Twitter @The_MegRyan.