Future Hair Stylist Concerns (Long)

[balisi]

Hi Ladies - I'm practically addicted to this website, but this is the first time I've posted a thread. I've been here for a few months now and I consistently see disparaging remarks about hair stylists. This concerns me because I'll be graduating from cosmetology school by the end of this year and plan to make a very successful career change from the corporate world.

On one hand, I understand where the negativity comes from because I share some of your concerns and gripes about hair stylists. For the twenty-something years I've gotten my hair professionally done, I can count on one hand the number of stylists who consistently did a wonderful job on my hair, without damage, harsh treatment or being scissor happy. Part of the reason I chose cosmetology is because I always knew that unlicensed Me could do as well as, or better than most stylists who put their hands in my hair. It was through these experiences that I realized a hair STYLE is nothing without proper hair CARE. And I made it my vow to always make proper hair care the basis of my craft. I also want to specialize in long and longer hair because many stylists are afraid of it, uneducated about it, and/or unwilling to handle it. Me with a cosmetology license, watch out now!

Even now, I can think of a few fellow students who I would not let near my hair, even for a shampoo. For instance, I overheard a classmate tell her client that the tingling/burning she was feeling from her touch up means that it's working. WTF?!? Our instructors did NOT teach us that! Just the other day I noticed that the paddle brush on another classmate's station was FULL of hair from who knows how many heads? You don't need anyone to tell you that is unsanitary. In spite of what they're taught while in school, I'm sure that the habits they have now will follow them into the salon once they become licensed, practicing cosmetologists. And that's sad, to say the least, especially since these ladies really know how to style hair.

On the other hand, I know what inspired me and continues to inspire me to be a stellar hair stylist so that I will not be the type of stylist negatively referred to in these hair care forums. I read one post recently where it was asked if the stylist was stupid for suggesting a hair trim. Is that really necessary? I make it my duty to practice good habits on each and every client. Especially having "been there" myself, I am very sensitive to every client's needs. I will suggest a trim if I see ragged, very split ends. If the client refuses, I respect that. If she agrees, before I make the first cut, I'll show her my styling comb, which has measurements on it, just how much I recommend needs to be trimmed. I get her approval before I cut the first strand. To help put her further at ease, I'll show her how much I took off with the first cut, before I go any further. Many times after I've done a trim, you can barely see any hair on the floor. I could go on about the proper habits I employ, but I won't bore you any further.

It's a shame that hair stylists have gotten such a bad rap. And unfortunately, there is a basis for it. But please don't lump all stylists into the same category. That's no more fair or accurate than all black people or all women being lumped as one.

Ladies, part of the responsibilty falls on you as the client. A proper consultation is very important before you ever allow that stylist to so much as shampoo your hair. Even a stylist who comes highly recommended can disappoint you. As LHCF educated consumers , you know the proper questions to ask in determining whether you want that person to touch your hair or not. When you go to a stylist for the first time, go for a very basic service, such as a wash and set. Observe the stylists' habits and demeanor ahead of time, if you can. If you don't like the attitude or the vibe, get out of there, and fast! Even if you've already been draped, shampooed, whatever, if at any point you are dissatisfied, voice your concerns before it's too late. When you're spending your money and time and it's the hair you've been babying, you certainly don't want your efforts undone by anyone, no matter who it is, for any reason.

Personally, I think it is a good thing to have educated customers demand the best service. If nothing else, it will force less caring stylists to step up their game and deliver the best. To you.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Honi]

This is a great post. It's nice to see someone who has some sense on how to treat a customer who is paying you money. Power rests with the consumer....not the stylist. I wish there were more of you out there. Otherwise you would see alot more praises and less grudges.

I think that alot of us at first before finding the boards were apprehensive about voicing our opinions about OUR hair and what should be done. We think that just because a beautician has a license that it gives them the right to do what ever they want because we trust them and should believe everything they tell us. This is crazy! I can't tell you how many times I've jumped out of a chair and pulled the drape from around me and walked because they just don't listen. They just don't care. I don't take all reccomendations and tell them what I want but still it falls on deaf ears. What's wrong with these people???

