darlingdiva
Well-Known Member
There are a lot of salons in my area, and, to and from the gym, I find myself staring in the windows. Then I begin to think of how long wash day is for me. Then I begin to think of how I can't afford to go to the salon on a regular basis. Then I start to think of how the progress that I'm making is because of me (via all of you ladies! Thank you!)
I must also admit that I feel empowered by taking care of my own hair. I know what it likes & dislikes, as well as what it needs. I just like being the boss of my own hair. Sometimes, I think back to when I was going to the salon, and I realize that I let them get away with a lot.
1. I never knew what products they were putting in my hair--All I know is that one of the stylists who did my hair used to put grease w/ petrolatum in it after she washed my hair; I knew it had petrolatum in it b/c my mother used to buy the exact same grease from her & I remember that ingredient.
2. I just told them what style I wanted & that was it--I had no concern about what steps they were taking to achieve that style (rough combing and brushing, high heat, excessive trims, etc.)
3. If I decided to go to another stylist, I just found a new place & told the stylist what style I wanted--there was no consultation. I didn't speak w/ the stylist about my hair goals & expectations (I didn't have any), and I didn't have the stylist assess my hair to see what products and techniques would work best for my hair.
Nowadays, there is no way that I could stand for that, especially #3. One of the main reasons wash day takes so long for me is that I'm gentle w/ my hair--and considerate of its needs. If I were to go to a stylist, I'd first have to observe him or her w/ another client; a one-on-one interview alone wouldn't do. I'd have to see how the stylist handles the client's hair: is a wide-tooth or fine-tooth comb used? Is the hair being combed from roots to ends? Does the stylist listen to and implement the client's requests? I.e., Will the client have to say "no trim" once or five times? Will the stylist listen or trim/cut anyway?
DIYers, what are your thoughts on this? Will you ever go back to the salon?
***To all salon-goers and stylists: this thread is not meant to bash stylists or salons; I'm just curious to see what everyone thinks.
I must also admit that I feel empowered by taking care of my own hair. I know what it likes & dislikes, as well as what it needs. I just like being the boss of my own hair. Sometimes, I think back to when I was going to the salon, and I realize that I let them get away with a lot.
1. I never knew what products they were putting in my hair--All I know is that one of the stylists who did my hair used to put grease w/ petrolatum in it after she washed my hair; I knew it had petrolatum in it b/c my mother used to buy the exact same grease from her & I remember that ingredient.
2. I just told them what style I wanted & that was it--I had no concern about what steps they were taking to achieve that style (rough combing and brushing, high heat, excessive trims, etc.)
3. If I decided to go to another stylist, I just found a new place & told the stylist what style I wanted--there was no consultation. I didn't speak w/ the stylist about my hair goals & expectations (I didn't have any), and I didn't have the stylist assess my hair to see what products and techniques would work best for my hair.
Nowadays, there is no way that I could stand for that, especially #3. One of the main reasons wash day takes so long for me is that I'm gentle w/ my hair--and considerate of its needs. If I were to go to a stylist, I'd first have to observe him or her w/ another client; a one-on-one interview alone wouldn't do. I'd have to see how the stylist handles the client's hair: is a wide-tooth or fine-tooth comb used? Is the hair being combed from roots to ends? Does the stylist listen to and implement the client's requests? I.e., Will the client have to say "no trim" once or five times? Will the stylist listen or trim/cut anyway?
DIYers, what are your thoughts on this? Will you ever go back to the salon?
***To all salon-goers and stylists: this thread is not meant to bash stylists or salons; I'm just curious to see what everyone thinks.