Thanks to Ronnie Vaughn, no two ladies' hairstyles are alike in Clarksdale, Mississippi. His shop, International Hair Design, is packed up to thirteen hours a day with women from throughout the Delta. His art is collaborative, fusing the personal style of each client and his own creativity; personal history with contemporary trends. Whether a client is preparing for a night out at the hip-hop club or a morning with the church choir, Vaughn works with her to create a standout style.
Vaughn is known as a "short hair specialist" who uses a series of two dozen curling irons to create elaborate coifs. He is also credited with helping his clients grow healthy hair quickly with series of treatments and transitional styles. He received his training at Clarksdale's Coahoma Community College, through which he proceeded with many honors and awards. He hopes to move into high-skill hair shows, in which stylists compete for the designation of most elaborate and most unique hairstyles.
Vaughn's shop is also a place of community, in which his clients discuss their family lives (or others' family lives), plan outfits for upcoming events and watch favorite music videos. Customers who shy away form the camera upon entering the store volunteer to model on their way out, certain that their style is both flattering and one-of-a-kind. Some of his clients have been with him for thirteen years. Others, such as Demetria Thompson (pictured in the final series of salon photos here), drive hundreds of miles from Jackson or Memphis for Vaughn's precision and creativity.
Vaughn can be contacted at (662) 514-1863. His shop is located at 3rd Street at Delta Avenue in Clarksdale.