After taking the care of my hair in my own hands my hair has done 1000% better. Now I wish I could find someone I could trust to do my hair. It's like finding a needle in a haystack.

Good luck in your new career. You sound like you are going to be bringing something different to the table.

 

[hairmaster]

Welcome balisi.
As a licensed hairstylist I say welcome it is hard to try to tell clients the right way to shampoo or apply relaxer, after years of them doing it another way. I hope you will join me in educating the forum members the need to use salon products and not the cheap stuff the sell in the chines supply stores.
I hope you have a good teacher that allows you to use good product and show the new tools like ceramic irons. You are not taught to much other than the state required stuff so pay attention, read the trade magazines. pick-up ever book you can. go to trade shows and work shops. Learn the difference between a lye and no lye relaxer.
This forum will if you don't. I look forward to hearing from you in this forum..
The missouri stylist..

 

[baglady215]

Great post! I feel the same way as you, which I why I'm seriously contemplating a move from the corporate world to cosmetology as well.

You are right though. Not all stylists are bad. It's just so hard to find a good one, which is why I think a lot of the ladies get discouraged and speak negatively about them.

I do wish you the best in your new career!

 

[balisi]

@ Honi - Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Your hair is absolutely gorgeous!

@ Hairmaster - It's so nice to hear from a licensed hairstylist. Yes, I have pretty good instructors, but thankfully I've always been the type to educate myself, even before I started cosmetology classes. I read all I can and currently subscribe to an industry publication. I try to go to all the local hair shows for the latest developments, products, trends and the general vibe. Here in Atlanta we have the Bronner Bros. hair show twice a year, as well as the Natural Hair and Beauty Show by Taliah Waajid. I'll be looking for you around the forum. Thanks for the welcome and support.

@ Baglady215 - Thanks for the well wishes! Keep me posted on your cosmetology plans.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

First of all, congrats to Balisi for getting your certification. If you were in NC...girl i'd be beating a path to your door..... I know there is alot of negativity going on with stylists and you are right when you say that you can't group all stylists into one negative bunch. But I will go as far as saying a large majority of stylists don't care about maintaining your long hair. I had a few stylists and I feel like i clearly communicated to them that I prefer the length of the back of my hair, i like it somewhat even but natural looking (if that makes sense)...i don't care for that straight-edge perfectly even look. And 5 mins later...what do i have???? A freakin straight-edge perfectly even cut. And we can blame them for being lackadaisical AND we can also blame ourselves for not speaking up. You know i try my best to voice my concerns, but when u got the stylist doing 3 heads and the salon is busy and you try to talk and it seems like your concern is not really being digested by the stylist. Well I'm not going to ramble, but i would love to pose this question to yourself and to Balisi...How can i politely tell you that I don't want my hair chopped off? i mean usually i'll say "i'm trying to grow my hair long, please just trim a little off". And me thinking that i communicated my point across, it is then that i am SUPER PISSED OFF when i turn around and see 2 inches on the floor...and then you see the stylist just chillin not even thinking twice about what she just did. Anyways... Hairmaster & Balisi, what should i say so you can understand that i care about my hair treatment? Should I be explicit and say that "Look, i do not give u permission to cut no more than 1/2 inch of my hair". Hairmaster, is that offensive? Or how do i tell a stylist to be more gentle with that fine tooth comb, or to ask her to use the good salon products on my head not no cheap 'mystery product'. Give me the low-down on how you would like an intelligent customer to come at you and tell you what she likes? And also tell me the way that you hate (so i won't make this mistake). I know it sounds stupid, but some of us still don't know how to tell u that we don't like what you are doing...for fear of offending you or sounding like a 'hair freak'. And should I REALLY tell u if i do'n't like the hair style that you did? And if i care about what products u put in my hair (relaxer, conditioner, shampoo), how can i ask u and make sure u know, without getting on your last nerve??? And lastly, that 'mystery' product stuff really WORKS my nerves. I got 'gotten' a few times by my stylist...because she uses mizani/affirm and i always assume she is using mizani and a few times I turned around and saw a 'precise' relaxer box on the table...talk about being PiSSED OFF.... that is unethical because mizani is salon brand and a better quality and more expensive... (okay, breathe...) I just had to put that out there....hopefully you can help me communicate better to new stylist.

