Expectations of Black Salons and Stylists.

[My Friend]

Spinny: Chicago Stylist Meeting.

1) Per the definitons below, did your stylist meet your expectations?

Hairdresser is a term referring to anyone whose occupation is to cut or style hair in order to change or maintain a person's image. This is achieved using a combination of hair coloring, haircutting, and hair texturing techniques.

Trichology and Trichologists

The definition of Trichology is 'the science of the scalp and hair in health and disease'. A Trichologist is academically trained in hair and scalp biology and disorders. Trichology should be regarded as an orthodox paramedical study or a specialist branch of Dermatology.​

Trichologists are able to advise on, diagnose and treat a wide range of hair loss, hair conditions and scalp problems such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis & universalis, diffuse hair loss, male and female pattern baldness, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp eczema & psoriasis, seborrhoea, scalp itching, hair breakage & damage.​

2) Besides being late, eating on the job, on the phone and all the things that would be unprofessional in any job title, what else would you tell your past/present stylist?​

3) Are you willing to pay the price(s) for someone else to provide you natural hair care services?
example;
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=4281​

4) Are you willing to support Black owned salons or stylist in order to keep this trade "ours'?​

5) Honestly. When you went to your stylist in the past and wanted a fly cut and style you seen in a magazine, tv, etc. or the latest style, did you expect her to decline the service because it would/could damage your hair? Healthy hair, protective this, and no this or that language is less than 10 years old, so what did you tell your stylist you wanted?​

 

[My Friend]

saving space...

 

[laurend]

1. I have only two problems with most of stylists(any ethnic background), they don't know how to detangle natural hair. I would love to straighten my hair but ripping a comb through my hair is a little too much for me to bear.

2. They don't understand that extreme heat will mess up my curl pattern and get angry if they can't get it dead straight.

 

[daydreem2876]

1. Be gentle with my hair... don't go ripping through it while detagling, don't go for overkill with the heat and products

2. Be honest with me... be straight up if what I want may damage my hair or there is a process you cannot do effectively.

3. Be repectful of my time and money... Now that I know better, there is no reason for me to be in your salon for more than two hours. If you can't get me in and out within that time frame say that and we can work out a better schedule so you can. If the prices are more reasonable, the more often I will come back. I can't afford more than $30every other week for a wash and set, not when I know I can get it cheaper and less lip.

4. Be respectful of my choices about my hair.... work with my hair and my wishes. Don't try to make me feel dumb and/or ignorant about my hair choices. THis is my head not yours. If you can't take care of me, say it and we both can move on

 

[My Friend]

daydreem2876

Thank you for starting a conversation regarding this.

1) Because you can not gage one's pain tolerance, have you ever told a stylist she was not being gentle and she continued to rip through your hair?

2) Did you ask before hand if the the style you were requesting was damaging to your hair?

3) Was your stylist charging more than $30 a week for a wash and set? If so, she should lower her prices so you can afford it?

Thank you for your honest answers!

1. Be gentle with my hair... don't go ripping through it while detagling, don't go for overkill with the heat and products

2. Be honest with me... be straight up if what I want may damage my hair or there is a process you cannot do effectively.

3. Be repectful of my time and money... Now that I know better, there is no reason for me to be in your salon for more than two hours. If you can't get me in and out within that time frame say that and we can work out a better schedule so you can. If the prices are more reasonable, the more often I will come back. I can't afford more than $30every other week for a wash and set, not when I know I can get it cheaper and less lip.

4. Be respectful of my choices about my hair.... work with my hair and my wishes. Don't try to make me feel dumb and/or ignorant about my hair choices. THis is my head not yours. If you can't take care of me, say it and we both can move on

 

[My Friend]

Thank you for starting a conversation regarding this.

1) Have you ever told your stylist to use a wide tooth comb and she refused?

2) Have you ever told your stylist to leave the temperature at 350 or less ans she refused? Have you told them you want some texture in your ahir and not pin straight and they refused?

1. I have only two problems with most of stylists(any ethnic background), they don't know how to detangle natural hair. I would love to straighten my hair but ripping a comb through my hair is a little too much for me to bear.

