Who still wastes money in a Salon?

[greenandchic]

Girl when I read your post, I experienced a bit of post traumatic stress thinking about those horrid salon experiences....................the atttitude some would get when you tried to tell them what was best for your hair, getting up early on Saturday morning and getting to the shop only to find out the stylist ain't there. By the time they do get there, the other 5 appts have arrived. Not being able to make plans on Saturday because you don't know how long you are gonna be at the salon. Stylists taking people ahead of you when you made an appt. Stylists eating on your appt time, taking calls on your appt time, going to the store to pick up products on your appt time. No ma'am.

The one and only salon(s) I step foot in these days (and it's rare) are Great Clips and SuperCuts for trims.

I do my own hair and from start to finish, it only takes me about 45 minutes maybe less. I save money and can have fun on Saturdays.

To all those lousy stylists who didn't value us black women and or abused us............karma is a ****** huh? Heard ya'll hurtin for money. Nah don't take it out on the Dominicans.............blame yourselves! Just because we are black doesn't mean we like abuse or don't value our time like other races of women!

You left out dirty shops: food on the work counters, lit cigarettes in ashtrays near chemicals - or indoors period, and long after the California statewide smoking ban. Loud TVs constantly blasting, Lester from down the street coming in selling Rolex and TAG watches and CDs out of his coat.

 

[bydebra]

I don't think paying for a service is a waste of money, but it can add up. I don't go to the salon often because I don't really need anyone else to do my hair and because I find the hours to be inconvenient. It seems like every stylist is using that GenBook system and it's annoying to me. I don't like having to fit my appointment into another person's schedule...

I was tempted to go to the salon last week....every stylist I tried was using Genbook and there were no appointments for weeks because the stylists are only opening availability for the limited times that they want to work. One stylist had NO weekend appointments...really? If appointments were more convenient, I *might* go to the salon more often.

With that being said, there are certain styles that I would only go to a stylist for, like braids or weaves. I don't really wear either, but if I did, it would take way to much time and effort me to do either style at home. I do still go to the Domincan salon for a roller set - healthy hair styling and no appointment necessary.

 

[Meritamen]

I started going back to the salon again since I found a hair stylist who actually knows what she's doing and is very knowledgeable about healthy hair practices so it's never a waste of my time or my money. I don't spend more than two hours in the salon and that's for everything: shampoo wash, deep condition, blow dry, flat iron press, trim, and style. She doesn't double book either.
I like it since I'm not dependent on the salon anymore. I go when I feel like I need a professional trim or just want a good press. It's a nice treat similar to how I can do my own nails most weeks but every now and then its nice to have a professional do it for me. I'm actually thinking about going more often (every two months) since she will cornrow my hair at a good price and she gets my braids super flat.

 

[MrsGrant2011]

Honestly I don't miss the days of sitting in a salon on a Saturday for hours! I started lurking in June 2012, signed up in August 2012 and self relaxed in September 2012 after stretching my relaxer to 12 weeks. I genuinely liked my stylist as a person and still speak to her to this day, but there were some things I disliked.

Personally hairdressers in my past has chopped my hair for the sake of doing so. I had BSL hair and a hairdresser in one sitting made me shoulder length. Between the health of my hair (always believed in DC with every wash), the length and my natural hair color there's always some sort of envy towards me. I have had 3 different hair dressers attempt to recreate my natural color on themselves and have failed miserably.

So I won't be retuning to a stylist chair for quite some time! Personally I can see me letting my last stylist relax my hair but that's only if I have time to waste, which I can't see happening no time soon.

 

[StarScream35]

Honestly I don't miss the days of sitting in a salon on a Saturday for hours! I started lurking in June 2012, signed up in August 2012 and self relaxed in September 2012 after stretching my relaxer to 12 weeks. I genuinely liked my stylist as a person and still speak to her to this day, but there were some things I disliked.

Personally hairdressers in my past has chopped my hair for the sake of doing so. I had BSL hair and a hairdresser in one sitting made me shoulder length. Between the health of my hair (always believed in DC with every wash), the length and my natural hair color there's always some sort of envy towards me. I have had 3 different hair dressers attempt to recreate my natural color on themselves and have failed miserably.