Welcome balisi.
As a licensed hairstylist I say welcome it is hard to try to tell clients the right way to shampoo or apply relaxer, after years of them doing it another way. I hope you will join me in educating the forum members the need to use salon products and not the cheap stuff the sell in the chines supply stores.
I hope you have a good teacher that allows you to use good product and show the new tools like ceramic irons. You are not taught to much other than the state required stuff so pay attention, read the trade magazines. pick-up ever book you can. go to trade shows and work shops. Learn the difference between a lye and no lye relaxer.
This forum will if you don't. I look forward to hearing from you in this forum..
The missouri stylist..

 

[Shalilac]

I've been contemplating for awhile to be the one to start this thread, but I kept thinking that folks will believe what they wanna believe. I would always feel funny when folks were dissin' beauticians, but they are so valid sometimes! I have the same views on hair care that you do and I am hoping to find clientele that feels the same way too. Good-luck to you! And I'm gonna say it again, not all stylists are bad. But then again, that's why I call myself a hair care specialist, cause I'm tryin' to get to the root of the problem.

 

[Tru_Mind]

Good first thread Balisi! Thanks for the tips too...I never did that. Someone tells me about a stylist that they go to…or went to and me desperately needing something done to my hair schedules an appointment and goes on that scheduled date. I’ve always expected the worst…or the same due to my past experiences. So, I am very quite in a stylist’s chair…praying that they do a good enough job. My relaxers were always combed through my hair…and when I began relaxing my own hair I did the same…and of course my hair was always over processed for as long as I could remember…ALWAYS. Stylists never said anything…and they still always combed the relaxer through.

About two years before I joined LHCF I learned that, curly heads…and kinky should use mild relaxers from a celebrity hair stylists. Why didn’t my stylists know that? It wasn’t until I started using a mild relaxer I begin to love my hair. Even though I have always wanted to grow my relaxer out the mild relaxer enabled me to kinda see what my natural hair would be like which is why I transitioned.

I haven’t been to a stylist since I’ve been a member of this forum. Well, actually it’s has been 4 years. While transitioning, even my last thought wouldn’t have been to have a stylist even touch my head…I feared them telling me that I needed a relaxer and that it would break if I didn’t get one…so I stayed away from stylists. The truth is that if I would have gone to a stylist I will be relaxed today. I don’t know any stylists here that encourage clients to grow out their relaxers, or texurize. Why? It’s the same routine over and over for every hair texture. I always saw hair stylists put super relaxers on 4b hair…now I know that that’s too harsh for 4b hair. Those 4b’s were always left with thin dry see through hair. I’m sure that they still use super on 4b’s. Who are they listening to…who are they following…and where did they learn this from? It’s just not right!

Also, one stylists that I went to for years started out only putting kiddy relaxers in my hair, because she said that my hair was too soft…and yes she always comb relaxers through. She said that it makes the hair silky. Eventually, my hair got drier, coarser and kinky. You think that would have been a sign to her that my hair is over processed…but it wasn’t she started putting a stronger relaxer in. Now, I know that kiddy relaxers aren’t as mild as people think they are.

I talk bad about stylists too, because I have yet to visit a good one. I’m sure that most of us think that they(stylists) should know better than we do. Stylists think that they know better than we do. The next time I visit a stylist things will definitely be different. Also, after reading what Robin Woods had to say stylists really don't care what we think, because they feel that they know better than we do, and they get offended when you disagree. Like you said Balisi, "the unlicensed me could do as well as, or better than most stylists who put their hands in my hair." I feel the same way now...more than ever and I am ready for stylists to listen to what I have to say.

