Accents Color and Hair Salon at 3754 Nelson Street, Riverside, California.

This review is directed to African Americans who are interested in Japanese hair straightening. I'm an African American woman with kinky, 4C, fine hair. I wanted to transition from a curly variation of the Japanese hair straightening process done at another salon on the East Coast to the regular straight perm. I loved the work done in the East, just didn't want to travel so far. In fact, Leonard Harada, the owner at Accents, studied Japanese hair straightening on African American hair from the woman who gave me the curly variation.

Leonard knows the science of hair. During the consultation he got a hair sample to determine how to best proceed. I was so nervous about the outcome I was ready to cancel. My worries were pointless. I'm so pleased with Leonard's work. My hair looks healthy, shiny, and is full of body. I don't dread shampooing because I don't struggle with detangling my hair. I will return to Accents for my touch ups.

Japanese hair straightening is an investment, however, the cost is on par with bi-weekly (for sure weekly) visits to a salon for a press and curl. The difference is my hair is healthier from not being damaged by super hot pressing combs and curling irons. The lye-based hair straighteners damaged my hair, making it even more fragile. I stopped getting those decades ago.

The salon's atmosphere is pleasant with high wood beam ceilings, lots of natural light, and unique glass windows.

Leonard's knowledge and professionalism inspired my confidence. He has a great spirit. The drive from Gardena to Riverside was well worth the effort. A definite five star review.