2. They don't understand that extreme heat will mess up my curl pattern and get angry if they can't get it dead straight.

 

[laurend]

I told my natural hair stylist to use a wide comb on my hair, she did but proceeded to rip the comb through it. I told her how she should detangle and she and the other stylists looked at me like I had three eyes. When you tell stylists about the techniques you learned, they get an attitude like "I am the professional you aren't".

 

[My Friend]

I told my natural hair stylists to use a wide comb on my hair, she did but proceeded to rip the comb through it. I told her how she should detangle and she and the other stylists looked at me like I had three eyes. When you tell stylist about the techniques you learned, they get an attitude like "I am the professional you aren't".

If that was her attitude, I too would have left.

 

[nappystorm]

I told my natural hair stylists to use a wide comb on my hair, she did but proceeded to rip the comb through it. I told her how she should detangle and she and the other stylists looked at me like I had three eyes. When you tell stylist about the techniques you learned, they get an attitude like "I am the professional you aren't".

This right here I've actually heard the bolded was a pet peeve of stylists

 

[laurend]

As far as the heat, my heat damaged happened in 1997. It was at the Egyptian shop in Chicago, we have Egyptians not Dominicans, and that was way before the hair sites. I can't bring myself to put trust in a stylist since my hair broke off.

 

[beana]

Unpopular opinion alert:

You really do get what you pay for (to an extent) as a client. I understand that everyone wants a good bargain, stellar service and a relaxing environment, but just like everything else in life, that wish list comes with a premium price tag. We all have jobs and expect to be compensated well for our effort, expertise and time spent doing XYZ.. hairstylists arent any different.

For example: a $45 relaxer service, this place will more than likely be a loud environment, with people walking in and out and possibly people peddling dvds, homemade cooking etc...OR the neighborhood in general is not desireable OR its not conveniently located. the stylist's service will not meet high standards, because at this rate, her hourly wage is not worth just paying attention to you only. He or she has to bring in another client to make a decent hourly rate (double booking). UNLESS there is an assembly line situation, (main stylist applies relaxer, wash girl washes and Dc's you, she may even do your rollerset or finishing style). The client becomes disgruntled (and rightfully so) because the personal attention she expects from her hard-earned money is not met.

the $100+ situation NEEDS to meet all client expectations- comfort, personal attention, great communication from start to finish.

 

[Khaiya]

Heh, this is off topic but I gasp everytime I see the prices you ladies pay for services where u are. Here in Jamaica a wash and set is $500-600 (about $5-6usd). When I got braids put in I paid like $25usd for them, stylists would starve here if they tried to charge like the stylists there do, I just find it interesting.

Now back to regular programming

 

[BEAUTYU2U]

This right here I've actually heard the bolded was a pet peeve of stylists

Which IS understandable but at the same time you're the expert on your own hair (lol) You don't need to be a professional to know that the hair that has been in your head for .... years does not like fine tooth combs.

Sent from my VM670 using VM670

 

[greenandchic]

Heh, this is off topic but I gasp everytime I see the prices you ladies pay for services where u are. Here in Jamaica a wash and set is $500-600 (about $5-6usd). When I got braids put in I paid like $25usd for them, stylists would starve here if they tried to charge like the stylists there do, I just find it interesting.

Now back to regular programming

That's because any stylist in any city in the USA would be homeless if they charged $6 for their services.

 

[daydreem2876]

@daydreem2876

Thank you for starting a conversation regarding this.

1) Because you can not gage one's pain tolerance, have you ever told a stylist she was not being gentle and she continued to rip through your hair?

Yes, I make it clear I am tender headed because it really does hurt but its not just that. It's not taking the time to use proper technique to detangle my hair. I should not see clumps in the comb if my hair has bee detangle properly.

2) Did you ask before hand if the the style you were requesting was damaging to your hair?

Honestly, I haven't but thats before I knew better, Now, it would be nice to know the risks of certain processes and how best to maintain my hair afterwards.

3) Was your stylist charging more than $30 a week for a wash and set? If so, she should lower her prices so you can afford it?

