To Salon or Not To Salon?

[SouthernStunner]

Hi All

I am getting ready to relax again in about a month and I have a quick question. As my hair gets longer its actually hard for me to self relax. I call the only AA salon on this Island and they use Afirm, I cant bring in my own stuff because its a liability to them(so she says).

I dont know if I shoud go or not. I have used Afirm before without any problems. What would you do? Oh and no I have not seen her work but would go up there before my apt for a consultation.

 

[SouthernStunner]

bump.............56 views and not one reply

 

[The Princess]

I always go to my beautician for a relaxer. With you not seeing her work. I think it's best you do go for a consulation and ask the needed questions. If possible maybe you can watch her relax someone hair. Then make your decision.

 

[SouthernStunner]

bump,,,,,...................

 

[sunnieb]

I will always lean heavily towards self-relaxing if you can stick it out. However, there's nothing wrong with going to a salon you have researched.

I don't like that you can't bring your own products. Couldn't she just have you sign a waiver?

How long have you been self-relaxing? What problems are you having?

Sent from my Comet

 

[mzteaze]

I agree that before you submit to chemical work from an unknown person, you stop by for a consultation. Talk with the person and try to see some of their work, if possible.

With regards to taking your own products, MOST salons I have visited won't allow you to bring your own products as they don't want to be responsible for a product or results if something goes wrong. In a sense, you can't blame them. Not sure I would want someone agreeing to use a product they aren't familiar with, especially if there is potential for it go wrong (as with relaxers).

The place I go to now allows it (well the stylist does) mainly because they don't normally deal with AA hair. Are you comfortable with Affirm relaxers? Is it different from what you current use as a self-relaxer? If so, do you know the differences?

I would suggest doing your homework before any services are procured. Its better to be armed with an offense then to have to do damage control on the defense.

 

[curlicarib]

When I was stationed on Guam, a lifetime ago, the only AA hair dresser on the island was located on the AFB. I went to check her out and did NOT like her work. But I'm natural and she had NO IDEA what to do with my hair (this was back in 2001). I had to resort to asking random black women on the base and streets in town who did their hair. My recommendation is to go visit her and see how she works. If you are not confortable, ask around like I did. I never found anyone, but you might have better luck.

BTW, how is your hair holding up with that lovely Guamanian water?? I had my Angela Davis on for over a year when I was there. That water is no joke! My poor hair didn't know how to behave when that mineralized water hit it!

Good luck!

 

[achangedlife]

Have you tried the half and half method of self relaxing? You would have less hair to work with and it might make it a bit easier for you.

Sent from my LS670

 

[SouthernStunner]

I will always lean heavily towards self-relaxing if you can stick it out. However, there's nothing wrong with going to a salon you have researched.

Not too much research she is the only AA stylist with a license.

I don't like that you can't bring your own products. Couldn't she just have you sign a waiver?

I asked and she said no.

How long have you been self-relaxing? What problems are you having?

I have been self relaxing since 09. It just seems like the right side never gets as straight as the left side. I think I over proceeseed (sp) the front so I had to baby it to get my edges growing again. Oh and yes I do the half and half method and to be hones that maybe the problem with my crown on the right side not getting relaxed as much cause I am afraid of overlapping. I feel like a disadvantaged self relaxer.



I agree that before you submit to chemical work from an unknown person, you stop by for a consultation. Talk with the person and try to see some of their work, if possible.

With regards to taking your own products, MOST salons I have visited won't allow you to bring your own products as they don't want to be responsible for a product or results if something goes wrong. In a sense, you can't blame them. Not sure I would want someone agreeing to use a product they aren't familiar with, especially if there is potential for it go wrong (as with relaxers).

I agree.

The place I go to now allows it (well the stylist does) mainly because they don't normally deal with AA hair. Are you comfortable with Affirm relaxers? Is it different from what you current use as a self-relaxer? If so, do you know the differences?

To be honest when I was going to the salon all they used on me was Affirm and I dont know if I had a problem or not with it. I was a weekly apt so I never really did my own hair. I swithched to Mizani cause it was more accessible for me and I heard good reviews.

I would suggest doing your homework before any services are procured. Its better to be armed with an offense then to have to do damage control on the defense

Thank you and I agree

When I was stationed on Guam, a lifetime ago, the only AA hair dresser on the island was located on the AFB. I went to check her out and did NOT like her work. But I'm natural and she had NO IDEA what to do with my hair (this was back in 2001). I had to resort to asking random black women on the base and streets in town who did their hair. My recommendation is to go visit her and see how she works. If you are not confortable, ask around like I did. I never found anyone, but you might have better luck.

BTW, how is your hair holding up with that lovely Guamanian water?? I had my Angela Davis on for over a year when I was there. That water is no joke! My poor hair didn't know how to behave when that mineralized water hit it!

Guam is Guam. No real stylist to choose from relaxed or natural. There are braiders and even those are hard to find.
As for the water here I have a filter on my shower but I went to a friends Condo to swim and used her shower to do my hair and I could tell the difference, my hair was a tangled mess. I got 1 yr left and I am breaking out of this camp!


Good luck![/QUOTE]

Have you tried the half and half method of self relaxing? You would have less hair to work with and it might make it a bit easier for you.

yes I do the half and half method and to be honest that maybe the problem with my crown on the right side not getting relaxed as much cause I am afraid of overlapping. I feel like a disadvantaged self relaxer.



Thanks all for your responses. I think I am going to continue doing my own. I would rather do it myself and mess up then make another thread complaining on a SHS. Its really not bad when I do it I just like that fresh out of the salon look and I am not producing it. I guess practice makes perfect and my hair is very healthy.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I am natural now but never did my own relaxer or texlax. If you can do it yourself, I'd stick with that.