Q. How do I transition from relaxer/perm to natural?

The first step to transitioning is realizing that it takes a serious commitment; this is not a process for the faint of heart. It is best to do styles that do not require daily brushing and combing; this can cause breakage at the line of demarcation (where the natural and processed hair meet).

 

The drastic cats can just take a clipper and shave all the processed hair off. Most of us are not that bold. The easiest route is to get a braid, twist or weave style. The problem with extension styles is that they are like crack cocaine, highly addictive. You have to be prepared to release these styles after 2-3 months to allow your hair to breathe and your hairline to rest. If not you may end up with Tension alopecia and/or limp, lifeless, tanglely spaghetti hair.

 

You can also use a variety of sets to style your hair, making sure you get trims every four-six weeks until all processed hair is removed.

When growing out relaxers and perms the extreme heat of thermal styling should be avoided if the goal is to return the hair to its true natural state. Using high heat even once on natural hair can permanently alter your wave pattern.

 

Q. What is the best weave method for me?

A one-on-one consultation would best determine that, but if you have an extremely sensitive scalp you can immediately rule out any method involving wefted weave hair. Sewing or bonding wefted hair can cause scalp discomfort.

 

In addition, clients must consider finance. Weaves are investments that are in most cases an accessory not a necessity. They require regular maintenance and should be removed by the recommended expiration date. Our weaves are designed to self destruct two weeks after the suggested removal date so you better get taken out when we tell you to (just joking—maybe).

 

Q. How long will my service take?

Most chemical services that involve styling take about two hours.

 

Loc, Twist & Weave services can take anywhere from 2 hours to 12 hours. You will be given the appropriate time window at your consultation.

 

Q. Can I relax and color the same day?

You can do a translucent shine service or a semi/demi color the same day of a perm or relaxer. In very rare cases a permanent color can be done the same say as a relaxer. A consultation will determine if your hair is eligible.

 

Q. My hair is natural—now what?

Kinky ain’t easy. Natural hair requires a lot of manual labor—at first. Once you figure out what styling and product regimen works for you it will be smooth sailing. Experimenting with different techniques and concoctions will be fun and enlightening. We even have a co-op of gently used products for you to contribute to and take from at your leisure to help alleviate some expense. Samples of custom blends are also available.

 

Q. What do I do to maintain my hair at night?

For curly, natural, braid and twist styles use a satin bonnet or satin pillow case.

 

For straight styles, wrap the hair in the appropriate direction (discussed by you and your stylist) and wrap with a silky scarf.

 

For weave styles, DETANGLE, and braid or clip hair up. You can use a satin bonnet, pillowcase or scarf.

 

Q. What do I do with my hair in the morning?

If you hair is too flat, use hot or Velcro rollers before your morning ritual. Take the rollers out when you are about to leave your space and use fingers or a rake comb to style.

 

Every once and a while you can use a ceramic/ionic iron to style your hair, as long as you use a thermal protectant prior to the use of your heat implement.

 

Q, Can I get a chemical right after I take out braids/extensions?

While many of us do this, it is not recommended. All extension hair, whether human or synthetic is treated with chemicals and these chemicals can coat your natural hair and block or react negatively to relaxers, perms or colors. You should thoroughly detangle and cleanse your hair after removing extensions. A deep moisturizing treatment should follow and you hair and scalp should be allowed to rest for a few days before you do a chemical service.

 

Q. Are your stylists Chemical Pushers?

No, actually we are experts at chemical and weave interventions. While working with natural hair requires a little extra care, it is worth it. We love making the client happy with the hair that their parents made.

 

Q. If I ask for a trim will you give me a cut?

Well, technically a trim involves simply taking the crazy looking ends off. In most cases that means trimming anywhere from a ¼ inch to 1 inch. If your hair is extremely damaged that means more. Before you go in for a trim, shampoo and condition your hair at home and allow it to dry naturally. Look for any frayed, split, and/or stringy ends. This is what we see and this is what needs to come off. In the end we will only take off what you want, but your style may not look how you expect it if you don’t allow us to trim what we recommend.

 

Q. Do you cut hair wet or dry?

Normally this depends on texture and the type of style desired, but if the client has a preference we will honor their wishes.

 

Q. Do I have to get a conditioner at every visit to the lounge?

Yes.

 

Q. Should I relax or texturize?

If you want to stretch out your natural texture a little then a texturizer is the way to go. You can alternate between curly/wavy and straight with this option.

 

If you want most of your natural kink/curl removed then a relaxer will work for you. We do not relax hair until it is bone straight. Doing so removes the elasticity and brings on breakage. Hair can still be worn in kinky, wavy, or curly styles through the use of specialty sets.

 

Q. Are perms and relaxers different?

The term perm refers to the use of ammonium thioglycolate (Thio). This is sometimes used to make kinky textures wavy/curly (a double process). It can be used by those with a straight hair to produce curls/waves. This can also be used to straighten certain curly/wavy textures.

 

Relaxers are lye based products. Even those products that tout no-lye are still hydroxide based. Sodium, Calcium, Guanidine, Potassium, and Lithium Hydroxide chemically straighten or texturize your hair.

 

Thio and Hydroxide do not mix.

 

Q. What is a double process color?

Hair is pre-lightened with either a cream, oil, or powder lightener and then a toner, permanent color, or translucent or opaque shine is added for effect.

 

Q. Should braids/ weaves hurt?

In an ideal world no, but in many cases they do. If during any point in any service if you feel discomfort you should tell your stylist. There is some discomfort involved with the introduction of anything foreign to your scalp. You have to know your limits and the perimeter of your hair line should be handled with care. You should never look like you have had a face lift after a hair service.

 

Q. I have an extremely sensitive scalp, what can I do?

Regular shampooing, conditioning, and massage with essential oils should help some. Most of us know if we are ‘tender headed’ from childhood, but if the sensitivity is a new phenomenon you should consult a dermatologist.

 

Q. I am suffering from hair loss, what are my options?

Consult a dermatologist at the first sign of hair loss, whether it is from a bad chemical or braid/weave job or just hereditary. Just because your parents have thinning hair does not mean that you have to suffer with it. You have many options that may or may not include weaving or wigs.

 

Q. My hair is falling out, how do I stop it?

That depends if it is breaking off from the abuse of chemicals or heat the only thing to do is treat it with protein, moisturizers, and regular trims until the damaged sites grow out. The conditioning will not correct the damage, but it will make the hair more manageable until you get ample new growth.

 

If your hair is coming out from the scalp, determine if it is shedding or the onset of alopecia. Are you loosing more than 50-100 strands a day? Is there a little white bulb on the end of the hair shaft? If you answered yes to both consult a dermatologist immediately.

 

Q. I have a flaky and/or inflamed scalp, are there any treatments that will help?
There are many conditioning treatments and essential oils that can help. A consultation will determine if the condition can be treated in the salon or if you need to see a dermatologist.