BTW, congrats on your certification Balisi!

 

[balisi]

@ Mizani_Mrs: Thank you for voicing your concerns. From what I've seen, there are many stylists who prefer not to "deal with" long hair. I've experienced the same things myself as a former long haired customer. In their haste to get as many heads done as possible, they perceive long hair as slowing them down. I totally understand what you mean by wanting to maintain your length without a straight edge trim and I know I would be able to deliver. It sounds as if you are clearly communicating your requests to the stylist, but she is not actively listening. Which means that she is not repeating back to you what she heard you say. Ask her to do so, just to make sure you are both on the same page. If she has a problem with that, don't be afraid to take off that cape and get out of her chair. If you didn't ask for 2 inches off, there is no reason why there should be 2 inches on the floor. Not everyone knows how much an inch really is. A good guide is your finger; from the first knuckle to the tip is just about an inch. A safe bet is to ask for a dusting instead of a trim. A good stylist should know what that means. You can be polite and explicit at the same time. If she is being too rough with the comb, ask her to take it easy or tell her that your scalp is tender. I prefer a customer who knows what she wants and tells me so. That way there is no guess work. As far as switching the products on you, that is just plain unethical. If you know what the quality salon products smell like, you should easily be able to tell if they've switched. I implore all salon customers to ask what the stylist is using and why. I've had enough customers in my chair who could not tell me what kind of products their previous "professional" stylist used on them. Not excusing them, but it's no wonder that some stylists will take advantage of that and just do whatever, because they can usually get away with it. Call her on it. Ask her why she's not using your preferred brand. Finally, if you don't like the hairstyle and can't live with it, ask the stylist to adjust it. In some cases, that will involve re-wetting or re-shampooing the hair, so be prepared for that.

@ Shalilac: thanks for the well-wishes and good luck to you too, in finding the clientele that you seek. The best we can do is always practice ethical, proper hair care and be an example for others to follow.

 

[jd_bdfly]

I actually have had a few good stylists in my life, but that was back when I was still getting a relaxer. But even then I had a few gripes. Now that I am on the road to being totally natural, I really think finding a professional that can handle my hair properly or with as much care as I do (particularly without costing an arm and a leg) will be like searching for that needle in a haystack, and frankly I'm just not up to it.

 

[Healthb4Length]

Hi Ladies - I'm practically addicted to this website, but this is the first time I've posted a thread. I've been here for a few months now and I consistently see disparaging remarks about hair stylists. This concerns me because I'll be graduating from cosmetology school by the end of this year and plan to make a very successful career change from the corporate world.

On one hand, I understand where the negativity comes from because I share some of your concerns and gripes about hair stylists. For the twenty-something years I've gotten my hair professionally done, I can count on one hand the number of stylists who consistently did a wonderful job on my hair, without damage, harsh treatment or being scissor happy. Part of the reason I chose cosmetology is because I always knew that unlicensed Me could do as well as, or better than most stylists who put their hands in my hair. It was through these experiences that I realized a hair STYLE is nothing without proper hair CARE. And I made it my vow to always make proper hair care the basis of my craft. I also want to specialize in long and longer hair because many stylists are afraid of it, uneducated about it, and/or unwilling to handle it. Me with a cosmetology license, watch out now!

Even now, I can think of a few fellow students who I would not let near my hair, even for a shampoo. For instance, I overheard a classmate tell her client that the tingling/burning she was feeling from her touch up means that it's working. WTF?!? Our instructors did NOT teach us that! Just the other day I noticed that the paddle brush on another classmate's station was FULL of hair from who knows how many heads? You don't need anyone to tell you that is unsanitary. In spite of what they're taught while in school, I'm sure that the habits they have now will follow them into the salon once they become licensed, practicing cosmetologists. And that's sad, to say the least, especially since these ladies really know how to style hair.

