We recently connected with Mandrill Hardge and have shared our conversation below.
Mandrill, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve given—and still give often—is: “Be patient with your hair. Treat it like you would your skin—gently, consistently, and with love.”
I remember a client who came to me after years of wearing wigs and tight installs that had severely thinned her edges. She was frustrated and honestly didn’t believe her hair could ever bounce back. I told her, “Let’s commit to a healthy hair care plan, and give it time. The results will come, but we’re going to do it the right way.”
Together, we customized a treatment and styling routine that focused on moisture, low tension styles, and scalp care. She followed it, faithfully. Within six months, her edges had begun filling in. A year later, she was confidently wearing her own silk press—no wigs, no closures—just her hair, healthy and thriving.
That transformation wasn’t just physical. Her confidence shot up, and the gratitude she showed reminded me why I do what I do. At MH Concepts Salon Studio, it’s not just about hair—it’s about healing, empowerment, and showing women that they can grow and glow again, naturally.
Mandrill, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m the owner and founder of MH Concepts Salon Studio, located in the vibrant heart of Midtown Atlanta. I specialize in healthy hair care for African American women, specifically focusing on silk press services, natural-looking flat sew-ins, and restorative hair treatments. My mission is to help women transition from stressed or damaged hair to strong, thriving strands that reflect both beauty and health.
My journey into hair started early—watching my moms spirit and confidence shift with her bi-weekly hair appointment, then I eventually starting playing in her hair along with friends and family. Over time, with education and a professional license, that passion evolved into a career, and I spent years working behind the chair, on film sets, and in fast-paced beauty environments. I realized that while many salons could offer a cute style, very few were truly prioritizing the health of the hair underneath. That gap inspired me to create MH Concepts—a space rooted in wellness, education, and style.
At my studio, I work primarily with Black women between the ages of 22–65—from college students navigating natural hair to professionals looking for sleek, polished looks without compromising the integrity of their hair. Many of my clients come to me frustrated after years of breakage, heat damage, or poor installs. I help them rebuild their hair health from the ground up with custom treatments, gentle styling, and proper maintenance routines.
What sets me apart is the level of care and intention I pour into every appointment. I don’t double-book or rush. Each client receives my full attention, a personalized plan, and real guidance on how to care for their hair between visits. The result? Healthier hair, stronger confidence, and lasting trust.
I’m most proud of the transformations—not just the physical ones, but the emotional breakthroughs when a woman looks in the mirror and sees her natural beauty fully restored and celebrated.
What I want potential clients to know is: you don’t have to choose between style and hair health—you can have both. At MH Concepts Salon Studio, your hair is treated with care, your time is respected, and your beauty is celebrated. Whether you’re coming in for a silk press, a flat sew-in, or a moisture and protein treatment, you’re walking into a space created specifically for you—with love, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond skill and knowledge, I believe empathy, consistency, and integrity are what truly set you apart in this industry. As a hairstylist, you’re not just touching hair—you’re touching lives. You have to listen, be patient, and build genuine relationships. Many of my clients are trusting me not only with their crown, but also with their confidence. That trust has to be earned, not assumed.
Consistency in both service and experience is also key. Whether it’s a client’s first appointment or their tenth, they should always feel seen, heard, and cared for. That means showing up prepared, being on time, delivering quality, and never cutting corners.
And finally—integrity. Be honest about what you can and can’t do. Don’t promise magic, promise progress. If you treat people right and stay committed to your craft, your work will speak for itself—and your clients will, too.
At MH Concepts Salon Studio, that’s the energy I bring every day. It’s not just about hair—it’s about healing, growth, and showing up for people in a real way.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of my biggest pivots was deciding to step out on faith and open MH Concepts Salon Studio during a time when many were scaling back. I had been working in the industry for years—behind the chair, in fast-paced salons, and even on film sets as a hairstylist. But something was missing. I was giving my all, yet the environments didn’t always reflect the level of care and intention I wanted to provide.
I kept asking myself: “What would it look like to create a salon space that prioritized hair health, honored Black women, and offered peace and professionalism?” That vision led me to pivot from simply working in the industry to owning my place within it.
Opening a studio wasn’t easy. I had to learn business operations, marketing, branding—you name it. But I knew my gift made room for me. I shifted from doing what was familiar to building something meaningful. Now, MH Concepts is a space in Midtown Atlanta where clients don’t just get a silk press or a flat sew-in—they get an experience rooted in healthy hair care, respect, and results.
That pivot changed everything. It gave me creative freedom, deeper client relationships, and a purpose-driven business I’m proud to stand behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salonlofts.com/mh_concepts_salon_studio?no_redirect=true
- Instagram: @mhconceptssalonstudio
