Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Powell-Reeves.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, Wash Bar started from a very real moment in my own life. It was about 3 a.m., and I was lying in bed with faux locs in my head and very pregnant. I had a hair appointment later that morning, but like many, my stylist (and bestfriend) needed me to come with my hair already prepped. At that moment, I remember calling her – she’s actually someone who was integral in mapping out the Wash Bar concept – and I asked, “Is there even anyone who really focuses on takedowns, or on washing and hair hygiene before styles anymore?”
That conversation is what opened my eyes to the gap. We realized that while protective styles are such an important part of our culture and beauty, there wasn’t a dedicated space that truly prioritized the health of the hair underneath.
From there, Wash Bar was born – a prep salon that focuses on hair hygiene for all hair types. Our specialty is preparing the hair for protective styles, maintaining those styles in a healthy way, and ensuring they’re properly removed. It’s about creating a full-circle experience that doesn’t just make the style look good, but also keeps the hair strong, clean, and cared for.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was timing. We officially started Wash Bar in 2023, and I actually got the keys to our flagship location in Pompano Beach on the very same day I was giving birth to my daughter. My best friend had to pick up the keys while I was in the hospital.
From there, we faced a long journey with build-outs and permitting delays. The flagship is a 1,500 sq ft space, and while we held onto it for over a year, by September 2024 we made the decision to pivot. Instead of waiting, we downsized temporarily into a 100 sq ft salon suite with just one wash bowl and two chairs – really just to prove the concept.
That small space ended up being one of our biggest wins. Since then, we’ve serviced nearly 700 clients and built a 90% client retention rate. From there, things picked up quickly. We opened our second location in Fort Lauderdale in June 2025, and now we’re preparing to finally open the flagship in October 2025 – perfectly timed to celebrate our one-year anniversary of officially serving the public.
So yes, there were struggles, but every challenge shaped the foundation and resilience of this brand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Wash Bar is truly the first of its kind – a prep salon that focuses exclusively on hair hygiene and the protective style journey. We’re not a traditional salon; we don’t install styles, but we do everything that makes protective styling safe, healthy, and sustainable.
What we specialize in are three key areas: prep, maintenance, and removal. We prepare hair before protective styles so clients don’t have to stress about takedowns or washing at home. We maintain those styles with proper cleansing and care in-between, and we ensure safe removal so clients don’t experience breakage, buildup, or scalp damage. On top of that, we partner with trichologists to address scalp and hair health on a deeper level.
What truly sets us apart is that we’ve also recognized the link between mental health and hair hygiene. So many people silently struggle – whether it’s depression, anxiety, or other challenges – that impact how they care for their hair. At Wash Bar, we welcome it all, as our doors are open 7am -11pm , everyday. We’ve created a judgment-free space where clients can get the help they need to feel confident and cared for, no matter what they’re going through.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built something that feels like a movement and a community. Our clients – who we call our Wash Baes – feel seen, supported, and cared for every time they walk through our doors. Wash Bar has that old-school salon vibe people remember, where conversations flow, and everyone feels welcome, but with a modern purpose: prioritizing hair hygiene and scalp health.
Our tagline says it best: “We’ll Get You Prepped, Your Stylist Will Handle the Rest.” We take the stress out of wash days, takedowns, and protective style prep so clients and stylists alike can focus on what comes next.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways people can connect with and support Wash Bar. On the client side, it’s as simple as booking a service – whether it’s prep, maintenance, or removal – and experiencing what makes us different.
For stylists and braiders, we have our Wash Buddy Program. It’s designed to save them time, keep their clients’ hair healthy, and create an additional stream of income. Each Wash Buddy receives a unique discount code that gives their clients $5 off every service. In return, the Wash Buddy earns 10% of every service booked through their code, with commissions paid out monthly. It’s a true partnership that creates ongoing residual income while building stronger client relationships.
For collaborators, we’re always open to working with beauty brands, trichologists, wellness professionals, and community organizations who align with our mission of promoting hair health and overall well-being. Partnerships that amplify education, innovation, mental health or client experience are especially exciting for us.
And for those who just want to support the movement, following us on social media, sharing our story, and spreading the word goes a long way. Wash Bar is more than a salon – it’s a community, and every bit of support helps us grow that impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewashbars.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washbar_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090281374726
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WashBars
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wash-bar-pembroke-pines-2?osq=Wash+Bar&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@washbar_