Currently, They charge between $40 and $50. Half of the reason I do my own hair is that I cannot afford to go regularly. Trust me, if I could find a stylist I could afford to maintain my hair I would. I do my own hair out of necessity. $30 seems fair for a wash and blowout, more than that I feel like im being robbed.

Thank you for your honest answers!

 

[lilyofthenile]

1) Well... (the only stylist I ever went to) did kind of meet my expectations, my expectations were low.

2) Going away now and then to use the internet or to check your Facebook or BBM. It is rude and inconsiderate. In the future, I would ask them not to do such a thing because it is my time they are wasting. Anyone who does this should expect that it would be my last visit.

3) Yes, I'd love for someone to take care of my natural hair if I want feel like pampering myself. Also if I have something big coming up and I need my hair in a certain way, I'd love for someone to.

4) Yes, a 100%. I'd be more than happy to pay for one of my favourite products at a more expensive price than it would be at an Asian owned BSS/salon.

5) I haven't experienced this with a professional stylist.

I went to a stylist last summer, not by choice btw, had to look a certain way for someone's wedding. It was the first stylist I ever went to. It was in the basement of a barber shop, had Pink Lotion somewhere on the side, small combs and blow dryers. Nothing wrong with that, except that it was less than professional (but it was someone my relatives knew). I'm pretty sure this person isn't licensed btw.

I came to the place with my hair freshly washed and detangled.

She wanted to blow out my hair and I flat out refused. So she combed it out (which I think was probably worse because it hurt so badly!).

I was too afraid to say anything because I didn't want to seem like I knew better or anything. Which was a big mistake.

They then braided my hair, so tightly. I had a nice weave and took it down after the wedding, about a week or so later.

I'm pretty sure she would have listened if I asked her not to comb that way or to braid my hair tightly. I think a lot of stylists cannot connect to the person sitting in the chair. They don't think that it 'may hurt' or that it is unhealthy or that the customer wants their hair done in a particular way. I think some stylists just want you to bear the brunt for the style (because they feel that our hair needs to be treated harshly because it is 'unmanageable' and 'difficult to deal with'. They put style over health.

Some stylists are open to what you want and will go with it, others not so much.

 

[laurend]

Unpopular opinion alert:

You really do get what you pay for (to an extent) as a client. I understand that everyone wants a good bargain, stellar service and a relaxing environment, but just like everything else in life, that wish list comes with a premium price tag. We all have jobs and expect to be compensated well for our effort, expertise and time spent doing XYZ.. hairstylists arent any different.

For example: a $45 relaxer service, this place will more than likely be a loud environment, with people walking in and out and possibly people peddling dvds, homemade cooking etc...OR the neighborhood in general is not desireable OR its not conveniently located. the stylist's service will not meet high standards, because at this rate, her hourly wage is not worth just paying attention to you only. He or she has to bring in another client to make a decent hourly rate (double booking). UNLESS there is an assembly line situation, (main stylist applies relaxer, wash girl washes and Dc's you, she may even do your rollerset or finishing style). The client becomes disgruntled (and rightfully so) because the personal attention she expects from her hard-earned money is not met.

the $100+ situation NEEDS to meet all client expectations- comfort, personal attention, great communication from start to finish.

beana

The last two places I went to get my hair done were premium natural hair salons with all the foo foo high ends stuff as a decor. They ripped the combed through my hair. I will go back but I will wash and detangle before I get there.

 

[Stormy]

Heh, this is off topic but I gasp everytime I see the prices you ladies pay for services where u are. Here in Jamaica a wash and set is $500-600 (about $5-6usd). When I got braids put in I paid like $25usd for them, stylists would starve here if they tried to charge like the stylists there do, I just find it interesting.

Now back to regular programming

Dayum! What's the average rent and cost of living there?

 

[Stormy]

Unpopular opinion alert:

You really do get what you pay for (to an extent) as a client. I understand that everyone wants a good bargain, stellar service and a relaxing environment, but just like everything else in life, that wish list comes with a premium price tag. We all have jobs and expect to be compensated well for our effort, expertise and time spent doing XYZ.. hairstylists arent any different.