On the other hand, I know what inspired me and continues to inspire me to be a stellar hair stylist so that I will not be the type of stylist negatively referred to in these hair care forums. I read one post recently where it was asked if the stylist was stupid for suggesting a hair trim. Is that really necessary? I make it my duty to practice good habits on each and every client. Especially having "been there" myself, I am very sensitive to every client's needs. I will suggest a trim if I see ragged, very split ends. If the client refuses, I respect that. If she agrees, before I make the first cut, I'll show her my styling comb, which has measurements on it, just how much I recommend needs to be trimmed. I get her approval before I cut the first strand. To help put her further at ease, I'll show her how much I took off with the first cut, before I go any further. Many times after I've done a trim, you can barely see any hair on the floor. I could go on about the proper habits I employ, but I won't bore you any further.

It's a shame that hair stylists have gotten such a bad rap. And unfortunately, there is a basis for it. But please don't lump all stylists into the same category. That's no more fair or accurate than all black people or all women being lumped as one.

Ladies, part of the responsibilty falls on you as the client. A proper consultation is very important before you ever allow that stylist to so much as shampoo your hair. Even a stylist who comes highly recommended can disappoint you. As LHCF educated consumers , you know the proper questions to ask in determining whether you want that person to touch your hair or not. When you go to a stylist for the first time, go for a very basic service, such as a wash and set. Observe the stylists' habits and demeanor ahead of time, if you can. If you don't like the attitude or the vibe, get out of there, and fast! Even if you've already been draped, shampooed, whatever, if at any point you are dissatisfied, voice your concerns before it's too late. When you're spending your money and time and it's the hair you've been babying, you certainly don't want your efforts undone by anyone, no matter who it is, for any reason.

Personally, I think it is a good thing to have educated customers demand the best service. If nothing else, it will force less caring stylists to step up their game and deliver the best. To you.

Thank you for your time.

I totally understand where you're coming from! I will be starting in September and I had a few of the same issues. Thanks for posting this! Right now I'm training under a licensed cosmetologist who's skills are off the hook! And who is a perfectionist and sanitary stickler...I'm glad that I'm training with this person so that I don't pick up bad habits and also with this training and cosmetology school I will provide excellent customer service. The responsibility for healthy hair falls into the hands of both the client and the stylist.

 

[GoingBack]

Welcome balisi.
As a licensed hairstylist I say welcome it is hard to try to tell clients the right way to shampoo or apply relaxer, after years of them doing it another way. I hope you will join me in educating the forum members the need to use salon products and not the cheap stuff the sell in the chines supply stores.
I hope you have a good teacher that allows you to use good product and show the new tools like ceramic irons. You are not taught to much other than the state required stuff so pay attention, read the trade magazines. pick-up ever book you can. go to trade shows and work shops. Learn the difference between a lye and no lye relaxer.
This forum will if you don't. I look forward to hearing from you in this forum..
The missouri stylist..

I agree with everything except for that statement. Salon products don't work any better or worse than some BSS products....IMHO. There was even a special on ABC documenting the same. That is, highly priced products don't work any better than the cheaper versions.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

kitty, i'd have to disagree with you, i can feel the difference when i use salon brands compared to drug store brands. But I agree there are a few good brands out there that aren't expensive. I think that when it comes to this question, it depends on who you ask. there are alot of qualified hair experts who are on both sides of this question. I remember reading the 'dont go home for haircare products..' book and the author totally agreed. Although in another book, they asked the manufacturers if there was a difference and some admitted that the quality/grade of the ingredients were better and more concentrated than in the cheap brands.

But anyways, thanks Balisi for all of your advice. You really really sound like you are going to treat your clients hair like it is a fine silk. And i really appreciate hearing from a stylists' point of view, what you want us to say and how. Cause this has really perplexed me. Now i will feel more confident in speaking up and ask the stylist to repeat and I hate to sound ignorant but i'll even show her what an 'inch' is.... cause like you say...sometimes we forget.