So I won't be retuning to a stylist chair for quite some time! Personally I can see me letting my last stylist relax my hair but that's only if I have time to waste, which I can't see happening no time soon.

To the bolded............I think we here at LHCF have established that stylists do not like sistas with length. I believe that's why they tell that lie that you need a trim with every relaxer. Everybody knows if you get trimmed with every relaxer you are gonna be stuck in shoulder length land for the rest of your life!

While I know there are some great stylists out there and I commend them I believe the vast majority if stylists in the black community are money hungry, hating, selfish trolls who care nothing about their clients hair. It shames me to say I can't look back in my past and name one stylist who valued my time, my hair and showed me respect.....oh yeah except the Dominican stylist I went to. She was cool with me bringing my own products and always listened and didn't give me no lip.

 

[Kinky4Agirl]

The entire OP is a hot mess. Others might think you waste time doing everything yourself. Why is going to the salon seen as a waste of time? And I have no idea why her salary bothered you I'm away at school but once I graduate I will be "wasting" time in there often. I hate doing my hair and I'm not ashamed.

Hi SuchaLady. I never said her salary bothered me. I made the comment to imply that we are being over charged at the salon.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I still can't get my hair as straight as they do at the salon. I haven't been in over a year, but I'm thinking about going next month. The place I go too doesn't double book though, and I don't let them trim my hair.

 

[Kinky4Agirl]

I think we here at LHCF have established that stylists do not like sistas with length. I believe that's why they tell that lie that you need a trim with every relaxer. Everybody knows if you get trimmed with every relaxer you are gonna be stuck in shoulder length land for the rest of your life!

While I know there are some great stylists out there and I commend them I believe the vast majority if stylists in the black community are money hungry, hating, selfish trolls who care nothing about their clients hair. It shames me to say I can't look back in my past and name one stylist who valued my time, my hair and showed me respect.....oh yeah except the Dominican stylist I went to. She was cool with me bringing my own products and always listened and didn't give me no lip.

To the bolded: I agree. And that is one sad statement when you really sit and think about it.

 

[Angelinhell]

Nope lol. I'm much too paranoid(read cautious) to even consider it to be remotely pampering at this point. Sometimes I think about going to get a good vigorous shampoo, and shampoo ONLY.....walk out with my hair in a plastic cap and finish at home lol. I'm not really worried about them hiding their products, the majority around these parts use either Keracare, Design Essentials, or Nairobi. I could identify a product just off the smell and consistency now.

 

[Jewell]

Just answering the question in general without reading the OP or thread, my answer is "chyle I stopped going to salons over 7 yrs ago." They never did what I asked anyway, despite my generous tips. Straight DIY'ing it ova hea

 

[sweetcapri]

Hi SuchaLady. I never said her salary bothered me. I made the comment to imply that we are being over charged at the salon.

Why do you feel you are being overcharged? I find it funny that folks go to school get degrees expect to make a decent salary high five,six figure salaries but expect a stylist to make minimum wage while standing on thier feet hour after hour, getting carpal tunnel and severe back issues with no insurance ect. so you can get a 25.00 hair style because good forbid they should charges 35.00 for the overhead they have, products used on you are not free or cheap. Then to top it off every black stylist objective is to keep every black woman bald and relaxed and trapped in the salon the equivalent of an 8 hour work day,sorry I can't agree with that either. I value my time is it the stylists fault you sat there and accepted disrespect no it's not you choose to sit there while that stylist skipped over you, ate lunch ect. Maybe just maybe you should have walked away from that salon and find a reputable salon that does not operate in that manner and l know plenty.

 

[LovelyBwonderful]

^^^^^^^^


YES. sorry. not trying step on anyone's toes but I had to come in here even though I know my view point is in the minority.

shame shame shame on any stylist who does and has put women through what y'all are talking about. but if that's the case or whenever I've had a bad I just walk out and never look back. being a cosmetologist is a TRADE this is their business and they are trying to make the most money possible while providing good service the exact same as every other working person.

find a good stylist and if you can't that's why it's important to know how to take card of your hair yourself. don't begrudge the women who prefer the ease of going to a salon and sometimes it's the lesser expensive option with the price of good products increasing constantly. also don't bash every salon just because you've had bad experiences with some (or even most) stylist because you wouldn't appreciate it if someone said all women of color are ghetto or loud etc.

just saying. I understand this is a rant/vent but still ...