For example: a $45 relaxer service, this place will more than likely be a loud environment, with people walking in and out and possibly people peddling dvds, homemade cooking etc...OR the neighborhood in general is not desireable OR its not conveniently located. the stylist's service will not meet high standards, because at this rate, her hourly wage is not worth just paying attention to you only. He or she has to bring in another client to make a decent hourly rate (double booking). UNLESS there is an assembly line situation, (main stylist applies relaxer, wash girl washes and Dc's you, she may even do your rollerset or finishing style). The client becomes disgruntled (and rightfully so) because the personal attention she expects from her hard-earned money is not met.

the $100+ situation NEEDS to meet all client expectations- comfort, personal attention, great communication from start to finish.

And cheese/wine fest on Fridays, continental breakfast on weekends. Seriously, that's what my last salon did. Where I went before going natural. It was an upscale salon.

 

[Stormy]

Oh, and to answer the question. Besides what you said OP I just want my stylist to "listen" to me. I said "texlax" and I need for you to get it even because I can't. Not bone straight relaxed! Uugh! I'm still mad about that.

Stop cutting my hair back up to ear/neck length every time I reach shoulder length! Trying to grow some hair here. Been a dayum member of LHCF for too long to keep having these set backs! If I told someone I was a member of a LONG hair care forum they wouldn't believe me.

Don't keep screwing my hair up, then blame me for not doing XYZ when you know I'm doing it, or keep coming up with potential reasons just to keep me coming to you every week! And on top of that no progress! Uuugh!

 

[nappystorm]

Which IS understandable but at the same time you're the expert on your own hair (lol) You don't need to be a professional to know that the hair that has been in your head for .... years does not like fine tooth combs.

Sent from my VM670 using VM670

And common sense should tell them some of this stuff. WTH make these people think that little @$$ comb is going to get through a nappy @$$ 'fro? C'mon, son

I also think some of it has to do with the "I'm my own boss so I can do whatever I want" mentality. I will bet you my jar of shea butter alot of them wouldn't provide that horrid customer service if they were working in McDonald's or some where. I don't argue with them anymore. I talk with my money and my feet. I'm glad more sistas are doing the same
.

 

[shasha8685]

Please, please, PLEASE know your stuff....and make sure anyone you hire to assist you knows their stuff.

I have been to stylists who have:

-put a SUPER strength relaxer on my virgin hair b/c they took one look at the thickness of my hair and decided that it was the right thing to do. I was :burning:

-have recommended that b/c of the 'grade of my hair', I needed a relaxer every 4weeks. Who was I to question them? They were the professional so I thought they knew what they were talking about. Hair broke off....badly.


- An assistant asked if I wanted to leave the relaxer in my hair a little bit longer....AFTER I informed her that I was starting to burn. I never returned to the salon after that visit.


Be respectful of people's time. What is the point in scheduling appointments if you don't get started until an hour after the scheduled appointment time. You might as well just make your business all walk in

The mystery bottles of whatever concoction you're putting in my hair isn't necessary. I want to be able to take care of my hair and keep it healthy while I'm at home and you being all secretive with the products isn't helping me do that. It's like going to the doctor and them not telling you how to maintain whatever aspect of your health in between visits.

 

[FearlessNik]

Heh, this is off topic but I gasp everytime I see the prices you ladies pay for services where u are. Here in Jamaica a wash and set is $500-600 (about $5-6usd). When I got braids put in I paid like $25usd for them, stylists would starve here if they tried to charge like the stylists there do, I just find it interesting.

Now back to regular programming

I was in Montego Bay in April. I found a lady who took the bus out to our hotel, took out my micro braids, washed my hair, and braided me and my husbands hair in matching mini rope twists. She only charged us $100 (US money). And she seemed a little embarrassed to charge that amount. She finished all of it in about 6 hours. She was good

 

[candy626]

I told my natural hair stylist to use a wide comb on my hair, she did but proceeded to rip the comb through it. I told her how she should detangle and she and the other stylists looked at me like I had three eyes. When you tell stylists about the techniques you learned, they get an attitude like "I am the professional you aren't".

