Howard Beauty Supply & Gifts in Baltimore: Professional-Grade Products and Local Variety
Howard Beauty Supply & Gifts operates as an independent beauty supply retailer stocked with professional lines, drugstore brands, and gift items, positioned to serve both licensed professionals and walk-in customers across Baltimore without the overhead pricing of chain operations.
What Howard Beauty Supply & Gifts actually is
The store carries a standard professional beauty supply inventory: hair care, skin care, nail supplies, and color products across multiple price tiers. It functions as a neighborhood supplier rather than a destination salon-product showroom, keeping stock accessible to stylists, estheticians, and customers doing their own maintenance. The gift section occupies shelf space alongside core beauty stock, extending appeal beyond professionals.
Product range and pricing
Stock includes professional lines like SheaMoisture, OGX, Carol's Daughter, and Cricket brand tools alongside basic drugstore options. Hair color runs from box dyes ($4–8 for single applications) to professional-grade color and developer systems ($12–30 per item). Nail supplies span basic files and polish ($1–5) through gel systems and UV equipment ($40–150+). Specific pricing fluctuates with distributor costs; confirm current rates by phone or visit. The gift section pulls from seasonal and general inventory, typically priced $8–35 for soaps, candles, and accessory items.
How it compares to other Baltimore options
Sally Beauty Supply locations in Baltimore (Roland Park, Canton, Owings Mills) operate as regional chains with standardized pricing, wider professional-line depth, and established loyalty programs; they suit customers seeking guaranteed stock and predictable selection. Ulta Beauty at The Gallery and other mall locations blend prestige and drugstore brands with in-store services (makeup application, hair styling); they serve customers building full routines across price points. Drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens carry beauty basics at higher unit prices without professional options. Howard Beauty Supply occupies the independent, neighborhood-level slot: lower overhead translates to competitive pricing on bulk buys, direct relationships with staff, and flexibility on local requests without corporate constraints.
Who it suits and who it does not
The store serves licensed professionals restocking supplies between distributor orders, customers familiar with professional lines seeking better pricing than chains, and gift shoppers looking for locally owned retail. It does not suit buyers seeking consultation services, full-service beauty counters with application demos, or those requiring same-day delivery. Its inventory depth depends on local demand, so specialty items may require advance notice.
What to expect on a first visit
Arrive with a specific product in mind or category (hair color, nail polish, styling tools) and ask staff directly if uncertain about professional versus consumer products. The store layout is functional rather than curated; staff know stock and can direct you to comparable alternatives if a preferred item is out. Payment is cash or card; no appointment needed.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Store hours and exact address should be confirmed by calling ahead, as independent retailers adjust seasonally. Parking is typically available on the street or in a nearby lot, depending on the neighborhood location. Public transit access varies by address; check MTA route planning if relying on the bus.
Howard Beauty Supply & Gifts fills the practical gap between chain standardization and big-box pricing, making it a reliable source for both professionals maintaining licenses and residents who know what they want without the markup.