I agree with everything except for that statement. Salon products don't work any better or worse than some BSS products....IMHO. There was even a special on ABC documenting the same. That is, highly priced products don't work any better than the cheaper versions.

 

[balisi]

Hi Trumind - My instructor taught us that very few people need the super relaxer strength. "Healthy" relaxing favors straightening the hair only up to about 75-80%. This is better for the hair because it won't be overprocessed, and any heat and/or tension later applied will smooth the hair out to 100% straightness if desired. Your stylists may not have known certain things because they did not keep up with continuing education. In every profession, no one is expert enough that no further training is necessary. The stylists who are bent on relaxing every head they get their hands on are only looking out for themselves. They want to make that quick money from doing a touch-up instead of spending time to care for natural textures, which is by no means cheap, but usually more time consuming. More than likely they do not know the first thing about natural hair care. Also realize that a lot of them have been conditioned to think that textured hair must be chemically straightened. As far as "kiddie relaxers" go, there really is no such thing. That is no more than a marketing tactic. My mother gave me my first relaxer at age 12 using a mild lye-based formula, and I continued this for years with no problems whatsoever. I understand expecting the stylist to know more than you technically speaking, but no way that stylist knows better about your hair than you do.

 

[balisi]

I actually have had a few good stylists in my life, but that was back when I was still getting a relaxer. But even then I had a few gripes. Now that I am on the road to being totally natural, I really think finding a professional that can handle my hair properly or with as much care as I do (particularly without costing an arm and a leg) will be like searching for that needle in a haystack, and frankly I'm just not up to it.

jd, you're probably right about finding a natural hair care stylist who won't break the bank, but don't give up. With so many people seeking such services, demand just might prompt more affordable services. In the meantime, if you have access to a beauty school that caters to black customers, you may find what you're looking for. Good luck.

 

[sexylonglegs]

Hi balisi and congratulations on your license and new discovery of hair care. I would like to voice my opinion on licensed hair stylist. I went to this salon in miami because I was looking for a good salon to go to that specialized in affirm products. I lived in Royal Palm Beach florida which is about 1 hour 30 minutes from the salon in miami. I would get charged For each touch up, treatment and conditioner which cost me 135.00 dollars a pop and I only went to her because I thought my hair was in good shape but as time went on it started breaking and shedding all over the place. She told me I needed to come back to her for treatments but it was hard for me to go to her every two weeks or so. Any way, when she noticed my hair was thinning she told me to do protein treatments but never told me to followup with a moisturizing conditioner so I thought I was doing the right thing but the whole time my hair was hard and brittle. The last time I went back to her she said she should just cut my hair off and I told her I did not want to cut my hair so she said it was nothing else she could do for me and sent me away I was mad than a mutha fu$%^& so I put weave in my hair which my hair was braided and weave was sewn in. THANK GOD I FOUND LHCF cause when I took that weave down I had no one to turn to and it was not going to be a stylist. I am happy for the first time just taking care of my hair myself. THE ONLY WAY ON THIS GOD GREEN EARTH I WILL EVER GO BACK TO A STYLIST WOULD BE TO GET A TRIM... I do believe balisi you will be a great stylist because it sounds like you really care but stylist like you are far and few in between.. they want your money while holding the scissors in there hands...Good luck to you balisi

 

[balisi]

Alli77 - sounds like you are in very good hands. Keep me posted on your progress.

Kitty18 - Like you, I don't believe that salon products are always the best. Althogh salon products have their virtues, some of them also contain less desirable ingredients. It's all about what works for your hair, no matter if the product costs $1 or $100. :dollar:

Mizani_Mrs - yes, please speak up with confidence to your stylist anytime you have a question or concern. A good stylist educates her clientele and does not mind an inquisitive one.

