When I first went natural back in October 2012, I was still learning about my hair. I did not know exactly where to start with products, regimen, or styles. So I called up my long-time beautician I had gone to for years, and I asked her if she could hook my natural hair up with a cute style. Unfortunately, the stylist I have had for so long told me that she did not do natural hair. Ouch!
I was disappointed in her, but I was not disheartened at all. I took the reigns in my own hands, and did my own research – the rest is history. After about a year of doing my own hair, I became tired and overwhelmed, and I really wanted to get my hair pampered like I did before.
I was ready to look for a beautician who would be happy to do my natural hair. So I asked around, and finally found a hair salon that claimed to cater to natural hair. The beautician said she would be glad to do my hair, however, when I went to her salon, all I saw were relaxed and texlaxed clients.
Knowing what I know now, I knew I should have left, but I stayed and kept my appointment. Wanting my hair flat ironed, she did a few trims here and there along with some tugging and pulling. Two hours later, my hair was done – but not cute! I was very upset with the beautician.
As a matter of fact, she’s not a beautician; she is a stylist! Beauticians and hairdressers care for the health and well-being of your hair, whereas stylists only style your hair. Yes, there is a difference!
She literally butchered my natural, and I should have known that by the burnt smell coming from my mangled tresses. And what was worse: my hair reverted as soon as I stepped outside, and looked worse than when I first went to her salon! I deleted her number from my phone, and have not been back since.
A few weeks later, I realized that my hair was permanently altered. I had no choice but to cut the damaged ends, and revive my hair back to life. I made the conscious decision not to go to another hair salon, until now, two years later.
My hair has flourished and grown to from ear length to shoulder length. I found another beautician, who claimed to do natural hair, but this time I was completely prepared with questions, comments, concerns, and anything else I could think of, much of which I plan to share with you now.
Regina Phillips-Thomas says
Referrals. . Always
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he should at the very least be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
nubiennze says
This–I wanted to add an asterisk under the “How many clients do you have?” question.
If you don’t personally know anyone who has been styled by the beautician in question, s/he at the very least should be able to provide you with phone numbers for 2-3 of her/his clients.
That said, this is precisely why I find DIYing/bypassing the salon altogether to be the least stressful option, lol. No one will ever care for my hair as much as I do.
Cynthia Tucker-James says
good article – I had some of the same experiences – lol