Bad Things Do Happen at The Hair Salon: The Coily Hair Edition

"So here's my dilemma, do I say anything--or do I let her continue to destroy my hair--and all of the progress that I've made so far? What would you do?"

 Photo Credit: darkskinnedblackbeauty.tumblr.com

If you've ever had to ask yourself that question while at the hair dresser, then this post is for you.

So today is a follow up to yesterday's post where I vent about our salon visit. Yes, the plot thickened, and I can honestly say that I was "ready" for the usual crud that goes on in these salons.

You see, unfortunately, learning about techniques and products that address all of the different types of curly/coily hair is NOT required training for a salon to be able to accept naturally coily haired clients. That being said, much goes on that makes absolutely NO SENSE in the curly world.

I have a friend who washes, conditions, and detangles her hair BEFORE she even steps foot into a salon. That way, all that's left to do is use setting lotion and roller set her hair. This master plan helps her to avoid damage to her ends, avoid lots of pain, and avoid regretful tomorrows. She says they always give her the "stink eye", and some stylists are straight up rude to her for doing this. I don't see why anyone should care, she's still paying good money. If there's any problems with the roller set (such as product build-up, hair not cleansed properly)--they can always let her know that was done by her.

I wish I had done this before I went to this salon. In all actuality, I wish I had never went to this salon. Going to a Dominican Salon in a "country" part of town is most definitely risky business. How much practice they've gotten with caring for coily hair may not be suitable for the best experience. I don't want a stylist "practicing" on me--while acting like they are a "pro".

That's exactly what happened in this instance. 

Not only could this stylist not manage my length, thickness, and tightly coiled hair--she could not detangle it, nor could she lay it down on the roller. By the time she wrapped a big mess of hair around the roller, the section was dry and puffy. You WILL NOT get a proper "set" with dry hair--it has to be soaking wet. So by the time I got from under the hair dryer, my hair was still a bit thick, and ashy--not sleek and bouncy as a wet set is supposed to be.

How Disappointing.

In regards to the improper detangling (using a wide tooth comb, starting from the roots, ripping and pulling), what did I do, you ask?

I asked her if she had a paddle brush. When she showed it to me, I asked her if I could show her an easy way to detangle my extremely curly hair. She was not happy, but I did it in a kind way so as not to "embarrass" her. I was the one being embarrassed by the way she was looking like my hair was breaking off her arms.

I showed her how to wet the hair, start from the ends and slowly work the way up the hair shaft. She seemed to have filed away a new tool for detangling coily hair in her mind--but she definitely wouldn't let me know that I knew better than she did. After all...she's the professional.

Would YOU take the brush away from a "professional" and detangle your hair? Or, would you sit quietly and let the stylist finish detangling (no matter the breakage, pain, and destruction to your hair). 

NOT ANYMORE. I sat by quietly for too long, while letting these professionals damage my hair. Most of the time I had to go home and cry (or be very upset). This applies to relaxer applications, hair trims that turn into haircuts, bad color jobs, and much much more. This is not limited to coily hair types...any woman can experience bad service at a hair salon. 

I just know now that I will keep my eyes open, and respectfully relate my wishes. After all, it's my hair.

 

Until Next Post................................................................................................................Tia

Relaxed Curly Fro: What's Your Color Inspiration this Summer?

If you've ever had one of those days when you feel like wearing a flirty, fun-loving, summer dress, then you're in good company. Maxi dresses, flowy sundresses, simple yet sexy dresses are running the show this summer. Don't you miss out! My day-to-day experiences even seem more fun when I break out a favorite summer dress.



I love the fullness of the model's hair. It looks like a roller set done on relaxed hair. I like the carefree curls. My roller sets used to be too organized. Either that, or I would comb out the curls so I could wear my hair straight with a little curve. Didn't make much sense.








What's your summer dress style? You got love for the maxi dresses? T's got her eyes on the old navy summer maxi dress (in black). I ordered one online for her. She excitedly ripped open the delivery and couldn't wait to take pictures. Such a diva.

Summertime Curly Girls are often spotted with their curls on display. I couldn't tell you where the flat iron is. Oh, and my blow dryer broke. I just did a trim on myself--I think it came out good..but we will see soon.

I love this little number (left), best used as a cover up when you're poolside. Nice lush, vibrant lime yellow color that wakes up the complexion, and definitely provides color inspiration.













I saw this beautiful maxi dress (right) from Calvin Klein with tie dye fabric & strappy criss cross detail. I love the floor length. The blues compliment most skin tones, and the empire waist ensures a curvy display. Soft Summer materials used on this high end item. Gotta love Summer!