11 Nov Taking Control of Your Hair: The Secret To Avoiding a Salon Horror Story

We at Salon Brazyl can’t stress enough the importance of healthy hair for growth, styling versatility, and overall confidence, but a lot of women rarely make it a priority. In fact, many women don’t even talk to their stylists about the hair care products and styling techniques used during their appointment. And if you can muster up the courage to ask, some stylists can be withholding about the products and treatments they are using – so beware of the secrecy!

Tish Hankerson, owner of Salon Brazyl, expresses that women have sat in her chair and admitted this countless times before. “I’ve met so many women who didn’t know what was being used in their hair before they came to me. Their curls weren’t forming and some had plain ol’ heat or chemical damage. They couldn’t tell me anything about the products used – and that’s not okay,” she said.

You should feel the freedom to ask questions and receive confident honest answers about what’s being used on your curls. You take control of your health year-round, now ladies, it’s time you take control of your hair – the products you use, the stylists you go to, and the styles you rock. 

Unsure of how to open the lines of communication with your stylist? Here are the questions you should be asking throughout your salon visit:

What products are being used?

You should make a note of the products your stylist applies during your appointment. While it’s reasonable to trust your stylist regarding your treatments, being aware of the substances used on your hair offers guidance for your at-home routine and future salon appointments. Opening a dialogue about the process holds your stylist accountable for using the best products and techniques for your curl pattern.

What is the purpose of each product?

With so many product variations to choose from, it can be challenging to find items that are specially formulated to meet your needs. 

Take, for example, shampoo. Is your stylist using a clarifying or a moisturizing shampoo? Both products have a purpose, but each can provide more in-depth results based on the sequence in which they’re used and hair texture:

1. Clarifying shampoo provides a deep cleanse for the hair and scalp to remove dirt, oil, and product build-up thoroughly. It should only be used once or twice a month to avoid excessive dryness. Also, clarifiers are necessary before select hair treatments.
2. Moisturizing shampoo removes dirt and oils, but it does not strip away product build-up or hard water residue. (Best used after a clarifying). This shampoo gently cleanses while preventing your hair from drying out.

Why those products for YOU?

Additionally, you should know why your stylist chooses certain products for you specifically. Do they opt for a moisturizing shampoo because you have low porosity hair? Do you need a protein-rich conditioner due to your high porosity curls? Each product your stylist uses should benefit your specific head of hair in some way. 

What are the ingredients in each product?

We’ve all heard the horror stories where a woman goes for a blowout or silk press and leaves the salon happy, only to later find out that her natural curls have become loose and stringy. In cases like these, stylists will claim that a shampoo is chemical-free when it has been altered with straightening agents to make your hair more “manageable.” 

As a naturalista, you should be hypercritical of the products you’re using. Typically, natural ingredients will be easily identifiable on the label, but chemicals and harsh additives will look like a foreign language. Whether you’re out shopping or sitting in the salon chair, you should be checking out the labels on your products and confirming the contents with your stylist.

How will these products fit in with your at-home regimen?

Haircare is not ‘one size fits all,’ so your stylist should have a detailed plan for you, especially regarding the products involved. We know you can’t always get into the salon, so it’s essential to learn about how to care for your mane at home. Learning about the products helps you find the right combination to maintain poppin’ curls between salon visits. Your stylist may even give wash day and product suggestions tailored to your curls. 

The first step in taking control of your hair is seeking out more knowledge and trying to apply it. Scheduling a consultation before your appointment allows your stylist to become acquainted with your hair type and decide the proper route for your treatment ahead of time. 

At Salon Brazyl, we aim to educate every client who walks through our door. Through hair education, we strive to inspire confidence to rock your natural, texture your way. Book your appointment with us today for a one-on-one consultation steering you on the path toward your healthy hair journey.