 

[Cruzankink]

I miss the pampering. I don't miss the aggravation. I have not been to the salon since Oct 2011 when I started transitioning. Prior to learning to do my own relaxed hair, I'd visit the salons for my touch ups. I am very tender headed. I'd tell the stylist to use mild/lye free relaxers but no the stylist would use regular relaxers then hide the jar so I wouldn't see it. She/he would then rush through the relaxing process b/c my scalp would burn. Then charge me $50-$65 for hair that was not relaxed properly and scabs on my scalp.

I must admit... I miss the straight long styles.

 

[PeaceFlow]

Hmm. I don't like going to salons because I havent gelled with a stylist yet and I don't trust them completely. Had a few bad experiences also.

If I met a great one and I had decent money I wouldn't see it as a waste of time though. I quite like sitting back and being pampered tbh

Its like going to a restaurant once a week, or once a fortnight. Yes you could just cook it yourself at home for a fraction of the cost and no tip lol. Still its nice to sit back and let someone else do something for you. Especially if high quality. Not everyone feels the same about stuff like that though.

 

[TamedTresses]

at this thread. It's not a waste if the person finds the service valuable. And shame on that stylist rolling around in a Lexus. Who does she think she is?

 

[Mande30]

Message deleted and edited. Message deleted and edited. Deleted.

 

[naija24]

I'd go to back to the salon every week if I had the money. I've been to really good salons and my hair (relaxed at the time) flourished!! but it was 65 for a wash and set and 150 for a relaxer. it was a premium place but i don't have that kind of money anymore.

i dont' know. i like sitting in a chair for 2 hours and minding my business and coming out of the place feeling pampered and looking awesome.

 

[andg245]

I do! Lol.

For the same reason I like a housekeeper to come in every once in a while - sometimes, I just don't feel like doing it!

BUT, my hairdresser KNOWS not to doublebook me and I'm in and out in 2 hours (3 if we talk the whole time lol).

 

[cookiemonster287]

Well I'm in cosmetology school right now, and unlike most stylists, I know how to take care of hair and do more than just make it look good.

In school, they don't teach you about much damage or even about trims.....all they care about is the end result to keep the client coming back for more. It really does suck, but its a fact.

I don't think going to a salon is a waste of money if:
1. You can afford it.
2. You have a good stylist that will actually take care of your hair.
3. You can't do it better yourself at home.

Even though I know there are a lot of bad stylists out there, I really do hope people don't stop going to salons. There are good ones out there (like me) who actually know how to treat hair and make it look good as well. I really enjoy cosmetology, and I want to make the majority of my living off of it after I get my license.

 

[greenandchic]

Well I'm in cosmetology school right now, and unlike most stylists, I know how to take care of hair and do more than just make it look good.

In school, they don't teach you about much damage or even about trims.....all they care about is the end result to keep the client coming back for more. It really does suck, but its a fact.

I don't think going to a salon is a waste of money if:
1. You can afford it.
2. You have a good stylist that will actually take care of your hair.
3. You can't do it better yourself at home.

Even though I know there are a lot of bad stylists out there, I really do hope people don't stop going to salons. There are good ones out there (like me) who actually know how to treat hair and make it look good as well. I really enjoy cosmetology, and I want to make the majority of my living off of it after I get my license.

I think those of us (me) with natural hair tend to have an even more difficult time with stylists. cookiemonster287, do they even teach natural hair in school - how to comb, blow out, iron, etc?

I would love to treat myself to a roller set, flat iron, etc but they have to be more open and patient to those of us with natural hair.

 

[mscocoface]

Well I'm in cosmetology school right now, and unlike most stylists, I know how to take care of hair and do more than just make it look good.

In school, they don't teach you about much damage or even about trims.....all they care about is the end result to keep the client coming back for more. It really does suck, but its a fact.

I don't think going to a salon is a waste of money if:
1. You can afford it.
2. You have a good stylist that will actually take care of your hair.
3. You can't do it better yourself at home.

