I've lived in South Florida long enough to know that finding good hair care here is harder than it looks. The humidity wreaks havoc. The sun fades everything. And there's no shortage of salons that look nice but leave you wondering what you paid for.
But something interesting has happened in Delray Beach over the past decade. While Miami and Fort Lauderdale have their mega-salons and celebrity spots, Delray has quietly attracted a different kind of stylist—the ones who actually care more about the work than the scene.
What Makes Delray Different
There's something about Atlantic Avenue—the walkability, the mix of local shops and restaurants, the proximity to the beach without the tourist madness—that attracts independent businesses with actual standards.
The salon scene here reflects that. You're less likely to find places that rush you through or try to upsell products you don't need. More likely to find colorists who've chosen this town because they can focus on their craft.
The Climate Factor
South Florida humidity destroys bad color work fast. Stylists who last here know how to make things hold up.
Boutique Over Chain
Delray attracts independent salons, not franchise locations. That means stylists who've built their own reputation.
The Right Clientele
People here appreciate quality. They're willing to pay for expertise and come back when they find it.
One Name That Keeps Coming Up
When you ask locals who's been here long enough to know, one name comes up more than others: Chris David. Not because he advertises everywhere—he doesn't—but because his clients stay clients, and they talk.
Chris David Salon
20+ years of experience. Former educator for five major brands. The kind of color correction expertise that fixes what other salons couldn't.
What Quality Looks Like
What I've Learned
After years in South Florida, here's what I tell people: don't just look at Yelp stars. Look for consistency. Look for stylists who've been in the same place for years, building a clientele that comes back. Look for the ones who'll tell you when something isn't a good idea, instead of just taking your money.
Delray Beach has more of those than you'd expect. And if you're looking for someone who takes color work seriously—especially if you've had bad experiences elsewhere—Chris David is a good place to start.
The Short Version
Delray Beach has quietly become one of the better places for hair care in South Florida. And Chris David is one of the reasons why.