Hair Extensions – March 2010

When it comes to wigs, there is a lot to choose from. Human hair, synthetic hair, clip-ons, extensions or something to cover everything. And if you don’t want to make an appointment with an expensive specialist, it’s best to look into a place like Discount Beauty Supply on Fillmore Street, in the heart of the jazz district.

Discount Beauty supply has a little bit of everything. While they primarily sell wigs, extensions and hair pieces for women, they also have a plethora of relaxers for women and men as well as basic hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners and brushes and combs of all sorts–things like three-in-one combs and military combs. They also offer fitting services and the store is fully staffed with employees eager to help.

Depending on how you like to shop, this may be a place you love or a place you hate. Either go knowing exactly what you are looking for or be prepared for a hunt. This store is literally brimming with merchandise: hair care paraphernalia is stocked from floor to ceiling and squeezed onto shelves. Neither is Discount Beauty Supply a good place for a person with a neck problem as almost all wigs are either stored or displayed near the ceiling. Unfortunately, due to the overstuffed nature, the store can be tricky to maneuver and you may face a tight squeeze if you find yourself sharing an aisle with another customer.

Oddly, the store’s official name is Beauty Supply Warehouse–their website is bswoakland.com – but the sign is clearly marked “Discount Beauty Supply”. Also, the store can be rather tricky to locate: the address is 1440 Fillmore Street, but the entrance is around the corner, just off the plaza across from Safeway.