Been to many Dominican Salons were they ripped combs throughy my hair. The last one I went to I had to tell them how to properly detangle my hair. Luckily they listened and were agreeable.

However, I once went to a Beauty School to get a cheap wash n' set (I know I was taking a chance. A couple relatives told me they had good experiences there)...A black girl shampooed and conditioned and me, and after washing all the conditioner out, was going to try to detangle my fine 3c/4a hair with no product in it, with a small comb at that. Since she was a student I figured she didn't know what to do, so I told her how I normally detangle at home (with conditioner in it and wide tooth comb)

However when her supervisor/teacher (also black) overheard our conversation she came over and told her to keep doing what she was going and not add any conditioner to my hair. She said adding more conditioner wouldn't do anything except leave residue on my scalp... Of course I argued with her, and she told me how she had been doing hair for years, and how her daughter had coarse hair just like mine (I have very fine hair). She also told me I should add some blue magic grease into my hair while it was wet, so it wouldn't feel so dry (mind you my hair had been shampood 3 times with a sulfate-based shampoo)...she also insisted that I needed to let her trim my hair (not!)...completly blown by the whole conversation, I decided to leave the salon with wet hair, because I didn't feel like arguing and definitely didn't want my hair to be messed up.

I think a lot of black stylist in general just need to up their game, and be more informed, educated, and interested in healthy/natural haircare.

 

[beana]

Cosmetology schools only teach students how to pass the state board exam. There is absolutely NO focus or discussion about healthy hair practice; the curriculum needs to be amended.

I'm in cosmetology school and my instructor knows NOTHING about textured hair and could care less about teaching anything more than whats required to prepare us for state board. A lot of these instructors are has-beens in the industry and stubborn as hell, they lack basic hair care knowledge and feel insulted when they are questioned. As a result, a lot of the students dont stand a chance because the instructors pass their bad habits along to the students.

 

[My Friend]

I'm reading post but no one has stated if they would pay the prices listed in the salon's link I posted.

From the definitions of Hairdresser listed in the original post, did she cut and style your hair?

Small tooth combs, dry detangling, etc from stylists did you realize after you got to hair boards that your hair was being damaged?

Are you aware that white salons have unhealthy hair pratices too? All the back combing I've seen on white girls to give their hair some volume because of thinning due to bleaching I wonder if the people on LHC still go to salons?

 

[greenandchic]

My Friend - I would pay those prices for some of the services like two strand flat twists (because I suck at doing that), a cut, or roller set, but I wouldn't pay for a twist/braid out or bantu knotos.

Some, not others.

 

[My Friend]

greenandchic

Thanks GAC. Please answer the other questions too

It seems we bash black stylist here so I wanted to see what really was going on out there.

No one has address the definiton questions either

 

[discodumpling]

I would NOT pay XXX amount of $$$ for any of the salon services listed. I can do it better. WORD.

Why would I pay $20 for a deep scalp massage? I got that...
$40+ to bathe my scalp in e/o's?? I got that...

I've had great, mediocre and hell to the naaaaawwww stylists in the past. Even the great ones were lacking the knowledge that I have gained in just a few short years. NO ONE could EVER learn as much about my scalp/hair as I have EVER.

No one is gonna slather on exotic oils and powders like I do unless they're gonna charge me some crazy price!

 

[Honey Bee]

My Friend

1. Just barely.
2. I'd tell them to listen to their clients just like every other professional. If you go to your doctor with an issue, they inquire, ask how you normally handle it, and give you better methods to handle it in the future (whether that includes meds, etc). With these stylists, you can drop a good $100-200 and they still playing little games with you. It shouldn't be like pulling teeth to find out how to maintain the style we just spent 3 hours doing. I shouldn't have to be a detective to find out what you put in my hair.

The last time I got my hair done, just a trim, mind you, she raked through my hair, couldn't handle my 4-wks-post hair , used altogether too much heat, poo-poo'd my hair color (henna), and then proceeded to put a rinse in!! I still don't know what it was! I came home and shampoo'd TWICE. The only reason I didn't just walk out was because she was a family friend.

3. I'm not natural, but yes, I would pay those prices for good service.
4. Yes.
5. I've never done this.