BlackSista - Your experience proves that higher prices don't = best service or skills. How long had you been using Mizani before the problems started? I'm sorry this stylist treated you so poorly. But I'm glad she didn't talk you into cutting your hair. I'm even more glad you decided to take care of your hair yourself and found this forum in the meantime, so if you ever return to a stylist, you will be armed with information. But be careful about those trims!

 

[sexylonglegs]

I was using the Mizani about 7 months. My hair seemed fine with just the touch up and the shampoos and treatments but she put a permanent color in my hair and I had blond streaks and I would say 3 months after the permanent color it when it started breaking and shedding really bad. The sylist told me to do protein treatments but balisi I was not knowledgeable at all on what to do after the protein treatments and she never told me to do a moisturizing conditioner. I just found out since being a member of LHCF the importance of moisturizing and conditioning after a protein treatment. Even though I should have known she was my stylist and could have educated me and took the time out to tell me what I needed to do. My hair was in really bad condition so my only option was to braid it and leave it alone or cut it so I have learned through trial and error.

 

[balisi]

BlackSis - Don't blame yourself. It sounds as though she gave you only partial information. It's obvious she was not concerned about the condition of your hair. Moisturizing is key no matter what you do to your hair, but even more so with color and protein.

 

[kitchen_tician]

Hi Balisi!!! Girl, hurry and get that license, so I can be one of your first clients.

I really enjoyed your post and I agree, not all stylist are bad. I don't mind going to a stylist, but I just hate playing musical chairs while trying to find a good one. :ahwell:

 

[ThickHair]

If all stylist cared the way you do, there would be less jacked up heads.

 

[Champagne_Wishes]

This is probably a stupid question but I really don't care. To the stylist in here, what questions do you advise the customers should ask when dealing a stylist or looking for a stylist? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

Balisi, gurl, NO WAY.... Are U SERIOUS???? See I learn something new everyday. I have 4b hair and I never spoke up when a stylist used super on me. Afterall I ALWAYS used super when i was self-relaxing. Now I am going to always insist on my new stylist using a mild relaxer. I tried Phyto which is mild and it worked on my hair, so i believe a mild Lye relaxer would work also. Balisi, gurl, i am starting to fall in love with you cause I LUUVVVVES MY HAIR....can I just follow you around where-ever you go????
And who knew that kiddie relaxers wheren't so 'kiddie'? geeez.

Hi Trumind - My instructor taught us that very few people need the super relaxer strength. "Healthy" relaxing favors straightening the hair only up to about 75-80%. This is better for the hair because it won't be overprocessed, and any heat and/or tension later applied will smooth the hair out to 100% straightness if desired. Your stylists may not have known certain things because they did not keep up with continuing education...... As far as "kiddie relaxers" go, there really is no such thing. That is no more than a marketing tactic. My mother gave me my first relaxer at age 12 using a mild lye-based formula, and I continued this for years with no problems whatsoever. I understand expecting the stylist to know more than you technically speaking, but no way that stylist knows better about your hair than you do.

 

[PaperDoll]

Thanks for posting this!

It's funny, I went to my stylist Friday and she and I had a conversation with another stylist about this very topic (stylists having a bad rep for being scissor happy, or being generally unconcerned about promoting healthy hair)!!!

You're right, a lot of what happens at a salon depends on the client. We should definitely speak up when it comes to our hair and our money. A lot of stylists wouldn't use these questionable methods/products if we didn't let them get away with it.

Good post!

 

[Healthb4Length]

I was using the Mizani about 7 months. My hair seemed fine with just the touch up and the shampoos and treatments but she put a permanent color in my hair and I had blond streaks and I would say 3 months after the permanent color it when it started breaking and shedding really bad. The sylist told me to do protein treatments but balisi I was not knowledgeable at all on what to do after the protein treatments and she never told me to do a moisturizing conditioner. I just found out since being a member of LHCF the importance of moisturizing and conditioning after a protein treatment. Even though I should have known she was my stylist and could have educated me and took the time out to tell me what I needed to do. My hair was in really bad condition so my only option was to braid it and leave it alone or cut it so I have learned through trial and error.