Even though I know there are a lot of bad stylists out there, I really do hope people don't stop going to salons. There are good ones out there (like me) who actually know how to treat hair and make it look good as well. I really enjoy cosmetology, and I want to make the majority of my living off of it after I get my license.

So uhm sistah girl cookiemonster287......what city will you be in once you get your license? Just sayin?

 

[SuchaLady]

Y'all need better hairstylists.

 

[mscocoface]

I will say this there are good ones and bad ones (stylists) out there. Unfortunately many of us have run into mostly bad ones. I consider it a waste when the services do not jive with the prices being charged and the time it takes to give the service.

I have had a few good ones, but because I have moved quite a bit in my adult years it has been difficult finding good ones. Also when they move or change shops or just close their business it creates havoc and at times trauma like crying like a baby when the person was no longer available.

Since I do everything myself now I could not see going to a stylist on a regular basis to do what I now know what to do. BUT just once in a while I would love to have someone do my hair that I could trust. I give an example of Reniece and some of the stylist on this site.

I would never ever have my hair done on a weekly or biweekly basis like I had done in the past before I understand DIY good health care practices but once in a while would be nice.

 

[Britt]

I don't mind going to a salon/stylist for touchups, styling or just an overall treat. Generally speaking, I prefer to do my hair myself b/c no one will condition it the way I really like and more importantly, I do not like the shampoos/conditioners used in most salons. I know what products work for my hair and what doesn't.

However, when it comes to styling (i.e bd/fi) I love to sit back and let the stylist handle that.

 

[cookiemonster287]

I think those of us (me) with natural hair tend to have an even more difficult time with stylists. cookiemonster287, do they even teach natural hair in school - how to comb, blow out, iron, etc?

I would love to treat myself to a roller set, flat iron, etc but they have to be more open and patient to those of us with natural hair.

greenandchic Yeah its understandable....and since I've been in school I now get why its so hard to find a good stylist that can handle natural hair. I actually haven't been to a salon in 9 years because I'm not sure about them. The good news is I've met some other students that share the same approach to natural hair as me, so I know its hard to find, but they're out there.

They do teach about natural hair (ways to care for it, braiding, weaving, wigs, etc.) BUT, they only offer it as an extra class....some schools might not offer these classes though.
You might get lucky and have a black teacher that wants to teach about it, but its not necessary in any way.
So basically its not a requirement...and you don't need to know a darn thing about natural hair to pass the state board exam.

 

[cookiemonster287]

So uhm sistah girl cookiemonster287......what city will you be in once you get your license? Just sayin?

mscocoface I will be in the Los Angeles area....not sure exactly what part right now because I'm getting married in the summer and we're not sure where we're going to move yet.

 

[mscocoface]

mscocoface I will be in the Los Angeles area....not sure exactly what part right now because I'm getting married in the summer and we're not sure where we're going to move yet.

Hope you do well on your boards. Congrats on the upcoming wedding and keep me I mean us posted on where you will be in LA.

We are in desperate need of a Reniece here in the wild wild west.

 

[MyCoilsGoBoing]

I would if I could find a stylist I could trust to do my hair.

 

[greenandchic]

greenandchic Yeah its understandable....and since I've been in school I now get why its so hard to find a good stylist that can handle natural hair. I actually haven't been to a salon in 9 years because I'm not sure about them. The good news is I've met some other students that share the same approach to natural hair as me, so I know its hard to find, but they're out there.

They do teach about natural hair (ways to care for it, braiding, weaving, wigs, etc.) BUT, they only offer it as an extra class....some schools might not offer these classes though.
You might get lucky and have a black teacher that wants to teach about it, but its not necessary in any way.
So basically its not a requirement...and you don't need to know a darn thing about natural hair to pass the state board exam.

That what scares me the most. Even when I used to go to the salon, the one woman who knew how to press my hair silky straight (the one who smoked at the table ) I came in with my hair already blow dried. Even though she was doing hair long before the relaxer was invented, she still wasn't very gentle.

 

[Jasmataz]

I go to the salon, Reniece's to be exact, and my money has never been wasted.

It all has to do with what works for you. Spending money at a crappy salon can be just as much of a waste as someone spending hours and hours at home, along with hundreds of dollars each year on products, only to have no progress with their hair.