going to the salon for the first time in a few years; few questions

[nodisrespect]

I think going to the salon not knowing any better and just blindly trusting the stylist is no longer an option once you become well versed in tactics for healthy hair. I don't even know anything about this salon. I was just planning on going wherever and telling the stylist straight up "I just want you to relax, deep condition, and straighten my hair. And under no circumstances do I want it cut." Do you guys think that will be enough or I should call around before I do anything?

I was planning on stretching for the whole summer. My hair is not in unmanageable condition... I am doing fine with it. I'm 21 weeks posts and saw absolutely no issue stretching another 8 weeks... but my family is harrassing me to get my hair done and I'm just tired of dealing with it... plus my hair does look like it belongs on an unloved stepchild.

How long is a purposeful stretch? I don't mean the normal 8-10 weeks recommended but when one decides to stretch for longer, typically how long does one last?

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[nodisrespect]

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[hairmaster]

Do you have anyone that you just love their hair after a salon visit, or they just can't stop talking about the way thear hair turn out. those are the ones you want to goto... don't just walk in to any salon and take the firrst stylist avaible.

 

[Covergirl5906]

I wouldn't do that if I were you...I think you should try to get a recommendation for a stylist from someone who has healthy hair...then I would take it a step further and interview the stylist first to get an idea if they truly have healthy hair care practices...I don't think it's good to get a chemical service the first time with a new salon/stylist either...

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I agree that blindly going to a salon is no longer an option and applaud you for taking steps to protect your hair. I went to meet a stylist and didn't end up using her to straighten my hair, not only because she said that she works with relaxed heads only (I'm 24 weeks post & transitioning), but also because (without touching my hair) I was made to feel like I had coarse 4zz hair that would take a lot of heat (blow drying) to get straight. She seemed shocked when I told her that I rollerset my hair.

Since you plan to relax, it may not be as difficult to find someone to do your hair. I would get recommendations froms friends with healthy relaxed hair and then go check them out first (not on a Saturday) to watch them relax some other client's hair. I have done this a few times in the last year (my old stylist retired and moved out of state) and I have seen many stylist overlap horribly and not base the scalp or protect the relaxed hair at all. It's scary. Make sure that it's okay for you to come and watch though as some stylist may not have the space to have you take up a chair on a busy day. None that I contacted had a problem with me watching them do other client's hair though.

 

[RubyWoo]

I wouldn't do that if I were you...I think you should try to get a recommendation for a stylist from someone who has healthy hair...then I would take it a step further and interview the stylist first to get an idea if they truly have healthy hair care practices...I don't think it's good to get a chemical service the first time with a new salon/stylist either...

Totally agree! I also agree with the other posts in this thread. The first visit should be a interview/consultation only. That way you have an idea of who you're dealing with. It also gives you an opportunity to observe the environment and the practices that are utilized at that salon. Good luck!

 

[RubyWoo]

Since you plan to relax, it may not be as difficult to find someone to do your hair. I would get recommendations froms friends with healthy relaxed hair and then go check them out first (not on a Saturday) to watch them relax some other client's hair. I have done this a few times in the last year (my old stylist retired and moved out of state) and I have seen many stylist overlap horribly and not base the scalp or protect the relaxed hair at all. It's scary. Make sure that it's okay for you to come and watch though as some stylist may not have the space to have you take up a chair on a busy day. None that I contacted had a problem with me watching them do other client's hair though.

This is a great idea!

 

[Desarae]

You have a good game plan, but I would base and protect my relaxed ends before going in, just in case, and keep a close eye on the time of application.

You're brave...no one has relaxed my hair in YEARS. I also agree with watching them beforehand. If you see anything crazy, RUN!