It's obvious that this stylist didn't care for your hair at all. She should not have but a permanent color on your fully relaxed hair! That's my opinion, it can be done but only if the client is willing to commit to having color in their hair...this means deep treatments followed by moisturizing treatments and using shampoos and conditioner specifically designed for color treated hair. In my opinion people with texturized hair can do color treatments because the bonds of the hair is not completely broken down and even then we still have to be extra gentle with our hair. I'm so sick of these tired ass stylists out there giving us good stylists a bad name! If these stylists had any common sense, they would do a consultation prior to all chem services and offer classes (at a small fee) on how to take care of your hair, not only would clients be happy because their hair is healthy and striving, but this would also bring more clients there way because if a sista's happy about her hair, she'll let her girlfriend know and then the friend would want to look good too! Thanks for letting me vent

 

[balisi]

Hi Balisi!!! Girl, hurry and get that license, so I can be one of your first clients.

I really enjoyed your post and I agree, not all stylist are bad. I don't mind going to a stylist, but I just hate playing musical chairs while trying to find a good one. :ahwell:

Girl, the day I get my license, all of LHCF will know! A special discount for LHCF members, hmmmm... :scratchch

 

[balisi]

This is probably a stupid question but I really don't care. To the stylist in here, what questions do you advise the customers should ask when dealing a stylist or looking for a stylist? Thanks in advance.

Hey CW - I think that is a great question. When seeking a stylist, you should always have a consultation, preferably not the same day you need services. At that time, the stylist should be asking YOU questions. For example, how do you normally maintain your hair? Any hair or scalp problems? When was your last touch-up, if relaxed. How much time can you spend on your hair daily/weekly? All of your responses should be recorded on a client card that the stylist keeps. You should ask the stylist what products she or he uses and why. Ask what she recommends for your particular hair and scalp. Ask if she's attended any hair shows lately. If so, ask her what's new in terms of color, cuts, styles, etc. Does the salon offer ongoing training for its stylists? What you want to do is find out if she is committed to continuing education. Ask how much experience she has as a stylist. Ask what her specialty is (cuts, updos, color). As you can see, I could go on, so ask questions based on what is most important to you.

 

[balisi]

Balisi, gurl, NO WAY.... Are U SERIOUS???? See I learn something new everyday. I have 4b hair and I never spoke up when a stylist used super on me. Afterall I ALWAYS used super when i was self-relaxing. Now I am going to always insist on my new stylist using a mild relaxer. I tried Phyto which is mild and it worked on my hair, so i believe a mild Lye relaxer would work also. Balisi, gurl, i am starting to fall in love with you cause I LUUVVVVES MY HAIR....can I just follow you around where-ever you go????
And who knew that kiddie relaxers wheren't so 'kiddie'? geeez.

Mizani_Mrs, ask her to use a regular next time, so it can work a little faster than the mild formula, especially if it is lye-based. I personally prefer lye relaxers to no-lye. I find them to be less drying. Girl, if you were in the ATL I could hook you up!

 

[hairmaster]

Mizani mrs you have to sit down in a stylist chair and look the person in the eyes and if they downt look you in the eye don"t let them put a cape on you, you don"t have to be loud or rude, but firm. Watch the stylist work on others come in early for you appointment and watch. If you don"t feel like they are not having a good day or are rushing, reshcedule. We all have days like that and can lose attention to what you are saying.

 

[hairmaster]

I agree with everything except for that statement. Salon products don't work any better or worse than some BSS products....IMHO. There was even a special on ABC documenting the same. That is, highly priced products don't work any better than the cheaper versions.

Kitty18 most of the product are made over in china or Korea and have to be shipped over to us, Look at th ingredient list on the back of products if it list water first or alcohol. you know what to do. the salon brands are being updated and researched every year. Some times you do get the same ingreidents onthe bottles but not in the same qaulity.