Empire Hair and Beauty Supply in South Carolina: What to Find There
What Empire Hair and Beauty Supply carries
Empire Hair and Beauty Supply is a retail chain with locations across South Carolina that stocks professional-grade and consumer hair care products, beauty supplies, and styling tools. The stores carry shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for different hair types; color products from brands that range from box dyes to salon lines; wigs and hairpieces; extensions and braiding hair; and styling equipment like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling tools.
The product selection also includes beauty basics: makeup, nail care supplies, skin care items, and accessories like combs, brushes, and clips. Many locations stock products specifically formulated for textured and natural hair, reflecting the needs of the communities they serve. Prices tend to fall between drugstore and high-end salon brands, making professional products more accessible than specialty beauty counters but often at a premium over mass-market retailers.
Key Takeaways
- Empire Hair and Beauty Supply stocks both professional salon products and consumer brands across hair care, color, styling tools, and makeup.
- The stores carry a range of products for textured, natural, and chemically treated hair, including wigs, extensions, and braiding hair.
- Prices sit between drugstore and salon-exclusive lines, so you pay more than a supermarket but less than a salon chair.
- Multiple South Carolina locations mean you can visit in person to see products, ask staff questions, and take items home the same day.
Finding a location near you
Empire Hair and Beauty Supply operates multiple stores throughout South Carolina, with locations in cities including Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and other communities. The easiest way to find the store nearest you is to search online for "Empire Hair and Beauty Supply" plus your city or zip code, or to call ahead to confirm hours and product availability before you visit.
Visiting in person lets you examine products, ask staff about what works for your hair type or concern, and leave with items the same day. Staff at these stores typically have experience with the products they sell and can offer suggestions based on what you describe about your hair or skin.
Hair care and color products
Empire carries shampoos and conditioners across multiple price points and formulations. You will find products marketed for dry hair, oily scalp, color-treated hair, and textured or natural hair. Brands range from lines available at drugstores to professional salon brands that stylists use in their chairs.
For color, the stores stock both at-home box dyes and professional-grade color lines. If you are planning to color your hair yourself, staff can help you choose the right shade and formula for your hair's current condition. The store also carries color-safe shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and color-depositing products designed to extend the life of your color between applications.
Styling tools and heat appliances
Empire stocks blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers from brands that range from budget-friendly to professional salon equipment. The variety in wattage, heat settings, and features means you can find tools suited to quick daily styling or more intensive treatments. Many professional-grade tools come with warranties and are built to last longer than lower-cost alternatives.
The store also carries heat protectant sprays, styling creams, and finishing products designed to work alongside these tools. If you are new to a particular styling tool or unsure which type suits your hair, asking staff about their experience can help you narrow down options before you buy.
Wigs, extensions, and braiding hair
Empire carries human hair and synthetic wigs in a range of styles, lengths, and colors. The store also stocks hair extensions, clip-in pieces, and braiding hair for protective styles. Synthetic options are typically lower in cost and require less maintenance, while human hair wigs and extensions can be styled with heat tools and last longer with proper care.
Braiding hair comes in various textures and colors to match different protective styling needs. Staff can discuss the differences between hair types and help you understand the maintenance each requires, whether you are installing styles yourself or bringing materials to a stylist.
Makeup and skin care
Beyond hair products, Empire carries makeup including foundations, powders, lipsticks, and eyeshadows across multiple skin tones and undertones. The store stocks skin care basics like cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments. These products sit alongside hair care rather than in a separate beauty section, so you can shop for multiple categories in one visit.
The range of foundation shades and undertones reflects the diversity of skin tones in South Carolina communities, making it easier to find a match in person rather than ordering online and risking the wrong shade.
Shopping tips and what to know before you go
Bring your hair type and any specific concerns—dryness, frizz, color damage, scalp sensitivity—when you visit, because staff can recommend products matched to your situation. If you are trying a new brand or product type for the first time, ask whether the store has testers or samples, or whether you can return an unopened product if it does not work for you.
Prices vary by brand and product type, so comparing similar items can help you understand what you are paying for. Professional salon brands often cost more upfront but may last longer or require less product per use than drugstore alternatives. If you are on a budget, ask staff which products in a category offer the best value for your specific hair type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Empire Hair and Beauty Supply sell only to professionals, or can regular customers shop there?
Empire is open to all customers—you do not need a professional license or salon affiliation to shop there. The stores carry both professional-grade products and consumer brands, so whether you are a stylist stocking your salon or someone shopping for home use, you can purchase what you need.
What is the difference between the products Empire sells and what I can find at a drugstore?
Empire stocks professional salon brands and higher-concentration formulas that drugstores typically do not carry. Professional products often have stronger active ingredients, last longer, and are formulated for specific hair concerns. You pay more per bottle, but you may use less product per application, making the cost per use comparable or lower.
Can I return products if they do not work for my hair?
Return policies vary by location and product type. Some items, especially opened or used products, may not be returnable. Ask about the store's return policy before you buy, or ask staff whether you can exchange a product if it does not work for you.
Do Empire stores offer services like hair coloring or styling?
Empire Hair and Beauty Supply is a retail store that sells products; it does not offer salon services like coloring, cutting, or styling. You purchase products to use at home or bring to a stylist. Some staff may offer advice on how to use products, but they do not perform services in the store.
What brands does Empire carry?
The specific brands in stock vary by location and change over time. Call your nearest store or visit in person to see the current selection. Staff can also order products if something you want is not currently on the shelf.